Study at a German Public University · Study in Germany Pathway programs to access German PUBLIC universities offer a great addition to your portfolio. I will explain the necessary

Study at a German Public University

Annette Friedl, 2018

`

Study in GermanyPathway programs to access German PUBLIC

universities offer a great addition to your portfolio.

I will explain the necessary steps and point out the

differences to private universities …..

Annette Friedl

[email protected]

Germany


mailto:[email protected]

`

Study in GermanySome interesting facts about Germany- Inhabitants: 81 million

- Capital: Berlin

- Currency: Euro

- Cancelor: Angela Merkel

- Famous for: beer (6000 different ones) and bread (2100

different kinds)

- Cars: BMW, Mercedes or Porsche

- Castles: 25.000

- Football: 4 times world champion

- Streets: no speed limit on many highways

- Public transport

- Playgrounds

- Public health care: every person is insured


`

Study in GermanySome reasons why you should learn GermanEARN

- Germany is the world‘s second largest exporter

- Germany‘s economy is number 4 worldwide (comparable to

the economy of all Spanish speaking countries together)

KNOW

- German is amongst the 10 most commonly spoken languages

- Germans are world leaders in engineering

- 77 nobel prize winners

THINK

- Second most commenly used scientic-language

- 18% of all books are published in German (few of them are

ever translated into English)

- Gateway to a world class education

source: www.studying-in-Germany.org


`

Why Germany? Why a public university? – 10 reasons

Study in Germany

Germany is among the top 3 destinations for studying abroad

More than 12% of students are non EU students

„Made in Germany“ – not only for goods, but also for education

Germany offers lots different degree courses

No (or very little) tuition fees

Germany is a safe country and welcomes people from all parts of the world

Living expenses are very low

Huge job opportunities

You are welcome to stay after your studies

You can learn a new language – over 185 million people speak German


`

Why Germany?

Study in Germany


The overall ranking

consists of three

separate pillars with

differing weights:

Education (45%),

measuring the quality

of education; Cost

(30%), assessing what

students should expect

to pay for living and

tuition; and Life &

Career (25%),

evaluating the quality

of life and the chances

of staying and working

in the country after

graduation.

`

Where international students come from:

Study in Germany


Source: www.studying-in-Germany.org

•Most international students are from: China, India, Russia, Austria, Italy,

France, Cameron, Ukraine, Turkey and Bulgaria

•China is traditionally the largest distributor of international students at

German universities with 32,268 Chinese (2017)

•Other groups (2017): Indians (13,537), Russians (11,413), Austrians

(10,129), Italians (8,047), French (7,330), Camerons (7,106), Ukraine

(6,941), Turkey (6,930) and Bulgaria (6,840)

•Number of Chinese students grew by 6.6%, Indians by 16%

`

Reasons why international students choose Germany:

Study in Germany



`

Plans of intl. students after their studies in Germany:

Study in Germany



`

No tuition fees at public university! Why?

Study in Germany

Decreasing population

- universities expect to have 30% less students by 2030 (compared to 1990)

- By 2030 there will be 357.000 babies „missing“, i.e. 357.000 more people

will die than will be born

- already now thousands of positions are not filled, currently 46 000 positions

in the engineering field are open

- difficulty to keep the economical growth

education not seen as „product“ but as an investment.

The government had a target of 350 000 foreign students by 2030

which was met earlier this year already with 374 951 students


`

Why Germany? Common questions on study.eu

Study in Germany


Who can study in Germany for free?

Everyone! That’s right: Germans, Europeans, and all non-Europeans can study in Germany free of

charge - without tuition fees.

At which universities in Germany can I study for free?

In Germany, you can study for free at public universities. There are almost 300 public universities in

Germany

Why do public universities in Germany not charge any tuition fees?

Germans generally believe that education should not be treated as a commercial product, and that free

access to higher education ensures economic growth and welfare for the greater population

If tuition is free, does that mean the universities are not very good?

