10 Questions on How to Study in Germany
1) Do I have to speak German to study at a German university?
No, if you choose one of the many International Programme degree courses (undergraduate and postgraduate) which are taught in English.
2) How do I find out about degree courses taught in English?
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) lists all the courses taught in English on the following website: www.daad.de/idp
3) Do I have to pay tuition fees in Germany?
Tuition fees have been abolished or are currently being abolished in most of the 16 states in Germany for state universities. If tuition fees apply, they should be within the upper limit of €500 per semester. This applies to Bachelors as well as Masters courses. Private universities and other private higher education institutions are likely to charge considerably higher tuition fees. There is no differentiation between home, EU, and international students in Germany with regard to tuition fees. If fees apply, they are the same for everybody.
Please note that all PhDs / doctoral studies are currently tuition fee free in Germany.
4) What are the admissions requirements at German state universities?
Admissions requirements for undergraduates consist of general requirements, which apply to all applicants, and specific requirements, which depend on the chosen degree course.
As a general requirement all UG applicants from the UK need to hold 4 A-levels, one of which is in a second language and one of which is either in a natural science or in Mathematics. For specific requirements please contact the admission department of the relevant university directly.
For further information, including guidance for applicants who completed their secondary education outside the UK, please see:
www.daad.de/deutschland/wege-durchs-studium/zulassung/06160.en.html
Postgraduate admission to German universities is not centralised. Please enquire with the relevant institutions about their individual admissions requirements.
5) What are the living expenses in Germany?
The cost of living in Germany is around the average of EU member states, i.e. it is generally less expensive than the living costs in counties such as France, Britain or the Netherlands. Rents vary depending on the city and what type of accommodation you have. Find out more on: www.study-in.de/en/life/job-money/cost-of-living/
6) Am I entitled to work during my studies in Germany?
This will depend upon whether you need a visa to go to Germany and the restrictions that apply. Generally, students, language course or preparatory course participants from EU and EEA countries have practically the same status as German students. They have free access to the German labour market.
7) Do I need a visa to study in Germany?
You won’t need a visa if you are an EU citizen.
Non-EU applicants resident in the UK should enquire with the German Embassy in London.
8) What types of higher education institutions exist in Germany?
The German term Hochschule (higher education institution / HEI ) is a generic term for a number of higher education institutions: universities (Universitäten), technical universities (Technische Hochschulen/Universitäten), colleges of art, film and music (Kunst-, Film- und Musikhochschulen), universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), universities of administrative sciences (Verwaltungshochschulen), and church-maintained colleges.
The diversity of the German higher education system is its strength. It ensures that students can make the best choices, depending on their interests, skills, abilities, and career preferences. Students, for example, who prefer a practical approach to learning will probably find the Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) most suitable, whereas those who enjoy theoretical thinking might find that a Universität meets their interests and needs best.
The vast majority of higher education institutions are public institutions. However, with around 60 private institutions out of a total of more than 300 higher education institutions in Germany, the private sector is increasingly popular. Please note that private higher education institutions may charge considerably higher tuition fees.
9) How is the academic year structured in Germany?
The German academic year is divided into two semesters. As a guideline: the winter semester usually starts on the 1st October and the summer semester on the 1st April.
10) Where can I find out more about…
Study and Research in Germany: www.daad.de/deutschland/index.en.html
DAAD Scholarships for Germany: http://www.daad.org.uk/en/12703/index.html
Further Information:
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)
German Academic Exchange Service
London Office
1 Southampton Place
GB - London WC1A 2DA
Tel: ++44 (0)20 7831 9511
daad%27%org%27%uk,info www.daad.org.uk
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