Higher education in Germany for international students

Germany is the leading country among best destinations for educational tourism according to foreign students. Germany attracts international students with high-quality educational services, a wide range of schools and colleges, exciting cultural programs and amazing cuisine. SMAPSE offers TOP-50 prestigious universities in Germany where international students can get high-quality and balanced higher education that will open wide career opportunitites. 

Please, don't hesitate to contact SMAPSE experts as they are always ready to answer all your questions. 

Universities in Germany adhere to the Bologna Process, which organizes higher education into three academic tiers: undergraduate (Bachelor's), graduate (Master's), and doctoral (Ph.D.) programs. To gain admission into higher education institutions in Germany, foreign students must either obtain an Abitur degree from local preparatory schools, known as Studienkollegs, or present a certificate/diploma verifying the completion of two courses at a university.

Bachelor's Degree: The Foundation of Higher Education in Germany

Undergraduate education serves as the entry-level stage to higher education in Germany. Remarkably, undergraduate programs are free for both local and international students. These courses typically span 2 years of foundational theoretical studies, followed by 1-2 years of specialized coursework. After the initial theoretical program, students must pass an examination to move on to the specialized phase, which includes practical training in the chosen field.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

The Master's program represents the second phase of higher education in Germany and aims to deepen the theoretical knowledge acquired during the Bachelor's program while fostering skills in scientific research. Taught by esteemed faculty members, the Master's courses are designed in alignment with employer demands for specialized skills. The duration for Master's studies ranges from 1-2 years and serves as a prerequisite for Ph.D. programs.

Ph.D. Studies: The Pinnacle of Academic Achievement

Doctoral studies are the terminal stage in Germany's higher education system and are exclusively offered at universities. These programs involve independent research leading to a dissertation, culminating in either a dissertation defense or an oral exam in the specialized area. The duration of Ph.D. studies can vary between 2-4 years.

Modular Course Structure

Both Bachelor's and Master's curricula in Germany are structured into modules, each containing a combination of lectures, seminars, and laboratory work. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is used to evaluate the successful completion of these modules, with students earning a specific number of credits each semester.

Types of Higher Education Institutions in Germany

Higher education in Germany offers a diverse range of options, with universities specializing in various fields. There are distinctions between universities located in the eastern and western regions, the latter generally being more prestigious while the former are considered easier. Students have the flexibility to choose courses and subjects within their chosen specializations.

Self-Study and Rankings

Self-study skills are heavily emphasized in German higher education, as a substantial portion of the curriculum entails independent learning. As for rankings, about 35 German higher education institutions appear in the annual lists of the top 500 universities worldwide.

Universities and Their Specializations

• Traditional Universities: These are the oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions in Germany, attracting top-tier faculty and providing cutting-edge research facilities. Education at these universities is free, except for an annual fee ranging from €280 to €500 covering auxiliary study costs.

• Technical Universities: These focus primarily on STEM subjects, offering courses in natural sciences and engineering.

• Universities of Applied Sciences: These universities offer specialized training in fields like engineering, economics, and social sciences, including substantial practical experience.

• Creative Arts Universities: These institutions cater to students interested in arts, design, and music, emphasizing practical skills.

• Specialized Institutions: These include pedagogical, medical, and veterinary universities among others.

Required Documents for Applying to Universities in Germany

The application process is centralized through an organization called Uni-Assist, which collaborates with numerous German universities. The fee for the initial application is €75, with each subsequent application costing €15. Additional requirements include:

• Language proficiency certificates in English or German

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Certificate confirming completion of two university courses

• Motivation letter

Higher Education in Germany Fees

Besides the nominal annual fees at public universities, the cost of higher education in Germany may include language test fees of around €130. Note that private universities may have additional tuition fees.

By understanding the structure, types, and fees associated with higher education in Germany, international students can better navigate their academic options in this educationally rich country.

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