Study in Germany

Study in Germany

Germany, located in the heart of Europe, is a country known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and economic strength. As the most populous country in the European Union, Germany boasts a diverse population and a dynamic society. Its capital, Berlin, is a hub of politics, culture, media, and science.

Germany is renowned for its high quality of life, advanced infrastructure, and world-class education system. The country is a global leader in various industries, including automotive, engineering, and renewable energy. With a strong emphasis on research and innovation, Germany is home to some of the world’s top universities and research institutions.

Culturally, Germany offers a vibrant mix of traditional and modern influences. From the picturesque castles and medieval towns to the bustling cities and cutting-edge architecture, Germany presents a fascinating blend of old and new. The country is also famous for its festivals, such as Oktoberfest, and its contributions to art, music, philosophy, and literature.

Germany’s commitment to environmental sustainability, social welfare, and international cooperation has made it a key player on the global stage. Whether you’re interested in exploring its rich history, pursuing higher education, or experiencing its thriving economy, Germany offers a wide range of opportunities for visitors and residents alike.

FACT SHEET:

MAJOR CITIES OF GERMANY

Germany is a country of thousands of medium-sized towns and cities. Only three cities, Berlin, Hamburg and München (Munich), are Millionenstädte – cities with a population of more than one million. Another nine German cities have a population of more than 500,000 people.

WHY STUDY IN THE GERMANY

Studying in Germany offers numerous advantages, making it an attractive destination for international students. Here are some key reasons to consider studying in Germany:

World-Class Education

Germany is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, known for their rigorous academic standards and research excellence. German institutions offer a wide range of programs in fields such as engineering, business, natural sciences, and the humanities.

Affordable Education

Many public universities in Germany offer low or no tuition fees for both domestic and international students, especially at the undergraduate level. This makes higher education in Germany accessible and cost-effective compared to other countries.

Strong Focus on Research and Innovation

Germany is a global leader in research and development, with strong links between universities, research institutions, and industries. Students have access to cutting-edge facilities and opportunities to engage in innovative research projects

Diverse Range of Programs

Germany offers a broad spectrum of study programs, including specialized courses that might not be available elsewhere. Many programs, especially at the postgraduate level, are offered in English, making them accessible to international students.

Globally Recognized Degrees

Degrees from German universities are highly respected and recognized worldwide, opening doors to global career opportunities. German qualifications are valued for their academic rigor and practical relevance.

Strong Economy and Job Opportunities

Germany has a robust economy and is home to numerous global corporations, especially in industries like automotive, engineering, finance, and technology. Students can benefit from internship opportunities and gain practical experience during their studies, enhancing their employability.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

International graduates of German universities can benefit from favorable post-study work visa options, allowing them to stay in Germany and seek employment. The country has a high demand for skilled professionals, particularly in engineering, IT, healthcare, and the sciences.

Cultural Richness and Quality of Life

Germany offers a rich cultural experience, with a vibrant arts scene, historical landmarks, and diverse traditions. The country has a high standard of living, excellent public services, and a well-developed infrastructure, making it a great place to live and study.

Multicultural Environment

Germany is a diverse and inclusive country, with a significant international student population. This multicultural environment provides an opportunity to meet people from around the world, exchange ideas, and develop a global network.

Central Location in Europe

Germany’s central location in Europe makes it easy to travel to other countries and explore different cultures. The country’s efficient transportation network allows for convenient and affordable travel within Germany and across Europe.

Education System of Germany

Your children need to attend school from the age of six, as school attendance is compulsory in Germany. The majority of schools in Germany are run by the state and offer free education. You also have the option of sending your children to fee-paying private and international schools. Home education is only allowed in exceptional cases, such as when children are ill and unable to attend school for a prolonged period. As a parent, you will receive an invitation from the relevant school authority with details of the exact dates and registration procedures. You can also obtain information on compulsory school attendance from the competent Ministry of Education.

Education policy is the responsibility of Germany’s federal states. Searching the websites of the ministries in the relevant federal state is therefore the most effective way of finding a suitable school for your child. You can filter by region, school type and internationality. For more information about specialisations, all-day education and how to register, please visit the schools’ own websites.

Primary school (Grundschule)

Children usually start primary school at the age of six, and attend from the first to the fourth grade. In Berlin and Brandenburg only, primary school does not end until the sixth grade. At the end of primary school, you and your child’s teachers will decide which type of secondary school your child will attend from the fifth (or seventh) grade, based on your child’s academic performance. The following classification is most commonly used for secondary education:

• Primary school (Grundschule) (grades 1-4/6)
• Comprehensive school (Gesamtschule or Gemeinschaftsschule) (grades 5/7–9/10 or 12/13)
• Grammar school (Gymnasium) (grades 5/7–12/13)

Comprehensive school (Gesamtschule/Gemeinschaftsschule)

Depending on their academic performance and the number of years of schooling they have completed, students can obtain the first school-leaving certificate (Hauptschulabschluss), a lower secondary school-leaving certificate (Realschulabschluss, Mittlere Reife), an entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife) or a general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur). In some federal states, these schools have special names such as Mittelschule, Sekundarschule, Oberschule, etc., but they all function in a similar way. A few federal states also still have Hauptschulen and Realschulen.

After obtaining one of the qualifications at lower secondary level (Sekundarstufe I), students have the option of continuing to attend general schooling, e.g. to take the Abitur, or of taking vocational education and vocational training (VET); Vocational training can be either school-based or dual (school + work-based training).

Students must complete nine or ten years of full-time education (depending on the federal state) and two or three years of part-time education, or until they reach the age of 18. The requirement to be in part-time education is met if, after completing general education (full-time schooling), students are in vocational training, for example, which involves attending a vocational school (dual education).

Grammar school (Gymnasium)

After completing the twelfth or thirteenth grade (depending on the federal state) and successfully passing the final examination, students receive the Abitur or Fachabitur. This qualification then enables them to study at a higher education institution, such as university or a university of applied sciences, respectively. Students who have completed grammar school also have the option of going straight into the world of work by pursuing vocational training.

School enrolment of children and teenagers newly arrived from abroad

If your children are of school age when entering Germany, you will no doubt be wondering how they can be found a place in a school. This is decided by the school management in consultation with the local education authority. As a general rule, children who have recently entered the country are not able to attend regular school lessons and will be offered special trial lessons instead due to their lack of German skills. The goal is to integrate them as soon as possible into regular school classes.

How to recognise a good school

As a rule, you are free to decide which school your child should attend. It is therefore a good idea to take a look at a few schools. One sign of a good school is that it not only provides high-quality instruction, but also offers extracurricular activities such as theatre, sports, language and music clubs, and school trips. A good school also encourages parent involvement. In addition to finding out whether the school has a place for your child, you should also ask about extracurricular options. If your children are not yet fluent in German, make sure that the school offers German classes, usually referred to as Deutsch als Zweitsprache (German as a foreign language). Here the teachers will make sure that your child understands the lessons and can keep up with the curriculum.

Universities / Colleges