German secondary schools in Germany for international students

Nowadays, Germany is one of the most popular countries for educational tourism. SMAPSE offers TOP-10 prestigious high schools in Germany where foreign students can get high-quality higher education in German. Due to the list of TOP-10 German high schools, you will definitely find the most appropriate option. Please, don't hesitate to contact SMAPSE experts, as they are always ready to answer all your questions. 

Read about schools in Switzerland here...

• Schule Schloss Salem International College
• Gymnasium Stift Neuzelle
• Institut Schloß Wittgenstein
• Zinzendorfschulen Königsfeld
• Landheim Schondorf Boarding School.

Jamie Perfect

Director of the International School of Bremen

When is the best time to apply to German schools? What should applicants prepare for?

Typically, application processes for boarding start a year before the intended start date. Students should present academic records, will do placement not entry exams and be asked to have an interview in English, the minimum requirement is IELTS 5.5. Although we can process applications quicker there needs to be at least 3 months to allow visa applications from the German embassy to be processed. 

According to official statistics, as of 2022, there are 8,967 public middle schools in Germany. These can be categorized as follows:

1. Gymnasium: This is a German middle school aimed at top-performing students. They typically study full-time until the age of 18 and then take the Abitur exam to qualify for admission to a German university. There are a total of 3,141 such schools.

2. Realschule: A middle school for students with average academic performance. They study until they're 16, after which they either transition to a Gymnasium or continue education to earn a vocational diploma. There are 1,781 of these schools.

3. Hauptschule: A general middle school intended for less academically inclined students, structured for those up to 15 years old. Afterward, students can either study an additional full year to earn a Realschule diploma or switch to part-time vocational training. There are 1,915 Hauptschulen.

4. Gesamtschule: An integrated comprehensive school that combines both the Realschule and Gymnasium tracks. They are becoming more prevalent in the modern German education system. In some states, they might be referred to as Mittelschule, Regelschule, or Regionalschule. There are 2,130 such schools.

In addition to these, there are 8,534 vocational schools (Berufschule), offering secondary education for students aged 15-18. They are mainly intended for students from the Realschule, Hauptschule, and Gesamtschule who will either undergo full-time vocational training or a dual vocational training (part-time work combined with studies).

Middle schools in Germany vary based on both the type of school and the specific German state in which they are located. Most schools have between 30 to 35 hours of classes per week, plus homework. The academic year typically starts from mid-August/early September and goes until the end of June/early July. School holidays include:

• Autumn Break (Herbstferien) – 1-2 weeks
• Christmas Break (Weihnachtsferien) – 2-3 weeks
• Easter Break (Osterferien) – 2-3 weeks
• Summer Break, which lasts about six weeks.

There are also various national and religious holidays that vary across states. Additionally, some states have an extra break in February, lasting 1-2 weeks.

While the curriculum can differ slightly, it generally encompasses German, mathematics, and a foreign language in all schools. Other standard subjects typically include natural sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics), computer science, social studies (geography, history, politics, and economics), philosophy/religious studies, arts, music, and physical education.

Extracurricular activities depend on the school but may involve sports clubs, artistic/cultural events, or additional learning opportunities. Some activities might come with a fee.

Approximately 9% of middle school students in Germany attend private institutions. There are two main types of private middle schools in Germany:

1. Substitute Schools (ersatzschulen): These schools offer an education equivalent to public schools, with qualifications recognized by the state. While they have their own goals and missions, they must gain state approval. Some of these schools might receive state funding, while others operate independently.

2. Supplementary Schools (ergänzungsschulen): These serve as an addition to the public sector, offering courses and education not found in public middle schools. Most are vocational schools, providing secondary-level qualifications.

General private schools typically receive state subsidies and offer educational programs very similar to their public counterparts. Many of these are denominational schools (Catholic or Lutheran) managed by private entities like churches or companies, and they maintain a degree of autonomy. Since they receive partial funding, their tuition fees are lower than fully private international schools.

Pedagogical/Alternative Schools provide education based on a different teaching philosophy than conventional schools but still adhere to the state-approved curriculum. This category includes 254 Waldorf schools (Waldorfschulen) and around 270 Montessori schools in Germany. The majority of these schools receive state subsidies and charge a fee based on parents' income, which is agreed upon in advance. Montessori school students usually take exams at a nearby public school.

Germany is home to about 160 International Schools. These schools often provide education ranging from preschool to senior high school levels. Many are American or British, hence instruction is primarily in English. However, some are bilingual, offering instruction in both English and German.