In the last episode, we covered Charan Kumar’s academic qualifications, Bauhaus University, Weimar, the MS in Digital Engineering, his path to higher education in Digital Engineering, the research mechanism, other shortlisted study destinations, and his experience with an education consultant & key application insights.
In this episode, we will learn about his entrance exams, the difference between education in India and Germany, the importance of the German language, German culture, his experience with his education loan partner, tips on education loan repayment, and tips for study abroad aspirants.
Key highlights:
- Entrance Exams
- Education in India and Germany – Key Differences
- German Language – Is it Necessary
- German Culture - Punctuality, Honesty, and History
- His Experience with His Education Loan Partner
- His Tips on Education Loan Repayment
- His Tips for Study Abroad Aspirants
Entrance Exams
When applying to German universities, preparing for the required entrance and language proficiency exams well in advance is crucial. For English-taught programmes, taking the English tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is mandatory to demonstrate language proficiency. Charan dedicated 2-3 weeks to IELTS preparation using online resources like YouTube tutorials and the IELTS official portal, which is usually sufficient according to him. To build confidence for the actual test, you should practice mock tests consistently.
Additionally, exams like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may not be compulsory for every university. However, if such entrance exams are required by your chosen university, you must have a good score to significantly enhance the chances of securing a seat at the university. Alongside academic entrance exams like the dMAT for APS certification, planning early for these tests ensures a smooth application timeline.
Education in India and Germany – Key Differences
When transitioning from an Indian bachelor’s programme to a Master’s degree in Germany, Charan noticed differences between the curriculum structure and learning approaches after speaking to his seniors who are currently studying in Germany. While undergraduate education in India frequently places a stronger emphasis on memorisation and broad conceptual understanding, the German academic model focuses on application-oriented learning and practical problem-solving.
In Germany, mastering a subject requires continuous learning and regular practice from the beginning of the semester rather than short-term preparation before final exams. This rigorous, analytical style of study is similar to preparation methods used for competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), a national-level engineering entrance test in India, which requires students to consistently apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
German Language – Is it Necessary
The requirement for the German language largely depends on the university and the medium of instruction of your chosen study programme. Higher education in Germany generally falls into two categories: universities that teach in German and those that offer courses entirely in English. For German-taught courses, learning the language and passing a German proficiency exam is mandatory for admission. However, for English-taught programmes, taking a German language test is not required during the application process.
According to Charan, acquiring basic German skills is essential in the academic environment and outside the university campus. Knowing the German language makes daily interactions with local residents much easier and provides a significant advantage when searching for part-time jobs and long-term career opportunities.
He currently has a basic grasp of the German language. To further enhance his language skills, he has planned to enrol in a German language course offered directly by his university after he arrives in Germany. This approach will enable him to gel with locals with basic language skills while continuing to improve his fluency once he is in Germany.
German Culture - Punctuality, Honesty, and History
Based on Charan’s insights through YouTube and other social media platforms, understanding German cultural norms is essential for aspiring students. Punctuality is important in daily life and administrative tasks; being even a minute late can result in cancelled appointments for doctor visits, as Germans are particular about time management.
Additionally, Germans are known for being straightforward in their communication, offering honest feedback directly without holding back. Charan also highlights that Germany is a welcoming country with a rich history, pointing to cities like Weimar as prime examples of its rich heritage and culture.
His Experience with His Education Loan Partner
Finding the right educational loan partner is a crucial step in the study abroad process. Charan researched his options on social media and discovered a financial platform that connected him with lending partners, ultimately leading him to secure his study abroad loan through Avanse Financial Services.
He described his overall experience with Avanse as exceptionally positive. He highlighted their quick application processing times and praised the team for being highly cooperative, approachable, and supportive throughout the entire student loan application journey.
At Avanse Financial Services, we believe every deserving student should have access to quality education. Therefore, we offer a loan for students that covers the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, accommodation costs, travel costs, living expenses, the cost of learning devices and other education-related expenses.
His Tips on Education Loan Repayment
When it comes to managing abroad study loan repayment, Charan's primary plan is to begin paying off the study loan while working part-time. He highlighted the value of working part-time during his course, noting that saving money from part-time earnings offers a practical way to start making payments early and support your lifestyle.
His Tips for Study Abroad Aspirants
- Stay Fully Committed: If you are 100% sure about studying abroad, stay dedicated to your goal throughout the entire application process.
- Be Patient: Charan explained that the process to study abroad, from research to shortlisting universities and the application process, is long, taking him nearly nine months from January to receiving his visa in September. So, managing expectations and remaining patient is essential.
- Prioritise Learning German: Acquire at least basic German speaking skills before departure, as language proficiency is critical to succeeding once you arrive.
This wraps up our deep dive into how Charan Kumar mapped out his academic journey to study in Germany. His experience proves that it is possible, and yours can be the next success story. So, don’t let the expensive education be a roadblock in your academic journey.
By opting for an educational loan, you can focus on academic aspirations and leave the cost-related worries behind. At Avanse Financial Services, you can benefit from 100% financing, quick loan sanctions and flexible repayment options. If you have any queries about a loan for students, an education loan interest rate, or your academic journey, please contact us. We will be glad to partner with you on your academic journey. All the best!
Also Read: Students Speak – From IELTS to Education Loan Partner: Monisha Babu’s Experience – Part II
