Free Higher Education in Germany
Higher education is totally free in Germany, even for (non-German) international students. This may come as some relief while cost of higher education is getting through the roof in most of the countries around the globe.
Looking at the prestige of German education this is a lucrative option for many of the students who cannot afford costly education in other advanced countries. Usually on average, tuition charges for a college degree are 30000 to 35000 US Dollars per year in countries like Australia, U.S. and UK. As against this a student is charged no tuition fee in Germany, except a small administrative and allied activity fee. Total cost can be around 6000 to 7000 US Dollars per year including tuition, food, apartment, health insurance and transportation.
Most of the programs are offered in German language, so learning German language becomes a big advantage for a student to who wants to study in Germany. There are few courses offered in English, especially at Master’s level and their numbers are increasing gradually.
There are about 450 state-accredited universities with some 17,500 degree programs in Germany. Its universities offer degree programs in every possible subject and academic level – bachelors, masters, or doctoral degrees.
Different kinds of higher education institution in Germany.
States run schools.
State run schools are open to students of all nationalities as long as they meet the entrance requirements, can get the proper visa or residence permit and have the necessary German language skills.
Universities (Universität)
The classical universities provide a broad general education; getting a degree will take between three to six years. Advanced studies in law, medicine, dentistry and other professions that require government licensing are done at universities. A university that has a technological orientation is known as Technische Universität (TU, technical university).
Getting admitted to a German state university can be a trying process. Many programs are restricted regarding numbers of new students and admission process is conducted only once per year. Acceptance of foreign credentials is difficult and credit transfers can entail some credit losses.
Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen)
These institutions generally offer a four-year course of study that leads to credentials at the bachelor’s level and a Diplom (FH) degree. Emphasis is on technology, business, social science and design. More and more Fachhochschulen also offer master’s programs for those students eligible for further study. The Fachhochschulen do not offer Doctorates nor are there medical or law schools. However, qualified graduates may join other schools to pursue a Doctorate or other professional studies.
Colleges of Art, Music and Film (Kunst, Musik-und Filmhochschule)
These schools are of equivalent status to universities. The state colleges of art, music and film admit students who successfully complete an entrance examination. Germany’s music colleges are popular with foreign students, which comprise over one-third of the student body at these schools. Although the entrance requirements for these schools are quite stringent, the education and training are very high quality.
State/Private Cooperation
Universities of Cooperative Education (BA – Berufsakademie), while they are not technically regarded as state institutions of higher education, some of their qualifications are recognized as comparable with of those of universities of applied sciences and many programs may lead to a Bachelor’s degree. These institutions normally integrate vocational training and theoretical studies. These institutions offer specialized education in businesses, technology and the social sciences.
Private Colleges (Private Hochschulen)
| There are many private schools in Germany offering a wide range of degree and certification. These schools normally charge tuition fees. Some of these schools work closely with industry.Scholarships |
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| There are various scholarship opportunities available to finance studies. It can either be a scholarship from one’s home country or a scholarship from Germany. In Germany there are different foundations and organizations that help international students. The scholarships from the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) are always good and on their webpage a student can find a list of all scholarships. Even if they just pay for a small part of the costs it can be a big help.For more information about study in Germany please visit following sites, from where all the information provided here are complied: | ||||
www.daad.de/en DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
www.private-hochschulen.net –(in German language only), for information about private universities.
http://www.internationalstudentguidetotheusa.com/articles/scholarships-international-students.htm
http://www.studying-in-germany.org/
http://www.howtogermany.com/pages/education.html
Disclaimer: This article is compiled for information only, we do not guarantee about the accuracy and authenticity of information. Please obtain proper facts before taking any action. Amanah Education is not responsible for any damage or loss occurred due to action based on this information.
