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Studying in Germany

"GerMany Opportunities" - are you thinking about going to Germany in order to further your education? In fact, there are many good reasons for studying in Germany!

Higher Education in Germany

Germany has a university density unlike any other country in the world. The teaching staff is highly qualified and the range of subjects taught is almost without any gaps. The freedom to conduct research and attend courses enables students to freely determine their research needs and set the focus of their studies according to their interests and abilities.

Germany's higher education system is characterised by particular variety and versatility. Whatever your planned focus may be, you will find the course to meet your requirements. From the practice-focused universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) to classical university training and all the way through to internationally renowned vocational academies - Germany has it all to offer. Germany's universities and colleges are located throughout the country - whether in the major cities or in the rich green countryside. The spectrum ranges from time-honoured to highly modern, from small and welcoming to large and dynamic. So go ahead and choose what suits you best! As a place for studying or carrying out research, Germany is the first choice!

Benefit from a long tradition!
The history of many higher education institutions extends back over many centuries. The oldest university in Germany today was founded in Heidelberg in 1386. Until World War II, German universities played a leading role in science and humanities. Following the destruction caused by the National Socialist rule and the Second World War, an education and research landscape has evolved in Germany which, particularly since German unification, is as extensive today as is has never been the case before.

Study opportunities in Germany are vast!
Today almost 120 universities and university-status institutions, such as the technical universities, are located throughout Germany in addition to more than 200 other higher education institutions such as the universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), or the colleges of art, music and film.
All together more than 9400 degree programs, almost 1600 special graduate programs and around 2700 doctoral study opportunities are offered in Germany. Of special interest for international students are the more than 1000 international degree programs taught partly or completely in English and structured along the lines of the British-American university system.

Higher Education in Germany is international!
All higher education institutions are open to students of all nations. Tuition fees at the state-maintained institutions are waived by the German government, even for international students (some exceptions apply). About 140,000 students at German higher education institutions of a total of almost 2 million come from countries all over the world.

Come to Germany to study and you will get to know and appreciate a very special kind of higher education system. Rely on proven, tried and tested structures, built up on a long tradition and equipped with the momentum to lead into the future. You are sure to benefit.

 

International Degree Courses

A growing number of German institutions of higher education offer courses conducted in English and specifically designed to the needs of international students, leading to internationally recognised degrees. The range of study opportunities covers undergraduate degree courses for students beginning their studies and graduate/postgraduate courses for advanced students. The priority given to international students at German universities makes the chances of being admitted look extremely positive. And: Still most universities in Germany don't take tuition fees, but if they do, there is a legal maximum of EUR 500 (ca. AUD 800) per semester!

Features of these International Degree Courses:

  • High academic standard
  • International degrees
  • Tightly organized study programs
  • Opportunities for study periods at partner universities and colleges abroad
  • Courses and lectures held in English (for further details on the language of instruction please refer to the individual program descriptions)
  • German language courses offered before and during the program
  • Special services: academic and personal support, services provided by tutors and mentors, intensive study counseling, work in small groups, etc.
  • In many of the programs, German students will account for half the number of participants, thereby offering these students the opportunity to gain international skills and qualifications through their attendance of English-instructed courses and study periods abroad
  • Low or no tuition fees

 

Where do I find those International Degree Courses?

The DAAD has established a website that gives you access to those 'International Degree Courses', sorted by subject area.

http://www.daad.de/deutschland/en/2.2.4.html

Nota bene: Since this website is updated on a regular basis, it might be worth checking for new degree courses from time to time.

 

How do I apply for admission?

Further information on the admission conditions and requirements, application deadlines and formalities is available directly from the Program Officer of your chosen degree course. The individual higher education institutions are themselves responsible for deciding on the acceptance and admission of applicants. Their decisions are made on the basis of applicant quality criteria.
Please contact the Program Officer of your chosen degree course via email in order to find out to what German degree your current qualification is equivalent to. For the admission to any of the undergraduate programs an equivalent to the general higher education entrance qualification is required. To be admitted to any of the graduate programs in general a Bachelor's degree will be the admission requirement. In certain cases additional periods of study in a respective field may be necessary in order to fulfill the admission requirements for the course.

 

Any more questions? Then ask Dany, your virtual advisor!

Our virtual advisor Dany answers your questions about studying in Germany at once, 24 hours a day and in an interactive mode. Click on the picture and he will show you where to find the information you're after.

 

 

Postgraduate and Doctoral Programs

IPP made in Germany

What is 'IPP'?
'IPP' stands for International Postgraduate Programs and is a network of 42 postgraduate programs offered in a wide range of disciplines and subjects at centres of scientific excellence throughout Germany. You can gain your doctorate at a proven centre of research excellence. This ensures that your course meets the highest academic standards. All IPP participants have regular contact with the university teachers responsible for their program and are given the opportunity to engage in collaborative intensive research. Cross-faculty courses and colloquia offer forums for interdisciplinary dialogue and represent a further firmly-established component of your postgraduate studies.

