Secondary education in Germany for international students

Like primary education in the UK, a certificate in Germany can be obtained in a public institution: this sector, despite free education, is characterized by a fairly high quality and opportunities for optional studying. Public institutions are open to the education of local and foreign children in Germany, and the same applies to middle schools.

Depending on the location and local laws of each federal state, German institutions provide for different start and end dates and different academic fields. The general rule is compulsory education for 9 years. In general, there are 3 main stages of studying in Germany for foreign students: primary level and two stages of secondary level. Secondary education of the first stage lasts until the 10th grade, and after that only students who plan to enter a university continue their studies. Intensive specialized preparation for the future profession is conducted in grades 11-12. Applicants who take the Abitur exams at the end of the year go to grade 13, as these indicators are taken into account by university commissions.

After completing the compulsory degree, children choose one of five types of educational institutions to continue their studies in Germany: gymnasium, general, basic, and vocational schools. The most popular among German children are gymnasiums, which allow them to continue their studies up to grade 13 (8-9 years spent in them provide in-depth study of humanitarian, technical or social subjects).

The catalog of institutions in Germany compiled by Smapse experts includes the most famous educational institutions in this category.

Additionally, we have collected institutions in the section that combine the capabilities of the first two types of institutions. In them, children study both technical and humanitarian subjects in a comprehensive manner. The best general education institutions do not provide interest-based education, they prepare future students in all subjects, and strong and weak students study in the same classes here.

Professional studying institutions focus on the knowledge required for work. Smapse experts recommend that you pay attention to one detail: studying in Germany for foreign students at a German gymnasium may be free, but you will have to pay for taking the Abitur exams. In addition, these exams can only be taken in private educational institutions.

Jamie Perfect

Director of the International School of Bremen

Why do parents value primary and secondary schools in Germany so much?

German primary and secondary schools offer a balanced education that prioritizes critical thinking, discipline, cultural understanding, and practical skills. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program, offered by many international schools including ISB, is highly esteemed worldwide.

The German educational infrastructure includes more than 2,000 educational institutions, many of them private. However, in Germany, whether a school belongs to the state or the private sector does not affect the quality of education, because the German Ministry of Education monitors this very closely. Curricula and programs in independent schools in Germany are necessarily consistent with the state academic vector, they are checked and assessed by special commissions. 

Children and teenagers can partially draw up their own academic plan for the year, for example, they can choose several advanced disciplines. Usually, foreign students choose 2 advanced subjects and up to 10 basic subjects. In general, many subjects in private German schools are intensively studied, even if students do not choose them as core subjects. A similar academic approach is being implemented in English schools after 9th grade. Compulsory subjects in the curriculum of private schools in Germany are foreign languages: children learn at least 2 languages, and they can choose the rest on their own as an additional burden. Third-party electives include natural and exact sciences, sports, creative workshops and practical exercises in individual subjects.

The main difference between one type of school and another is the approach to caring for students: private German schools have more resources, they can provide a higher level of comfort for their students: from accommodation to technical equipment in classrooms. Therefore, expats most often choose boarding schools in Germany for entering.

Private German schools provide foreign students with several opportunities:

• Prepare for the Abitur exams,
• Take two-year academic courses for further entering the world's leading universities under the IB program.

You can get a diploma in the international Baccalaureate program if a teenager successfully masters 6 disciplines and gets at least 24 points on graduation tests. Such a document opens the doors for foreign students to thousands of English-speaking universities and colleges in Europe and the USA.

For foreign children, the opportunity to study should be planned from grades 7-8. Our list of educational centers will help you quickly and free of charge select priority institutions for obtaining a national certificate or IB diploma. Knowledge of German and English is required for admission. German is required at a high level, but the degree of English proficiency depends on the class the child enters. Studying abroad after 11th grade will require additional preparation (language and subject) from the student and the collection of all necessary documents for submission to the educational institution.

Foreign students should be prepared to provide an extract with grades for the last 2 years, take the entrance exams and undergo an oral interview. Additionally, it is advisable to take a positive characteristic from a native school.

A year of study at a private boarding school in Germany can cost up to €40,000 (including tuition, meals, accommodation), but this is a great opportunity to study a foreign language in a comfortable environment, receive a high-quality European education and prepare well for university. Independent living will help a child develop responsibility and readiness for student life.

In these institutions, students have a wide range of core subjects to choose from, all taught at either an intensive or standard level. Additionally, these schools offer optional courses in subjects like math, chemistry, and languages, as well as various sports clubs, creative courses, and practical classes.

Preparing for the International Baccalaureate

The best schools in Germany also prepare students for the International Baccalaureate (IB), a two-year program that facilitates admission to major universities worldwide. Achieving a score of at least 24 points across six subjects guarantees an international IB diploma, enabling hassle-free admission to schools in the UK and the US.

When applying to schools in Germany, a good command of both German and English is essential. While high-level German proficiency is a must, the required level of English varies depending on the grade level. Students planning to study abroad after the 11th grade will need additional preparation in both language and subject matter.

The annual cost of attending a private boarding school in Germany can go up to €40,000, including tuition, food, and accommodation. However, this is a worthy investment for quality European education and language acquisition, providing an excellent foundation for university education.

By choosing from the list of top-40 educational centers in Germany, you're not only investing in a high-quality education but also in personal development, preparing yourself for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in university and beyond.

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