"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!

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 searchable database of International Degree Programmes.

Please note: Since this website is updated on a regular basis, it is 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? Ask Dany, our virtual advisor!

Our interactive virtual advisor Dany answers your questions about studying in Germany at once, 24 hours a day. 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 50 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/deutschland/studienangebote/promotion/06546.en.html

Please note that due to a re-design of the German DAAD website, this link is currently not working. We apologise for any inconvenience.

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.

 

Searchable database with open PhD positions

The DAAD is now offering a searchable database with open PhD positions in Germany. Check it out!

 

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":

Study in Germany - Land of Ideas
This website offers a lot of information - learn more about studying, doing research or vocational training in Germany. Why Germany is a good choice? Find out!
http://www.study-in.de/en/

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.hochschulkompass.de/en/

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.studienwahl.de/en/index.htm