Far from it! Germany’s universities are among the best in the world, and you can expect to receive a

world-class education as a foreign student. A degree from a German university will be respected

around the world and open many doors for your career choices.

Can I stay in Germany after I graduate from university?

Yes, you can! And that applies to all students, regardless of the country of origin.

`

A degree taught in German! Why?

Study in Germany

- Higher regocnition in Germany and abroad

- No job without really good German

- Better integration right from the beginning

- Better choice of degree courses

- Higher salaries

- Advantage over German students because of languages

- State university = no fees – always!


`

Why a German taught Degree?

Study in Germany


Source:

EAIE study portals

`

Why a German taught Degree?

Study in Germany


Source:

EAIE study portals

`

Duration of job search

Study in Germany


Some data:

Unemployment rate amongst university graduates: 2.5%

Average time to find a job: 3.5 months (all academics)

Average salary after graduation: EUR 40.200 per year (for

engineers EUR 10.000 more).

Graduates from universities of applied sciences find a job

even easier (contact to industry through thesis)

`

Study in GermanySome facts about public universities in Germany:

German universities are recognized worldwide

No ranking as known from the US or UK

All degrees are equal, the only fact that counts is the

grade

Two different types: „traditional“ universities and

universities of applied sciences

Most of the German universities are public institutions

Some of the oldest universities in Germany are well

known around the globe:

University of Heidelberg

Cologne University

Freiburg University

LMU MunichAnnette Friedl, 2018

`

Study in GermanySome facts about wanting to study Medicine in Germany:

9000 places for 43000 applicants

about 20% get a place

20% of places allocated on school grades only

requirement min. 90% in Abitur

20% of places allocated based on „waiting time“

currently 15 semesters

60% of places allocated on grades + personal ability

main focus on grades, but chances are there

Not possible to join at Master level

not a good option in Germany

at the moment things will changeAnnette Friedl, 2018

`

Study in GermanySome really good alternatives to Medicine:

Materialwissenschaft – Materials engineering

Feinwerktechnik – Precission engineeringThis is typical German. You will not find it in any other country, hence the

translation is not very good.

Medizintechnik – Medical engineering


`

2 different types of public universities

Study in Germany

Traditional university University of applied science

Focus on theories and methods

„why“ is a method scientifically right

or wrong

Focus on practical education

„how“ does a method work and how does

one use it

Focus on research Focus on practical work

Independent learning Education in smaller groups, classical

teaching

Suitable for students who want to

learn theoretical science scientific

career

Suitable for students who want to apply

what they learned mid management


`

Degrees at German public universities

Study in Germany

Bachelor - regular study time: 6 / 7 semesters

Master - regular study time: 3 / 4 semesters

Diploma - regular study time: 8 semesters

„old“ German degree, slightly higher than a

Master, lots of universities are going back to

this „combined“ degree

State Examination - government examination for certain

professions such as doctors, lawyers or

teachers


`

Study in Germany

German language course

•Exam: B2

• 900 hours (30 weeks)

Studienkolleg

(foundation

year)

• Entry test foundation year

• 12 months foundation course

• Exam: Studienkolleg exam + C1 (TestDaf)

University

No fees

•6 to 8 semestersBachelor followed by 3 or 4 semesters Master

Language

course

Language

course

• German languagecourse

• Exam: C1 (TestDaf)

• 1100 hrs (36 weeks)

University

No fees

•6 to 8 semesters Bachelor

•3 or 4 semesters Master

2 Ways into German public University


12 years of secondary school with certain

grades

A-Levels, IB or 2 years of study at a

recognized German university

`

Study in GermanyFoundation year programs – what to look out for

public vs. private foundation year programs

-> cost / access / places available

„single letter“ vs. „double letter“ programs

-> restriction to certain institutes

FSP – the final exam

-> not the only requirement, but important.

