Study In Germany

In 2016/17 winter semester, 2.8 million students were enrolled at 426 officially recognised universities in Germany. Overall, there were 357,835 international students.

More than 400 state-accredited universities provide almost 20,000 degree courses. German universities offer high-quality affordable education in a variety of subjects ranging from Hospitality, Management & Business, STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) to Humanities, Biotechnology and Pharmacology.

The quality of all higher education institutions is equally good. It mainly depends on what you want to study.

Source: DAAD (2017)

German Higher Educational Establishments

Which one is the right pathway for a student, depends on interests and career plans. The HEI in Germany can be classified into 5 categories:

1. Universities

   Most of the public universities in Germany were established in the Middle Ages. Since their inception, the focus was mainly on theoretical knowledge, hence creating scientists. A very high level of focus was placed on ensuring that quality education was provided in various academic disciplines.

2. Technical Universities (Technische Universität (TU))

   Technical universities are mainly specializing in a particular subject area.

3. Colleges of Education (Pädagogische Hochschule (PH))

4. Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhchschule und Hochschulen für angewandte Wissenschaften)

   Emphasizing practical training in a subject. Applied science institutions offer a more hands-on oriented approach. The training is adapted to the requirements of professional life. Mostly a course of study contains internships or semesters abroad to focus on the work placements of the graduates.

5. Art, Film and Music Colleges

   Majority of art, film and music colleges teach in German language and you can study fashion & industrial design, visual arts, music, architecture, drama & dance here.

   Generally, there are additional talent-based tests or examinations at the initial application stage.

Source: DAAD (2017)

Degree Types

Universities in Germany operate under the Bologna reform, meaning that all students are entitled to get internationally recognized degrees:

• Bachelor Programs

  • 3 or 4 years long (180 - 210 ECTS points).

  • Mainly 6-8 Semesters

  • Mostly require Studienkolleg and Feststellungsprüfung

• Master Programs

  • 1 or 2 years long (60 ECTS / 120 ECTS).

  • Mainly 2-4 semesters (exceptions apply: 5 semester programs with Non-Business Bridge Semester)

  • Master programs in Germany are consecutive: if you have Bachelor in Physics, you need to apply to a Master in Physics degree (or alternative similar field of study)

• PhD Programs

  • Mainly 4-6 semesters

• MBA Programs

  • 1 or 1.5 years duration (60-90 ECTS)

  • The MBA programs are designed for working professionals with extensive work experience.

  • MBA programs in Germany are non-consecutive: a Bachelor degree can come from a non-related field.

Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy programs have a longer duration of study as well as additional exams.

Degree Titles

Studienkolleg

Studienkolleg is a preparation course for foreign students, willing to apply to a German university Undergraduate Courses. Courses are separated according to subjects and future educational choices of the applicant.

For students coming from the majority of foreign countries, this course is mandatory. Students choose one of the modules listed below and study 1 academic year (2 semesters) in Studienkolleg:

Students need to choose Studienkolleg according to their future education choice. According to the course (Kurs), the students can choose to apply to:

1. A University (UNI M / UNI T / UNI W / UNI G / UNI S) or

2. University of Applied Sciences (UAS TI / UAS WW / UAS GD / UAS SW)

• T-Kurs:

  • German, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Informatics

• M-Kurs:

  • German, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology

• W-Kurs:

  • German, Mathematics, Economics, Business and Sociology

• G-Kurs:

  • German, History, German Literature, Sociology and Statistics

Feststellungsprüfung

After the year of studies in Studienkolleg, students must pass Feststellungsprüfung - exam in written form for 3 different subjects according to the selected major. Subjective oral examinations may be added on top. Each student only has 1 retake option and must do it after 6 months after the 1st tryout.

All state Studienkolleg teach in the German language. Private universities offer Foundation/Pathway programs in the English language, which could substitute Studienkolleg. Not all students have to take Studienkolleg, as exceptions apply.

Documents Required for Admission

It is important that you can provide full records of your previous training. There are generally required documents to be able to obtain a visa as well as university/program specific.

It is highly recommended that you have your documents translated into German or English. Upon admission, both originals and certified translations must be presented.

Reasons To Study In Germany