How is the education system in Germany?

ICEF estimated that Germany allowed nearly 320,000 international students into the country in 2019-2020. The year on year increase in international students choosing to study in Germany is an impressive 7%. 

What makes education in Germany so attractive? Read on to learn more about the education system in Germany through the FAQs below.

1. What are the different types of tertiary education institutions in Germany?

In Germany, you can usually find the following types of higher education institutions:

• Universities: Typical German universities or (Universitäten) offer a wide range of academic degrees in general subjects like management or business.
• Universities of Applied Sciences: These universities (Fachhochschulen) offer technical subjects like engineering, design, accounting or even social work. The degrees offered here are more practical-oriented and designed to introduce students to industry roles rather than academic careers.
• Universities of Art or Music: These universities (Kunst- and Musikhochschulen) offer programmes in artistic disciplines like music production, theatre, film or other media.

2. Can I pursue a course in English in Germany?

Since Germany allows entry to many international students, a lot of German universities offer English as a medium of instruction. These courses are highly favoured by those who want to study in Germany but are not proficient enough in the German language.

3. Do I need to pass TOEFL or IELTS for English-taught courses in Germany?

Yes. Almost all English-taught courses in German universities require you to submit proof of English proficiency like an IELTS or TOEFL score. An acceptable IELTS or TOEFL score is often a critical admission criterion for entry into a German university programme.

However, the actual IELTS/TOEFL score required for admission can differ from one programme to another.

4. What is the fee structure for German university programmes?

Compared to other EU member countries, the cost of tertiary education in Germany is quite affordable. If you get admission into an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a German public university, you can study almost tuition-free.

The private German universities have also kept the tuition fees for their programmes affordable for international students. However, the actual figure can vary from one university to another, depending on the course’s level and type.

5. Can I work as an international student in Germany?

Yes. One of the primary advantages of being an international student in Germany is that you can take up a part-time job. The job can help you cover the cost of your living expenses in Germany or part of your tuition fee.

However, you must limit your work hours to 120 full workdays in a year or 240 half workdays. Additionally, you can’t take up freelance gigs.

6. Are international students allowed to stay in the country after finishing a German course?

In line with German immigration laws, you can stay up to 18 months in the country after graduation from a German university to look for a suitable job. However, you might need to extend your German residence permit.

The permitted duration of your stay in Germany, along with its associated terms and conditions, will be clarified in your student visa. You should contact the German embassy in your country if you have any queries regarding this issue.

An industry-oriented qualification from a reputed German university can ensure you are employment-ready for your preferred domain. Hence, start looking for appropriate courses in Germany today for a bright career in the future.

 

 - This article is written by Sweha Hazari.