The University System And Other Important Facts

Germany is home to more than 427 institutions of higher education, and they offer an entire range of disciplines. The German higher education system is characterized by a close link between teaching, learning, and research. This principle has a long tradition and was formulated by Wilhelm von Humboldt (1767-1835), philosopher and founder of Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin.

Most universities and colleges in Germany are public, i.e., they receive funding from the state governments. In addition to public institutions, there are now more than 121 private universities and colleges, which confer officially recognized degrees. A majority of these are universities of applied sciences. Universities of applied sciences offer a more practically oriented education that is tailored to the demands of professional life. The degree programs generally include internships and a practical module.

Most students in Germany are enrolled at public universities. Only around 5.5 percent of all students attend a private institution.

There is also a wide range of colleges of art, film or music. To be eligible for such a program, candidates must possess a high degree of artistic talent, which they are asked to demonstrate in an aptitude test.

Visit Study in Germany for more information about studying in Germany.

University Degrees – Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees

Germany offers the full range of degrees from the Bachelor’s Degree (first level university qualification), the Master’s Degree (second level university qualification) to the Doctoral Degree. There are also State Examinations for certain subjects, such as Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Teaching.

Of particular interest for international students are the International Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral Programs with English as the language of instruction. There are also joint or double degree programs that are offered by a German university in cooperation with one or several partner institutions abroad. Find out if your university participates in such a program, or search the international program database.

Additional information on pursuing a Ph.D. in Germany can be found in the DAAD database Ph.D. in Germany, where you can search for Ph.D. positions within a structured Ph.D. program or with an individual supervisor. Structured Ph.D. programs that resemble those in Anglo-Saxon countries have become very popular. These programs offer systematic supervision, a curriculum of courses, a clear timeline, and a peer group. Many graduate schools have programs in English and there are many funding opportunities.

Financing Your Studies In Germany

Apart from a service charge averaging around 250 Euros per semester towards administration and public transportation, public institutions of higher education in Germany don’t charge any tuition fees.

Several organizations offer prestigious scholarships and funding opportunities on a competitive basis to facilitate transatlantic mobility between Germany and North America. There are different types of scholarships from non-monetary scholarships to full scholarships to cover your living expenses.

What Is An University Foundation Program?

This program is for students with the following Age limit and qualifications

University pathway program will provide the opportunity to enter into State Universities in Germany to study free of charge. Most private colleges offer one-year to one-and-a-half-year foundation programs which students with three passes in their A/L can apply. Students will learn the German Language and improve on their other subjects, like math, and science, which will enable them to sit for the University entrance exam.