I did not go through any education consultant. I just shortlisted a few universities that I thought were providing good education in Germany and checked out their individual application procedures. The Bonn Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy was one of them, under the University of Bonn and Cologne. I was selected in all four or five Universities I had applied to, and BCGS seemed to be the best choice to opt for.
Course Curriculum :
If I remember correctly, the course was of 120 credits. There were probably around 50 students in the class. Classes were conducted by the teachers via presentations or the blackboard. Also, the presentations were uploaded by the professors on the University portal after the class for referring later. There were weekly assignments given which were graded, and a less than 50% score overall debarred you from sitting for the semester exams.
Placement :
I cannot answer this question as I could not complete the course due to personal and global reasons. I would think placements would be good enough, especially for a career in research.
Fees :
Fees for the course were paid at the student secretariat. There was no tuition fee, but there was a semester feee to be paid for student servises and a travel card/I-card. The I-card allowed us to travel without cost on trains, trams and buses throughout the state of North-Rhine Westphalia. Library services were also included.
Faculty :
If I remember correctly, the course was of 120 credits. There were probably around 50 students in the class. Classes were conducted by the teachers via presentations or the blackboard. Also, the presentations were uploaded by the professors on the University portal after the class for referring later. There were weekly assignments given which were graded, and a less than 50% score overall debarred you from sitting for the semester exams.
Campus Life :
Campus life is the City life. Bonn is built around the university, a proverbial university town. There is an Indian Students Association of Bonn and Cologne, and it was a relief to have a support system of Indian students whome you can approach whenever you feel down and low. They organise Indian festivals, just to stay connected with the diaspora and home, with support from the Indian embassy at Cologne. There is an University library and a town library available free of cost for a student. Medical is taken care of by the health insurance that is compulsory for living there. I wasn't there long enough to be a part of any club, though I am pretty sure the socieities and clubs are vibrant for various skills.
Hostel :
There are no on-campus hostels there. All accomodation is at student dormitories spread throughout the town/city. The Studierendenwerk Bonn asks for the choice of accomodation (shared bathroom/kitchen or single occupancy apartments) during the application process. I chose a single occupancy apartment with an integrated kitchenette. Supermarkets ( Aldi, Lidl, Rewe) are available to buy groceries for cooking your own food. Local eateries are good for grabbing a quick bite.
