You can choose between universities, or institutions with university status, such as the technical universities, the Fachhochschule (special universities that have a practical orientation and shorter terms of study), and the Colleges of Art and Music. Germany has thirteen years of school as opposed to twelve in India, so anybody wishing to study in Germany straight after high school would first have to take a Bridging Course to cover the one-year gap. At a regular university or Fachhochschule, you can study for a Diplom (Diploma) or Magister (Masters). Universities also offer doctoral degrees, which are equivalent to the PhD, for which a diploma or a Masters degree is a prerequisite.

Knowledge of German is necessary to study in Germany. Even though some universities offer courses in English, the language of instruction is mainly German. So before you head there, it might be a good idea to enroll for a crash course. The German Ministry has various programs through which they offer scholarships and fellowships to students, mostly for research and advanced studies. Exceptionally well-qualified students with a B.Tech degree from the IITs or other premier institutions, however, can get scholarships to study at a German university immediately after graduation. A degree from Germany does enhance your professional prospects, says Hannalore Bossmann, Director of the German Academic Exchange Service, (an organisation of the institutions of higher education and student bodies, DAAD for short):

"Students in the German engineering and science-oriented courses are exceptionally qualified. The practical orientation of our courses and the internship programme facilitates a hands-on approach, which isa great advantage in the job market.'' More than 3,000 DAAD and Humboldt Foundation (which is also administered by DAAD) alumni who have studied at a German University occupy high positions in Indian academia, science and technology.

A word of caution for those of you who might want to take up residence in Germany after a qualification from one of its universities: a German degree does not guarantee you a job in Germany, since no jobs are offered to foreign nationals. A work permit may be given though. So inform yourself as to how a degree from Germany will benefit you regarding your professional prospects in India before you board the Lufthansa.