We owe a lot to Germany when it comes to the history of education and universities. Germany is the birthplace of what we call ‘research universities’ – big places with ivory towers and libraries where new knowledge is produced every day. This university model has since covered the entire planet, and is basically what most universities are set up for today: to produce knowledge and make new discoveries. Don’t you want to study in Germany - the place where it all began?
Throughout Germany, you have a wide variety of subjects and careers to pursue. If you want to be at the forefront of engineering, technological advances, and scientific discovery, then Germany has several university options that can satisfy your interests. You’ll find that some of the smartest people on the planet come to Germany to introduce new ideas and establish technology companies. You’ll also notice a long, rich history of art, music, and literature all throughout Germany. You can enjoy a trip to the opera, visit a historic museum, and collect giant beer mugs, all in one day!
Germany has Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes in nearly every subject or field you can imagine, and students all over the world find degree programmes that appeal to them and offer a unique education.
Here are some subjects you can find when you go attend a Germany university:
Germany is home to some of the biggest cities in the world, and each one has its own story to tell. Cities all over Germany are perfect for students and can offer you a great cultural life to enjoy time outside of your classes.
Check out some of these cities and learn more about what it is like to study there:
You won’t have any trouble finding an excellent university to pursue your education in Germany. The whole country has plenty of options and places for you to search for your desired degree options.
Germany has different types of universities and institutions, offering classes that can apply to your specific needs. Whether they are those traditional research universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), or specialised art and music institutions, you can find the classes that fit your needs and interests best.
If you’re hoping to be admitted to a university in Germany, follow these steps and make sure to have the right materials prepared for your application.
Have your graduating certificates (high school or university) ready to show, send, or scan. The application will typically call this an “Abitur.” You’ll want to double check that your degree is recognised by German universities.
You might have to take a written entrance examination
Make sure to know what the language requirements are, and whether you have to prove skills in German or English before enrolling in a degree programme.
Show how you performed as a student, and be sure to know what your Grade Point Average (GPA) was during your studies.
To help your chances of going to Germany, be sure to apply to more than one university!
Take Preparation Courses: These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes. Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.
Improve your English through an English-language prep course: If you’re attending a degree programme in Germany, you will sometimes need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures; some schools will require German, while others will require strong English skills. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.
Universities in Germany will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills, so that you can easily succeed in their courses. Almost all German universities accept these official English exams:
Students in Germany enjoy a variety of social events, both at their universities, and around the cities. Take a train to Oktoberfest, find an art festival, or spend a day at one of the many historic museums around every part of Germany.
Germany is also known for offering an exciting multicultural environment; you’ll be in classes with people from all over the world, and you’ll notice that several languages are spoken throughout the city you’re living in.
In your classes, you’ll be expected to show attentiveness with the lectures, punctuality, and an interest in participating. This may seem intense but you’ll find yourself growing and learning throughout your degree programme.
The tuition fees in Germany all depend on where you decide to study. In October 2014, Germany abolished tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate international students (at public universities). However, the south-west state of Baden-Württemberg is going to be introducing tuition fees in Fall of 2017, and other states are expected to follow suit.
Master’s degree students tend to enjoy tuition-free education, assuming their degree programme is “consecutive”, or follows immediately after a Bachelor’s degree awarded in Germany. However, “non-consecutive” degrees may require a tuition fee of up to 5.000 EUR per year (for public universities), and 30.000 EUR per year (at private universities).
Thanks to the people at DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, we have a good breakdown of some of the living costs that students ought to expect when they study in Germany. Overall, you should prepare about 750- 1,100 EUR/month for living costs.
Monthly expenses:
Because of its unique geographical location, Germany is right in the middle of several European countries, languages, histories, and cultures. The official language in Germany is, well…German, of course! But, in certain areas, you’ll also find English, Dutch, French, Turkish, Romani, Danish, and Polish.
Did you know that Germany is Europe’s second largest beer consumer? No wonder everyone associates Germany with those big Beer Steins and Oktoberfest!
Also, right now, Germany is the world leader in climate and energy policy! What does this mean? Well, at least a third of the country is now powered by renewable energy.
Germany is a huge country, but if you have a chance to travel, there are several places you must see when you’re there.