How can I join a IPP?
Most programs have fixed application deadlines (1 or 2 per year). Selection formalities differ from one program to the next. Generally, a written test is followed by a selection interview. PHD Program funds cannot be used for study financing. The contact persons responsible for the postgraduate programs at the universities will be pleased to provide information on sources of funding or grants as well as on available counselling and advice. A number of postgraduate programs operate 1 or 2-year Master's degree courses which can be taken before entry into the full program. Depending on your academic background and qualifications, attendance may be advisable.

For more information on IPP visit http://www.daad.de/ipp/en

Research Training Groups for Doctoral Candidates and Post Docs

Research Training Groups (Graduiertenkollegs) are university training programs funded by the DFG (German Research Foundation) and established for a specific time period to support young researchers in their pursuit of a doctorate. The Research Training Groups provide these doctoral students with the opportunity to work within a coordinated research program run by a number of university teachers. Doctoral students are incorporated into the research work being done at the participating institutions. The study program aims to complement and extend the doctoral students' individual specialisations and to provide a structure for cooperation. An interdisciplinary focus of the research and study program is desired. For more information click here.

 

 

Links to German Higher Education

You may also check out the following websites hosted by DAAD and other organisations to learn more about "Studying in Germany":

Campus Germany
"Hi! Potentials - International careers made in Germany" is the slogan of this website. Just like a real campus, this website offers a lot to discover - for all abroad who are interested in studying, doing research or a vocational training in Germany. Why Germany is a good choice? Here you can learn!
http://www.campus-germany.de/english/1.html

Higher Education Compass
This website is hosted by the association of higher education institutions in Germany. It provides information on and links to all state or state-recognised higher education institutions in Germany. You can search the databases to find out which course of study in German or English is offered at which institution. Links will get you directly to the home page of that institution (which normally has an English version), where you can find detailed information. You'll also find a list of foreign student offices (or international offices), which you can contact directly.
http://www.higher-education-compass.de

DAAD - The gateway to German higher education
Here you'll find everything you need to know about Germany's education system, its higher education institutions, and about campus life. Gain an insight into the versatile and varied nature of academic Germany!
http://www.daad.de/deutschland/en

Study and Career Choice
This service provides information about study opportunities in Germany, including a list of all available degree courses, the addresses of all German higher education institutions, as well as useful information on the 'first few steps' and tips on everyday student life. The addresses of the counselling and advice centres, additional recommended reading plus online info round off this service.
http://www-en.studienwahl.de/fmg.htm


Studying Online
"Studying Online" is an information system where you can find almost everything you need to know about the online study opportunities offered by Germany's higher education institutions. General information is given on Internet-delivered degree courses, modules and programs as well as on how and under which conditions these opportunities can be used. An integrated search engine will enable you to search on a subject-by-subject basis for online study opportunities.
http://www.e-studying-in-germany.de


Goethe Institut
Hi Potentials!
Impressum I Contact © DAAD
DAAD Links

Upcoming and past Events

German Universities present themselves:

Duesseldorf and Berlin live: Learn German – Experience Germany
The IIK (Institute for International Communication) Duesseldorf, a licensed testing centre, in cooperation with Heinrich Heine University helps language course participants improve their knowledge of the German language in order to study or work professionally in Germany.

Curious about our Encounter Europe scholarships? Have a look at this presentation by one of last year's participants!

International Summer / Winter University Kassel, Germany
With the motto
“Sustainable Environment | Cultural Heritage | Student Potential. WE CARE”, the International Summer University (ISU) and the International Winter University (IWU) Kassel feature the strengths of the University of Kassel (Uni Kassel) in environmental sciences and German language & culture.

International Master Programmes at Heilbronn University, Germany:
MA International Business & Intercultural Management
MA International Tourism Managemen
t

Guided tours:
Spotting German Traces in Sydney - a new tour is being researched, see our website: [Shpooren#zoohe]

Encounter EuropeVisit Germany: A DAAD Seminar for European-Studies in Australia at the European Academy Otzenhausen
This year again 27 students have received a scholarship for a 2-week course on European issues in December.


International Degrees Database
Search the database and find just the right course to suit your needs. Hundreds of courses ranging from Physics to Intercultural Studies, all taught in English, are just a click away!

University Ranking
Would you prefer a larger university to a smaller one? How important is a research focus to you? Customize your own ranking system to identify your ideal institution.

DAAD Australia Newsletter
Find out more about what's going on in the scientific community in Germany. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed!