Studying in Germany
Studying in Germany
International Degree Programs in English! Low tuition fees! Quality in teaching and research!
What kinds of universities are there?
In Germany, there are 355 universities and postsecondary institutions, which together offer approximately 13,500 German and English-speaking programs of study.
Research Universities!
→ 109 public universities – For a more theoretically-based study program, doctoral work and research; Technical Universities, Schools of Medicine, Teacher’s Colleges are designed for specialised study in Engineering, Medicine, or Education.
Applied Research and Practical Studies
→ 191 Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) – For a more practically-oriented program of study that is geared to specific professional fields. Popular areas of concentration include Technology, Business, Technical or Graphic Design, and Social Work. Law and Medicine cannot be studied at these institutions. Doctoral research is also not possible.
Art, Music, Film!
→ 55 Art, Film, and Music Schools – For an art or music-related degree such as visual arts, industrial and fashion design, graphic arts, instrumental music or singing, film, and film direction; entrance to these schools is usually based on an admission test in the student’s chosen field.
Small, but exceptional!
→ Approx. 80 Private Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences – For an intensive course of study; these degrees are recognized by the State.
University Profiles
To find out more about Germany’s Universities and Postsecondary Institutions!
http://www.daad.de/deutschland/hochschulen/hochschulprofile/00597.en.html
Top 10!
Find out more about the German university ranking by field of study:
http://www.daad.de/deutschland/hochschulen/hochschulranking/06543.en.html
What degrees can I obtain at German universities?
In Germany, two basic degree systems are currently in place. Germany’s traditional degree system (Diplom, Magister, Promotion) still exists in some institutions and areas of study. In most institutions, the new, North-American style degree system (Bachelor, Master, Doctoral) has been implemented as part of the reforms of the Bologna Process.
Bachelor (B.A., B.Sc., Bachelor of Engineering, etc.): The first academic degree achieved after 6-8 semesters. Here, you learn the basics of a field of study, and may have opportunities in your field at the professional level.
Master (M.A., M.Sc., Master of Engineering, etc.): The second academic degree, aimed at deepening or expanding your knowledge of a given field of study in 2-4 semesters. A prerequisite for this degree is the successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
Doctoral (PhD): A doctoral degree, in terms of a research project (dissertation), ends with the achievement of a Doctor title. The length of a doctoral program is dependent on the respective field and topic of research; in general, it may range from 2 to 5 years. Supplementary information regarding doctoral research in Germany.
Staatsexamen (State Exam): The State Exam is not an academic, rather a provincial degree. That means: The test orders are not determined by the university; instead, they are determined by the province. Also, the tests are monitored by the State. Those wanting to become doctors, lawyers, teachers or pharmacists in Germany are required to write one of these state-regulated tests.
Diplom (Dipl.): The degree achieved in the fields of the natural sciences, engineering, economics and business, and the social sciences after about 8-12 semesters of study.
Magister Artium (M.A.): A degree achieved primarily in the humanities after about 8-12 semesters of study.
Studying in English! International Degree Programs
For a number of years, German universities have offered so-called International Degree Programs (IDPs) which are taught partially or primarily in English. As the courses are taught in English, extensive proficiency in the German language is not necessary. Within the framework of these international programs, students can acquire a Bachelor or Master degree title. The “Undergraduate Courses” last for a period of 6-8 semesters, 1-2 of which students complete at a partner institution in another country. The degree is then completed with the Bachelor title. The “Graduate Courses” last for a period of 3-5 semesters, and the degree is then completed with the Master or German “Diplom” title. In some areas of study, students can attain a doctoral degree in another 6 semesters. The academic quality of the courses is very high, and the number of study positions reserved for international students is often as high as those reserved for domestic students. The language of instruction at the beginning of these degrees is English, while an intensive German language course runs simultaneously to the program. This allows students in the program to improve their German language proficiency, so that they can complete their studies in later semesters in German. Further information about International Degree Programs can be found here: www.daad.de/idp. An overview of all German- and English-speaking study programs can be found here: www.higher-education-compass.de
What should I study and where?
