Hello readers! This is a general post about what its like to study, work and live in Germany for foreign students. First of all, I must say that I cannot recommend Germany enough for foreign students to study, work and live. Germany is the economic engine of Europe and one of the richest countries in the world. For starters, let me list some vital facts regarding higher education in Germany:
- There are several types of higher education institutes in Germany: Universities and equivalent institutions, Universities of Applied Sciences and Colleges of art, film and music. Universities equivalent institutions concentrate on theory and like the name suggests in the Universities of Applied Sciences the curricula is more practical and designed to prepare students for a professional career in their field.
- Germany has adopted a three-cycle degree system established by the Bologna process. Depending on the higher education institution, Bachelors studies takes 3-4 years, Masters take 1-2 years and doctoral studies take anywhere between 2-5 years and are offered mostly by Universities and equivalent institutions. There is another study program known as the dual study program offered by many higher education institutes where training takes place at the higher education institute and by working at the company. In order to get accepted at any of these programs, depending on the institute, there are certain criteria. For example, for the dual study program you need to provide proof of sufficient German language proficiency. It is highly competitive and you will need to have a very good overall profile. The program offers an academic degree as well a vocational qualification which will prove to be indispensable in finding a job. A lot of companies cover students’ tuition fees as well pay them a salary for their work. Many students get hired on a full-time basis by the company they worked for! The diploma is equivalent to a Bachelors degree or even a Masters degree as well.
- Ideally, you must learn German: Learning German is essential if you want to live and work in Germany after your studies. In fact undergraduate courses in Germany as well as some graduate-level courses are taught in German. Even otherwise, I highly recommend having at least a working knowledge of German. This will enable you to interact with your German colleagues, have a vibrant social life and make connections. Also, post studies when you are applying for jobs (which most people tend to do), being fluent in German is a must. Therefore, if you are planning on going to Germany for higher studies I would recommend that you start learning German in your home country ASAP. Although you can also take German language classes while studying in Germany, it’s always best to start early.
- Education in Germany is free (well, mostly): Education is pretty much free in almost all public universities in Germany. On the rare instance that public universities charge tuition fees, it is usually very affordable. Private universities charge much higher tuition fees.
- Working in Germany after studies: Germany is an excellent place to find work after studies. All the people whom I know personally who went for higher studies in Germany found work pretty easily. In fact I would say that 90% percent of foreign students in Germany find work after studies and those who returned to their home countries usually did so of their own accord and not because they failed to find employment. There’s something for everybody and opportunities are aplenty.
