LLM in Germany: Scope, Cost, Courses, University, Salary & More

Why Study Law in Germany?

Germany offers outstanding prospects for legal professionals looking to further their careers. It is known for its rich legal heritage and robust education system. International students can get acquainted with one of Europe’s most powerful economies while studying in Germany and enjoy a varied cultural experience.

With its top-notch colleges, lively legal climate, and important location in Europe, Germany is a great place to pursue an LLM degree.  

→ High Acceptance Rate

The high approval percentage of Indian students for visas is one of the biggest benefits of selecting Germany for your LLM. Germany offers a dependable and safe alternative for visa approval with a record of more than 90%. Thus, if you are a student and worried that there are chances of visa refusal, don’t worry—Germany has got you covered. Germany always welcomes international students to promote a diverse academic culture.  

→ Renowned Law Universities in Germany

Germany has some of the best law university that offers LLM in Germany for Indian students. According to the QS law rankings, many of these law university in Germany are among the top 100 institutes in the world. These universities or colleges are known for their research facilities, qualified professors, and academic standards.  

→ Acknowledgement of Indian LLB

Recognizing their undergraduate legal degree is crucial for Indian students selecting an overseas LLM for the German program. German institutions accept LLB degrees from Indian universities. Therefore, Indian students can enroll in their LLM programs with ease. It is vital to know the distinct prerequisites and guidelines for admission to every German law university.

→ Budget-Friendly Education

Germany is renowned for having an affordable educational system. Many of the LLM universities in Germany for Indian students do not charge international students tuition fees. Even if some institutes require tuition fees, they are very low-cost compared to the USA or UK. Also, the cost of living in Germany is very low compared to other popular study destinations.  

→ Scholarships in Germany

Indians has even more access to German colleges because of the numerous scholarships available to overseas students. Scholarships like the Deutschland Stipendium and the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) pay for a large portion of the cost of school and offer other perks like living allowances. Thus, with the help of these scholarships, the cost of studying LLM in Germany for Indian students is reduced. 

→ Employment Opportunities

Germany has the fourth largest economy in the world. Thus, Germany companies offer multiple job opportunities to skilled graduates. Moreover, the country has a very low unemployment rate (nearly about 6%), and there is a huge demand for skilled workers in the law department. So, you can find the best job according to your requirements in Germany. 

Similar Article for Indians: Canada vs Germany: Which Country is better for Indian Students? 

Popular Courses of LLM in Germany for Indian Students

There are various LLM courses available in Germany. These courses help to focus the students on different legal specializations. Below mention are the some of the best LLM in Germany courses for students from India: 

1. IT and IP Law

One of the main focus of this field is the legal features of information technology and IP. Because of the rapid development in technology, there is a huge demand for experts who can understand all the legalities related to the IT sector. 

This program covers:

• Data Protection
• Cybersecurity
• Digital Rights
• Patent Law

2. EU Banking and Financial Regulation

3. International Economic Law

International economic law covers the ethical standards guiding international investment and commerce. This course covers subjects like the function of international organizations like the WTO, trade agreements, and international arbitration.

Students with this LLM degree can get jobs in international law firms, international trade organizations, and government offices.  

4. Digitalization and Law

As we are living in the online world, there is a huge demand for legal experts who can easily handle all the legal issues on digital platforms. This course covers subjects

• Digital contracts
• E-commerce
• Legal aspects of artificial intelligence

Moreover, this course helps to examine the relationship between technology as well as law.   

5. International Business Law

The legal implications of transnational financial dealings are the main focus of this specialism. 

This specialization focuses on the legal aspects of international business transactions.

It covers the following programs:

• International contract law
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Dispute resolution

Graduates of this degree are qualified for positions in international trade organizations, multinational enterprises, and international law firms.   

6. European Legal Practice

This curriculum provides an in-depth understanding of EU legislation and how it is applied in member states.

It covers the following programs:

• Human Rights
• Competition Law
• EU Consultation Law

This specialty is appropriate for people who want to work in academia, legal consulting, or EU institutions.  

7. LLM Eligibility for Indian Students

There are different types of eligibility criteria for Indian students that one should fulfill in order to get admission to LLM universities. Here are the few requirements for Indian students pursuing an LLM in Germany:  

> Academic Degree

The most important requirement for getting admission in the top universities of Germany is having a bachelor’s degree in LLB with a minimum of 240 credit points.   

Moreover, APS certificate is crucial for Indian students pursuing an LLB in Germany. It verifies the authenticity of your academic documents, ensuring eligibility for university admission and a student visa.

> Language Proficiency

Many universities offer LLM programs in Germany in the German language. Only a few universities offer courses in English. Thus, students should have good communication skills in English or German language.

For programs taught in German, the Goethe certificate C2, DSH-2, and TestDaF (minimum of four points) are acceptable competency exams.  

Students must provide TOEFL (minimum 95) or IELTS (minimum 6.5) scores for English-taught programs.

A minimum academic average of 65% is required for an LLB degree.

 Also Read this article: German Language Levels Goethe

> Statement of Purpose (SOP)

“Statement of Purpose” (SOP) is an application that includes a personal statement showing the detailed reasons for the degree or what are the reasons for which an individual wants to do an LLM in that university.  

> Documents Required for Studying LLM in Germany

To apply for an LLM program in Germany, Indian students need to submit several documents. Here is a comprehensive list:

1. Standardized test results: GMAT or GRE scores, if specified by the particular university.  
2. Resume/CV: – A comprehensive educational history or resume highlighting professional and academic experiences.  
3. Legal Writing Sample: – An earlier study work or article that serves as an example of legal writing. 
4. Application Form: – Filled out an application in accordance with the standards set out by the university.  
5. Passport-Sized Photos: Up-to-date photos needed for identification.  
6. Application charge: – If necessary, pay the non-refundable application charge. 
7. Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Two LORs from academic or professional referees.  
8. Passport and Visa: One needs a valid passport and student visa to apply for LLM in Germany. 

Cost of Studying Law in Germany for Indian Students

Are of wondering what is the cost of studying Law in Germany for International students?  As, we’ve already discussed that cost of studying in Germany is very low as compared to other countries. The average cost for LLM in Germany for Indian students is somewhere in between 12,000 to 18,000 euros.

Yet certain universities additionally charge foreign students a semester fee. This semester fees for international students are nearly 1,500 euros.  

Moreover, the living expenses of the international students in Germany are between €850 to €1,000 per month. But cities like Berlin or Munich are more expensive than other countries.  

These costs include accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and other personal expenses. Scholarships and part-time job opportunities can help mitigate these expenses.  

Top Law Universities in Germany to Pursue LLM

Germany has many of the top universities in the world that offer LLM programs. Let’s find out some of the top institutes of LLM in Germany:   

One has two options after completing an LLM in Germany: beginning a professional job or continuing their education. The two options that can be selected after finishing an LLM course are shown below.   

Start of Professional Career: After finishing the LLM in Germany of study, one can work for any law firm and begin representing clients in different court systems with different titles.   

Other Option: Following an LLM course, students have the option to continue their education by earning a PhD in law, among other options. A number of universities in India, including West Bengal National University of Legal Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, and National Law University, offer PhD programs in law.