Where do I find my subject of study, and at which university should I study it? Create your own personalized search in this database!
http://www.study-in.de/en/studium/studienfach-hochschule-suchen/?advsearch=1
Would you like to obtain an international degree in Germany? There are a number of international programs, many of which are taught completely in English. For more information about specific programs in your field and possible tuition fees, please visit:
http://www.daad.de/deutschland/studienangebote/international-programs/07535.en.html
How would you like summer on the East Coast, and winter in the Alps?
292 Summer and Winter Courses are offered at German universities, designed to improve your German language proficiency while studying in your field. Courses are offered in the Social Sciences, Business, Law, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Engineering, Information Technology (IT), Medicine, Art, Film, Music, and Design.
Search for the perfect course for your needs! Courses last approximately 4 weeks and cost about 400-500 Euros (courses that include accommodation may be more expensive). For more information, please visit:
http://www.daad.de/deutschland/deutsch-lernen/sommerkurse/00490.en.html
How much does it cost to study in Germany?
The majority of costs for higher education in Germany are covered by public tax dollars. Over the past decade, a number of the German provinces have begun to introduce tuition fees. In comparison to other country’s tuition fees, however, those in Germany are very moderate, costing an average of 500 Euros per semester, even for international students. It’s significant to note that the tuition fees for some Master’s programs and private universities can be considerably higher, ranging in cost and hovering around 4000 Euros per semester.
Each student must pay an administrative semester fee of about 100 Euros to the university each semester. Each month, you will need approximately 700 Euros for living costs, including rent, food, clothing, and culture.
Based on these estimated costs, living and studying in Germany can cost somewhere between 9600 Euros and 16,600 Euros per year!
In Germany, there are a number of institutions and organizations that offer scholarships and funding for studying in Germany. You can find more information about this on the “Scholarships” page (→Scholarships)
When does the semester begin… And when are the holidays?
The academic year in Germany is sub-divided into two semesters. Study begins in both the winter semester and the summer semester, but most degrees of study commence in the winter semester. Exact dates can vary based on institution. You can find a list of important dates by looking on the university’s homepage.
For Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen)
Summer Semester: March to August (Lectures begin on March 15th)
Winter Semester: September to February (Lectures begin on September 15th)
For Universities
Summer Semester: April to September (Lectures begin on April 15th)
Winter Semester: October to March (Lectures begin on October 15th)
Semester Holidays (no lectures)
Summer: End of July to mid-September
Winter: End of February to mid-April
How is a program of study structured in Germany, and which kinds of lectures are offered?
The design of the study program is defined in the list of study regulations. These regulations indicate what content belongs to the program of study, and which academic prerequisites must be fulfilled in order to comply with the requirements of each particular degree. The exact study regulations can be found on the university’s webpage for your program of study. At the commencement of your degree at the institution, there is usually an introductory event for new students. The faculty of study and the university’s International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt / AAA) may also organize orientation events for new students.
The most important types of classes are Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials, and Study Blocks or Colloquia. The bachelor's and master's programs are divided into modules. Modules are units of study, consisting of several thematically related events, including lectures, seminars and tutorials. A module can take place over a maximum of two semesters and generally consists of 6-10 study hours a week. For each successfully completed module you receive credits (commonly ECTS credit points). In order to successfully complete a degree program, you must achieve the total number of credits required by the program regulations. Depending on the degree program’s individual regulations, a general Bachelor’s degree in Germany requires somewhere between180 to 240 credits points. For a Master’s degree, approximately 60 to 120 credit points are required.
For further information regarding the structure and organization of study degrees in Germany, please refer to the DAAD website. www.daad.de
Where can I look for general information about studying in Germany?
Questions that are specific to a particular program of study at a university should be referred directly to the Program Director of the Department at the university where you would like to study!
Further information regarding your program of study as well as questions pertaining to international admissions and eligibility criteria can often be obtained at the International Office of the university you wish to attend.
http://www.daad.de/deutschland/wege-durchs-studium/einrichtungen/06098.en.html
