Wilkommen bei Deutschland!
Germany is the fourth most popular destination for international students, not surprisingly, in 2018, more than 13% of students at German universities came from all over the world.
German university degrees are held in high esteem and respect on the international stage, and their value is universally recognised. German universities offer excellent teaching and research opportunities in every field of study.
If you dream big, you will find that determination, motivation and commitment, and the cornerstones of this nation’s know-how that will open many doors for you – both during and after your studies.
Structure of the university system, degrees and ECTS
In addition to the standard three study levels of Bachelor’s, Master’s and Phd, in Germany there are three types of universities: Universities (Universitäten); Higher Institutes of Vocational Training or Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen); Higher Institutes of Art, Film and Music Education (Kunst-, Film- und Musikhochschulen).
What is the difference? Well, as far as Universitäten are concerned, the study is purely theoretical, so we will find the faculty of literature, for example, the faculty of philosophy or the faculty of history. Secondly, the Fachhochschulen are technical universities that prepare students for the practical and calculative dimension of work, such as engineering or pharmaceutical chemistry. Finally, there is the artistic education, which is developed in what we know as Academies.
The cycle of studies, as mentioned above, is based on the Bologna process:
- Bachelor’s: 3 or 4 years
- Master’s : 1 or 2 years
Phd: in Germany it is divided in turn into traditional Doctorate, structured Doctorate, Doctorate in co-tutorship (Phd database: Phdgermany.de.)
The credits obtained in the Bachelor’s are 180, you can pick your courses. The Master of Science, as well as the Master of Arts, provides for the acquisition of 120 ECTS credit points.
How to apply to study in Germany
Each German university has its own set of documents needed to apply. Usually, we know that universities require the degree previously acquired (for Bachelor’s this usually is a high-school diploma) and for it to be officially translated and recognized through the Anerkennung.
In addition, a well-written cover letter, language certificate, and a CV tend to be required. For the disciplines Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy the admission is limited and requires the application via Hochschulstart.de
Deadlines also vary from institution to institution, however, the standard states:
- 30 May – 15 July each year for winter semester (October-March)
- 30 November – 15 January each year for summer semester (April-September)
University fees
There are no university fees, but a semester contribution that runs from 75 to 250 euros, including useful services for students, such as transportation.
Know the language
In Germany, language proficiency is a real entry requirement to study in German, since the TestDaf is required with a level of B2 if not C1. Courses in English are offered, but access to them requires an IELTS or TOEFL certification.