Applying to German universities from Pakistan is a journey with many steps. Here's everything I learned applying to TU Berlin's MS Computer Science program.
Why Germany?
- No tuition fees (just semester fees ~€300)
- Strong tech industry
- Post-study work visa (18 months)
- Quality of life
Timeline
| Month | Task |
| January | Research programs, check requirements |
| February | Gather documents, start German (A1) |
| March | Convert CGPA, get transcripts attested |
| April | Write motivation letter, get recommendations |
| May | Submit application via uni-assist |
| June-August | Wait for decision |
| September | Accept offer, start visa process |
Key Requirements
Academic
- Bachelor's in CS or related field
- Minimum grade requirements (varies by university)
- Specific courses they look for (algorithms, databases, etc.)
Language
- English: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+
- German: Not required for English programs, but helpful
Documents
- Authenticated transcripts
- Degree certificate
- Motivation letter
- 2 recommendation letters
The Motivation Letter
This is where most applications succeed or fail. My approach:
- . Why this specific program - Research faculty, mention specific courses
- . Why you're qualified - Connect your experience to their focus areas
- . What you'll do after - Show clear career goals
Visa Process
The student visa from Pakistan takes 3-5 months. Start early and book your appointment as soon as you get admission.
Costs
- Application fee: €75-100
- Blocked account: €11,208/year
- Health insurance: ~€110/month
- Living costs: €800-1000/month
Final Advice
- . Start German language early (even A1 helps)
- . Apply to multiple universities
- . Join Facebook/Reddit communities for support
- . Keep all documents organized and backed up
Good luck with your applications!