Higher education in Germany for international students

Universities and colleges in Germany adhere to the Bologna System, which covers all higher education institutions in Europe. Adherence to this system allows German universities to teach students at three academic levels:

• Bachelor's degree,
• Master's degree,
• Doctoral degree.

Let's take a closer look at each of them.

• The Bachelor's degree is the initial stage of the German higher education system. At public universities and colleges, most academic programs are conducted in German: if a foreign student chooses such a course, they will be able to study for free. The total number of academic years averages 3 years: the first two of them are the development of basic theory, the last year is the practical development of knowledge and deepening into the profile of the specialty. At the end of their theoretical studies, students must take an exam to assess their academic performance. In the process of practical preparation, future specialists undergo internships in production facilities in local companies or go abroad on an exchange program to gain international experience.
• The Master's degree is the next educational level that allows young personnel to delve into the subject of their profession. Students often choose programs with a narrow profile of their previous specialization, sometimes they simply supplement their knowledge as a whole, and more rarely they enroll in a field other than a bachelor's degree (such "retraining" is not even available in all universities, it is rather an exception to the rule). The studying takes from one to two years. At this stage, part of the academic plan is also allocated to theory, but the bulk of it is devoted to the development of research skills and practice. A master's degree offers three main opportunities: to take a higher, managerial position, to develop as a researcher, or to continue studying for a doctorate.
• Doctoral studies are the last educational stage, except for additional advanced studyingg courses. You can get a doctorate in Germany only at a university. Most of the studying takes place in the mode of independent work on a research project, future doctors of sciences spend two to four years writing a dissertation on their chosen profile. To get a degree, a student must defend their work, and in some cases additionally take an oral exam.

Each of the educational stages has program options in English. In public institutions, English-language courses are free for foreign students, but private universities may charge tuition fees. Applicants from other countries are more likely to choose German upon admission, despite the fact that English is more popular outside of Germany. If a foreigner plans to build a career path after graduation in German companies, then knowledge of the local language is a prerequisite for employment and successful labor development.

Potential employers from Germany and other European Union countries are often involved in the development of studying programs and plans. One of the advantages of German education is the applied nature of learning, and this effect is created precisely by the cooperation of universities with businesses and enterprises. The leadership of universities and colleges from this partnership gets first—hand access to relevant market demands and places for student internships, and companies get the opportunity to create and nurture such workers who will solve real problems and meet needs.

Students' academic performance is assessed through the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Each academic module is supposed to have its own number of such credits during the semester: if a student takes them, he successfully passes the certification period and is allowed to the next stage. The modular system is relevant only for bachelor's and master's degrees.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

The higher education system in Germany has an extensive structure, universities are clearly specialized, and each type of educational institution has its own niche. There is an unspoken division into universities in the eastern and western lands (the western ones are a little more prestigious, but the eastern ones are a little easier to study in). The learning process is variable, students choose their own courses and subjects within the chosen specialization. The formation of independent learning skills plays an important role: a significant proportion of the program involves studying outside the classroom and without supervision from the teacher. The top 5 global educational rankings, which make up the annual lists of the 500 best universities in the world, include about 35 German institutions of higher education in various positions.

• Universities are the oldest universities in Germany, which attract top specialists — the best scientists and teachers, have first—class equipment for conducting scientific research, offer German/international students programs balanced in the number of theoretical and practical classes, and international diplomas comparable in prestige to those of English and American universities. Education in German universities is free of charge, conducted in German / English (except for some specialties). Students pay only an annual fee of 280-500€, covering library, transportation and other educational expenses.
• Technical universities offer educational programs in the exact and natural sciences, engineering specialties.
• Universities of applied sciences are focused on preparing specialists in specific fields: engineering, economics, and social sciences. The program of these universities involves extensive production practice. Research classes for students with a degree from the University of Applied Sciences are limited.
• Universities of creative fields prepare specialists in the creative field: artists, designers, music workers. The program is based primarily on practical exercises.
• Educational institutions of narrow specialization: pedagogical, medical, veterinary, etc.

The German higher education system has its own rules for submitting documents and a number of requirements for them.

• The application is submitted through a special Uni-assist organization. It cooperates with a large number of German universities. The cost of the first application is 75 €, the subsequent ones are 15€.
• A certificate based on the results of an international English/German language proficiency test. You can take these exams in Germany 2 times a month. The cost is 130€.
• School education certificate. 
• Resume, motivation letter, a copy of 1 page of the passport and other documents at the request of the administration of the higher educational institution.

The main prospect of studying at a university or college in Germany is the possibility of employment in the country or in other European countries after graduation. Already during their studies, many local companies are eyeing future specialists: they are invited to internships, or part-time jobs during the holidays, during their final year. If a student proves himself well as a potential employee, then before receiving a diploma or immediately after he will probably receive a job offer.

Not all areas and specializations have support from European employers, so if a foreign student wants to enroll in one of the practice-oriented programs, then you need to carefully study the list of available options. But this does not mean that alternative courses are worse for your future career! In principle, German education is highly valued in the international labor market, and besides, no one prevents students from taking the initiative and independently looking for additional internships. Responsibility for one's own success is an important quality for a young specialist.

Immediately after receiving a diploma, a foreigner in Germany is assigned the status of Job-seekers’ a visa that entitles you to search for a job within 18 months of graduation. This legal status allows you to obtain a temporary residence permit and get any official job, even if it does not correspond to the academic profile of a specialist. If a non-resident does not find a job by profession by the end of the term, he will have to leave the country.

Career centers operating at universities and colleges often help with the search for places for employment.: The staff of the centers explain to students how to create competitive resumes, evaluate the offered working conditions, sign up for internships and generally look for relevant vacancies. Such structures cooperate with both local companies and international corporations.

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