C1 also needed


`

Study in GermanyFoundation year programs – different courses

T (TI) – M – W (WW)

T course:for all technical/mathematical degrees

W course: for all economical/social studies degrees

M course: for all medical and biology related

subjects (not only Medicine)


`

Study in Germany

Foundation Students require B2 (900 hours)

Degree Students require C1 (1100 hours)

European Language Framework


`

Admission ProcedureFoundation Program

Eligibility:

Having 12 Years Qualification

General secondary school exam

with certain grades and subjects

Study in Germany


`

Admission ProcedureFoundation Program

Steps:

1. German Course, Exam B2

2. Foundation year – appropriate course,

Feststellungsprüfung FSP

3. German C1 exam TestDaF / TELC

4. Start Bachelor

Study in Germany


`

Admission ProcedureBachelor Program

Eligibility:

General secondary school exam plus some time at

university in home country

OR

school certificate equivalent to German Abitur such

as A-level, IB with the right subjects and grades

Study in Germany


`

Admission ProcedureBachelor Program

Steps:

1. German course C1 – TestDaF

2. Start Bachelor

Study in Germany


`

Admission Procedure

Master Program

Eligibility:

General secondary school exam plus successfully

completed Bachelor degree in home country from a

recognized university with good grades.

Study in Germany


`

Admission ProcedureMaster Program

Steps:

1. German course C1 – TestDaF

2. Have Bachelor transcripts evaluated

3. Re-do some of the missing Bachelor modules

4. Start your Master

Study in Germany


`

Admission Procedure

Phd

Eligibility:

No standard rules. Students need to find a mentor for their

desired thesis. Very difficult. Research work expected.

Only personal application possible.

Study in Germany


`

Study in GermanySpecial case – Medicine, etc.

Problem: no conditional admission available

Reason: application only possible after completion of the language

course (and foundation year)

Background: limited places, no clear cut off point. So the entry

criteria changes every semester based on the number of students applying and their academic performance.

Solution:

If Medicine is the only option -> find another country.

If a related subject is a realistic option, then try it. You have nothing to lose!


`

Types of Visa

Study in Germany

• tourist visa

• language course visa

• student applicant visa

• student visa

• job search visa

• work visa

• permanent residency


`

Language course visa

Study in Germany

• duration of course = length of visa

• no big difficulties

• financial support must be there for time of course

• health insurance

• return ticket to leave Germany immediately after

course


`

Student applicant visa

Study in Germany

• duration = duration of language course (initially 1 year)

• proof of place at university (or sometimes eligibility )

• financial support must be there (e.g. blocked account)

• health insurance

• proof of language course and accommodation

• will change into a student visa after registration

at university


`

Documents required for Visa (student

applicant visa)

* Conditional letter of acceptance from University

* Acceptance letter from language school

* 2 months confirmed accommodation

* Medical insurance for duration of language course

* Financial security (blocked account)

ALL FEES MUST BE PAID BEFORE ARRIVAL IN GERMANY

Study in Germany


`

Steps

Study in Germany

• check if you are eligible to study

• apply for conditional admission from university

• register for language course

• open blocked account or have a sponsor

• prepare and inform yourself !!!!!

• apply for visa / APS


`

Conditional admission from university

Study in Germany

• Apply directly to the university of your choice – most of them have an

application deadline of January 15th and July 15th of each year. German is

necessary before application is accepted.

• Apply through UNI ASSIST – same deadlines. Application can only be done

after completing the German course – so no option for people who have no

German yet.

• Apply through language school – usually possible all year round. German

can be learnt afterwards.

NOTE: having a conditional admission to a university does not mean you

have to go there. You are free to apply to any other university once you are

in Germany and have reached a certain language level.


`

Financial proof

Study in Germany

• Usually blocked account: student opens a special bank account

with Deutsche Bank in Germany and deposits EUR 8820 in it. Only the student can then withdraw money (EUR 735 per month once in

Germany). If visa is refused, money is refunded. This needs to be

“topped up” each time you extend your visa, unless you have other

sources of income (e.g. job)

• Alternative: Personal guarantee. The person issuing the guarantee

has to live in Europe with a permanent residence and must have

enough income to support the student. This is checked very carefully.

