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Germany has so many sides to it, from fascinating landscapes, to inspiring art and culture scenes and a modern world-class economy. Germany has always been in the forefront of technological advances and innovative inventions. If you choose to study in Germany, you will be learning about the latest technological advances and trends in your particular subject. The country's rich history and culture make Germany an exciting and rewarding place to live and study. Come and gain an insight into an exciting country right in the heart of Europe.
Types of Higher Education Institutions
The universities in Germany are open to students from all countries. Currently in Germany there are about two million enrolled students, 250,000 of them are international students. With over 10 % international students Germany is the world's favorite place to study! The diversity of Germany's higher education system may perhaps confuse you as your start, but it enables you to make the best choice for your future studies.
Before starting the studies
Universities
The 102 universities operating in Germany at present focus of teaching methodological and theoretical knowledge. Research and teaching are closely combined with each other. Most of the universities are so-called full universities which offer the whole spectrum of academic subjects. As a rule, these include law, arts and humanities, cultural studies, natural sciences and economics/business administration, teacher training and, with some exceptions, medicine.
Universities of Applied Sciences
Offers great practical relevance and focus, well-founded academic training for degree programmes in the field of technology, business and management, social studies, media and design. If you like learning and working in the applied field, then this will be an interesting option for you.
Colleges of Art, Film and Music
For anyone wishing to turn their artistic talent into a profession. The range of programmes extends from painting, design and architecture to directing, music and drama. The entry threshold is high, the training excellent. One to one teaching or classes in small groups ensure that the young artists get the finishing artistic touches.
 Church-maintained Colleges
For students interested in a career in the field of social work, education, special needs education or curative/therapeutic education, plus nursing and health care professionals, and church musicians.
Private Universities
Despite the high tuition fees – around 1,800 to 4,700 euros per semester – this is becoming a popular option. Some of the reasons for this lie in the good reputation: small study groups, strong ties with business and industry, very practical focus, strong international orientation, short studies, good career prospects. But before you sign a contract with a private university, please make sure that you check that the university is state recognised. If its not, the academic degree you gain will not be recognised, which could lead to major problems when you start looking for a job after graduating.
Universities of Cooperative Education
These are not higher education institutions. Nevertheless, their certificates and degrees are partly recognised as equivalent to Fachhochschulen qualifications. Berufsakademien offer academic studies (focuses on business, technology, social studies) in combination with vocational training, i.e. cooperative education. This dual training alternates between courses taken at the academy and practical (workplace) training in a company. Some of the Berufsakademien even deliver the training bilingually: German-English. This profile has resulted in many companies showing a strong interest in Berufsakademie graduates, including, in particular, global players with their branches around the world.
University Development
Many higher education institutions in Germany are currently introducing internationally comparable Bachelor's and Master's programmes. This means that degree programmes completed in Germany and qualifications gained there are becoming internationally compatible. At the same time, this development makes it easier for students from abroad and overseas to enter and study at a German higher education institution. In addition, ever more multilingual degree programmes are being offered; most of these programmes are delivered in English and bring the students up to speed for the global employment market.
Academic Year
The academic year comprises the winter semester (October, 1st to March, 31st) and the summer semester (April, 1st to September, 30th). Starting dates for the courses are usually April, 15th (summer semester) and October, 15th (winter semester). The dates vary from one institution and from one federal state to another.
Admission
International students normally apply direct to the International Office at the higher education institution of their choice. As soon as you have received notification of admission from the International Office and taken a language test, you can register as a student at the respective institution of higher education. Closing date for admissions applications at the Foreign Student Office are July, 15th for the following winter semester and January, 15th for the following summer semester.
Language
The International degree programmes offer you an opportunity to take German language courses parallel to the degree course itself, because these degree courses are partly or even completely instructed in English in the first academic year. For all other degree courses you should definitely begin attending German courses while still in your home country. Before being admitted to higher education for a full degree course you will be required to take a German language proficiency test (DSH) to show your level of the German language.
 Housing
Students on an exchange programme are usually provided a room in student accommodation. The German student affairs association (Deutsches Studentenwerk) offers around 180,000 places in student housing all over Germany and is the cheapest form of housing for students. There are different types of housing ranging from simple rooms sharing the kitchen, bath/shower and WC, self-contained housing in a flat share/community and single or double apartments. There are often communal rooms such as cafés, laundry facilities and cellars for bicycles. An increasing number of housing also offers cheap internet access. Students who only need a room temporarily can lodge in Guest houses/student hotels. Enquire at the University of your choice!
Costs of Living
The rent, on average about 250 Euro per month, is the largest monthly expense for students. However, the amount depends mainly on the type of accommodation and the place of study. You should reckon on spending between 540 euros and 670 euros per month on your cost of living (including mandatory health insurance, social contributions to the higher education institutions, etc.). Students in major cities may spend more.
Deutsches Studentenwerke offers a specially-developed value-for-money service package for foreign students which substantially help foreign students begin their studies and life in Germany.
Working while studying
Earning money alongside studying is a way of life for many students in Germany. Students from the European Union and the EEA stand practically on equal terms with German students and have free access to the German job market. However, for students who do not come from the EU or EEA countries, work is restricted; you are only allowed to work 90 full or 180 half days in a year. To do this you do not need authorization from the Employment Agency, i.e. the German authorities. There are exceptions, so please check employment regulations before taking on a job.
For more information, go to:
www.internationale-studierende.de
Deutsche Studentenwerk
http://www.daad.de/deutschland
Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst
Search for educations in Germany here.
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