German education system: a complete guide for international students
Do you want to understand how education works in Germany? The German education system is recognized worldwide for its excellence and organization. If you dream of study and work in Germany, this guide will help you understand all the possibilities available.
Why study in Germany?
The German education system is considered one of the best in the world, consistently ranking first in international rankings. With an approach that combines theory and practice, German institutions train highly qualified and valued professionals in the global market.
For international students seeking a University abroad, Germany offers an additional advantage: many public universities charge low fees, even for foreigners. In addition, the country has a strong economy and offers excellent career opportunities after graduation.
Types of higher education institutions
German higher education has different types of institutions, each with its specific focus:
- Traditional universities (Universitäten):
- Focus on academic research
- Wide range of courses, including regulated professions such as Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and others.
- Master's and doctorate programs
- Most courses are in German
- Technical universities (Technische Hochschulen):
- Specialized in research in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)
- Applied research
- Most courses in German
- It has its origin in polytechnic schools
- Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen):
- Practical and professional guidance
- Partnerships with companies
- Focused on the labor market
- Course options in English
Credit system and assessment
The German grading system is different, but it's easily understandable. The scores range from 1 to 5, where 1 is the best possible score. The German system uses the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) standard, which facilitates the transfer of credits between European universities.
Students need to accumulate a certain number of ECTS credits to complete their course. Each credit represents approximately 25-30 hours of study, including in-person classes and individual work. A full academic year generally corresponds to 60 ECTS credits.
How to enter a German university
To study at a German university, follow these essential steps:
- Check the equivalence of your degree
- Complete high school
- Translated documents
- The Hague Apostille
- Prove language proficiency
- German: TestDaF or DSH
- English: TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS
- Minimum level B2
- Choose the course and university
- Search for available programs
- Check specific requirements
- Compare costs and location
- Prepare the documentation
- School transcript
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume and motivation letter
- Make the registration
- Respect the deadlines
- Send all documents
- Wait for the result
Term periods and academic structure
The German academic year is divided into two semesters: winter (October to March) and summer (April to September). Most courses start in the winter semester, but some programs also accept entrants in the summer semester.
Costs and funding
Even with low-cost education, it's important to budget for monthly expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and health insurance. On average, an international student needs €992 per month to cover basic costs. There are several scholarship and funding options available for international students.
Student life in Germany
The experience of studying in Germany goes far beyond the classroom. A University life German is rich in opportunities and cultural experiences. University cities are prepared to receive international students, offering various types of accommodation, from student dormitories (Studentenwohnheim) to shared flats (WG - Wohngemeinschaft).
O public transport German is extremely efficient and students have access to discounted passes that allow them to use all modes of transport in the city. Many universities include the semester pass in student fees, allowing unlimited mobility in the region. In addition, it is common for students to use bicycles, a popular and sustainable mode of transport in German cities.
Most universities have university restaurants (Mensa) that serve nutritious meals at affordable prices. A full lunch generally costs between €3 and €5, making food quite economical for students. On the campuses there are also cafeterias and living areas where students can prepare their own meals.
Work and internship during studies
International students are allowed to work up to 120 full days or 240 partial days a year. This flexibility allows you to gain professional experience while studying. O Minimum wage German is €12.41 per hour (2024), which makes working while studying an attractive option to supplement income. Many universities have partnerships with local companies, making it easier to search for stages related to your area of study.
As German companies they highly value the combination of study and work, and it is common for internships to be remunerated. During the internship period, you can receive between €800 and €1,200 monthly, depending on the company and region. For part-time jobs not related to internships, considering the minimum wage, it is possible to earn approximately €800-€1,000 monthly working 20 hours a week. Not only does this experience help you financially, but it also increases your chances of employment after graduation.
Preparing to study in Germany
Advance planning is critical to a successful experience in Germany. The first step is to ensure your student visa, a process that may take a few months. To do this, you will need to prove sufficient financial resources for your stay, generally through a Blocked account (Sperrkonto) with approximately €1,904.
O Health insurance it is mandatory for all students and must be arranged prior to university enrollment. Students up to 30 years old can opt for public insurance, which costs around €110 per month. In addition to insurance, it is necessary to open a bank account German to facilitate payments and receipts during your stay.
Cultural adaptation and language
Adapting to German culture is a gradual process that begins even before the trip. Investing in learning from German language is essential, even if your course is in English. Universities generally offer free or low-cost German courses for international students, and participating in them is an excellent way to make friends and integrate with the local community.
German academic culture places great value on independence and individual responsibility. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and autonomous research capacity. Classes are often a combination of theoretical lectures (Vorlesungen) and practical seminars (Seminare), with a strong emphasis on discussions and presentations.
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers full support for those who wish to study in Germany. Our specialized team assists with the entire process, from choosing the course to the necessary documentation for the student visa. Contact us, we will help you fulfill your dream of studying at one of the best educational institutions in the world, with all the necessary support for a successful international experience.