• Alternative: scholarship


`

Just for fun

Study in Germany


10 German phrases you must know when you study in Germany

So you want to study in Germany? While you will get along with English just fine on campus and in everyday situations, it will pay

off to learn slang phrases along the way. Learn the ones in this list and you will certainly gain the respect of your German peers.

1. Der hat doch nicht alle Tassen im Schrank!

Your professor wants a 20-page essay written within a week’s time? Then he, as suggested by this figure of speech, might not

have all cups inside his cupboard! A loose translation would be “he’s nuts”. In a similar variation of this expression, you may

instead of cups refer to a lack of pickets in his fence (“...nicht mehr alle Latten am Zaun!”).

2. Na?

If you ever want to be proficient in German, you have to master this inconspicuous two-letter word. It’s short and simple, yet

versatile, and there is a range of nuances to consider.

In its basic form as presented here, “na?” is used between friends, usually as the greeting or shortly after a greeting, and means

something along the lines of “what’s up?” or “how are you doing?”. A different meaning is conveyed with the variation “na, und?”,

which means something along the lines of “so what?” or “who cares?”.

3. Kein Schwein war da.

University lectures on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons have one thing in common: They suffer from a predictable lack of

attendance. So, on Monday at noon, or Friday in the evening, you might use this German phrase, which translates to: “There was

not a single pig”. Let’s just hope that when you go back home after a year or two of studying in Germany, no one will be tempted to

say this about your farewell party!

4. Eselsbrücken bauen

Let’s stay with the animals for a moment: When you are presented with an extreme amount of learning material during exam

revision, your only chance may be to “build donkey bridges”. A “donkey bridge” (Eselsbrücke) is a mnemonic device, in other words

something simple that helps you remember something more complex.

Source: www.study.eu

https://www.study.eu/country/germany

`

Just for fun

Study in Germany


10 German phrases you must know when you study in Germany

5. Alles für die Katz’!

More animals? When you make a grand effort to no avail, you might say it was all futile - or, as in this expression, “all for the cat”.

Whoever came up with this expression was clearly more of a dog person.

6. Das ist kein Zuckerschlecken.

One thing is for sure, and that is that student life is not easy. Or, as Germans would put it with this particular expression: “It’s not

just licking sugar”.

7. Jetzt geht’s um die Wurst!

There is probably no expression that is more stereotypical of Germans than this one. Literally translated as “Now it’s about the

sausage!”, this means “It’s neck or nothing!”, implying a matter of previously unmatched importance. So, yes, to be clear about this

one: Sausages are the Germans’ go-to metaphor for high importance.

8. Das ist mir Wurst.

But now prepare for the ultimate mind-bender. This one’s literal translation is: “That’s sausage to me” - meaning: “What do I care?”.

It seems as though Germans are not quite sure whether sausages are extremely important or not at all significant.

9. Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof.

So then, how do you react to Germans throwing their confusing sausage metaphors at you? Tell them you’re at a loss, confused,

and bewildered, by using this figure of speech. It is literally translated as: “All I understand is ‘train station’.”

10. Feierabend

Just as our little compilation, a hard day’s work ends with Feierabend - literally the “celebratory evening”, it just means that the work

is finished. If you want to know when someone expects to be done with work, ask: “Wann machst/hast Du Feierabend?” - and then

make arrangements for the nearest Kneipe, or pub.

Source: www.study.eu

`

Pros and Cons

Study in Germany

• NO TUITION FEES

• quality of education

• job opportunities

• low living expenses

• permanent residency

• hard visa interview

• no work allowed during

language course

• new language needed

• blocked account


`

Study in GermanyAs these students

already did

before you!


`

Germany welcomes you !!!

Questions & Answers

Thank you for attending the seminar!Annette Friedl, 2018