Studying Abroad in Germany Presentation

Researching and planning to study abroad in a foreign country can sometimes seem intimidating. Where do you even start? 

GIS Veranstaltungslehrerin, Heike Schütz-Malinowski teamed up with Natascha Milde, our contact at the Auslandschulwesen, presented the following information about DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) to parents in-house. This information about studying abroad in Germany is truly valuable and we want to make it available to our school community online as well.

The following is a brief overview of the information presented. To view and read the full presentation, please download the PDF below.

Types of Higher Education Institutions

There are 5 main types of Higher Education Institutions the DAAD outlines:

1) Universities and Technical Universities

• Focus on methods and theories

• Research based theses

• Variety of fields

• Degrees: Bachelor, Master, and PhD 

2) Universities of Applied Sciences

• Focus on teaching professional skills

• Practical theses

• Fields: especially engineering, economics, social sciences, design

• Degrees: Bachelor, Master

3) Music, Art, and Film Universities

• Applied education

• Portfolio & tests part of application process

• Areas of study: design, graphic design, music,vocal performance, film

• Degrees: Bachelor, Master, Promotion/PhD

4) Private Higher Education Institutions

• Students pay €500 fees per month. or more

• Groups often smaller, closer contact to professors

5) Dual System Work-Study Degree

• combines academic study with elements of vocational training or professional practice

• job-related elements range from work placements in industry, which are integrated into the program, to full professional training courses, completed at the same time as studying

• Cooperative work-study degree programs = usually the same length as full-time degree

What Degrees can you earn in Germany?

• Bachelor’s (B.A., B.Sc., Bachelor of Engineering, etc.) – 3-4 years

• Master’s (M.A., M.Sc., Master of Engineering, etc.) –1-2 years

• State examination ​- You need to pass the Staatsexamen if you want to work as a doctor, lawyer, teacher or pharmacist

• Doctorate(PhD)

  • Independent PhD – time to PhD varies

  • Graduate School – 3 years

Are there language requirements for studying abroad in Germany?

One of the following may be required* to study abroad in Germany:

• Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD II)

• Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP)

• Große Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)

• Test DaF-Niveaustufe4 (TDN 4)

• Goethe C2 certificate

*Please note: This is just a guide on what is needed to attend a German institution of higher education and should not be taken as a guarantee. Each degree program may have its own individual requirements, and each degree program is responsible for selection of its own student body and prerequisites may vary by institution and degree program.

• Dont meet the above requirements? Check out this resource

Application documents 

Be prepared to submit some of the following documents when applying for school in Germany:

• Offical copy of high school diploma (translation often not necessary)

• Application form

• Language certificate(onlyfor degreeprogramsin German)

May be required:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Work placements/ work experience

Required for Art/Music:

• Portfolio

​Required for Graduate Studies:

• Bachelor‘s Degree in same or very similar field (certified copy)

• Letter of motivation (Masters and PhD)

• Letter(s) of recommendation (Masters and PhD)

• GMAT/ GRE test certificates (mostly in economic fields, or international degree programs)

Expenses

Predict costs of housing, food, unsurance, school supplies, and more here by selecting the German city-state where you are looking to apply.

Other Helpful links

• Info on studying in Germany: www.study-in.de

• Info on fields of study and scholarships: www.daad.de

• Which university, what field of studies: www.hochschulkompass.de

• Stipends guide: www.funding-guide.de

• International Programs (in English): www.daad.de/international-programmes

• Summer courses at universities: www.daad.de/sommerkurse

• CBYX (language, study, intern): https://www.cbyx.info/

• University rankings: www.das-ranking.de

• Applying through Uni-assist: www.uni-assist.de

• Student services: www.studentenwerk.de

• DAAD US grants: www.daad.org

Read Part 1 of "Studying Abroad in German - A Parent Resource"!