Reputation of German Universities and Study
Higher education in Germany is an attractive option for ambitious students from around the world seeking advanced academic skills for university study in Germany.
German universities enjoy a high reputation both nationally and internationally for university study in Germany. They are characterized by diversity and high academic specialization .
Thanks to the variety of programs and the ability to provide advanced education, German universities are an ideal destination for students seeking to fulfill their ambitions in the industrial land.
Students must choose majors that guarantee promising job opportunities in the job market, making study in Germany a preferred choice for ambitious students eager to build their professional future.
University Education in Germany is Free
Tuition at most German universities is free, but you should check the universities' policies.
International students are eligible to study at most universities in Germany. In many German states, international students have the opportunity to obtain university education for free or at a nominal cost when studying German-taught courses leading to a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
However, there are some points to keep in mind:
You should know that German states and universities vary. Therefore, some international students must pay a nominal fee to enroll in certain universities.
Learn German. Most universities offer courses taught in German. However, some universities offer their programs in English.
Students must bear the costs of living and accommodation in Germany, which vary depending on the city and lifestyle.
Check the university. Sometimes a university is private and you think it's public, so some private universities charge fees for your studies.
Am I eligible to study at university in Germany?
When considering applying to study in Germany, you should consider several factors to ensure a successful application process and successful integration into German university life. Here is a list of key points:
Choosing a University and Program to Study in Germany
When choosing a university, you must consider several criteria, including:
Proof of language proficiency tests, for example, [name of language] (grade/level) according to the language of instruction at the university.
A high school diploma from [country] with a [grade point average] out of [grade point average].
You must submit a cover letter: My goals are aligned with the program of study at [name of program], and I find the opportunity to develop my skills in [name of major].
Professor Recommendations: Provide positive recommendations from professors at [name of school] that highlight my academic abilities and commitment.
You should therefore research the available universities and programs and choose the university and major that best align with your academic and professional goals.
What are the procedures for applying to a German university to study in Germany?
After applying to a university, you should consider several points, including:
Check the admission requirements of the chosen university and program, including academic qualifications and language proficiency, if required.
Estimate the cost of living in Germany and ensure you have sufficient funding sources, whether through grants or self-support.
You should also learn about how to open a blocked bank account in Germany (Sperrkonto).
Confirm visa requirements and begin the process of obtaining a German study visa. You must book an appointment and prepare all required documents.
Research available housing options in the city where you will study and book in advance if available, or ask your university about housing options.
Health insurance: Everyone in Germany is required to obtain health insurance before traveling to Germany, whether it is state-sponsored or private insurance in Germany.
German language:
If the program is taught in German, you may need to prove a good level of language proficiency. You can study German in your home country or obtain language certificates that qualify you to come to Germany, for example, at level B2, and study at level C1 in Germany. You may also need to pass a language test.
Social interaction:
Join online forums or social groups to learn from current international students in Germany.
What is the term "international student" for studying in Germany? How can I become an international student?
To obtain international student status at German universities, including university studies in Germany, there are two main processes: submitting an application for university admission and registering with immigration authorities. The procedure may vary slightly depending on the university and federal state.
Submitting the University Admission Application
Choose a university and program: Start by selecting the university and program you wish to study. In the next section, you will find websites that help students access university admissions.
Applying online: You can submit your application online on the university's website or on the registration platform designated for international students.
Submitting documents: You must submit the required documents, such as your high school diploma, language proficiency (in some cases), and any other required documents.
Track the status of your application: After submitting your application, you can track its status via email or the personal account provided to you.
Register with the relevant authorities at embassies and other relevant authorities.
Obtaining a visa for university study: Once you are accepted into a university, you must obtain a student visa from the German embassy in your country.
Registering with the local authorities: Upon arrival in Germany, you must register with the local authorities (such as the Foreigners' Office) to obtain international student status.
Note: You should always check the requirements of each university individually. Detailed information about the procedures can be found on the respective university's website.
Is studying in English at German universities possible?
The number of English-language programs at the diploma (bachelor's) level at German universities may be slightly lower than the number of German-language programs.
However, if you want to study for higher degrees (master's and doctorate degrees), there are many English-language programs at German universities.
Current statistics and trends at German universities show that technical fields are experiencing a significant increase in the provision of English-language study programs.
This increase reflects a growing response by universities to the growing demand for technical courses among international students. Therefore, students wishing to pursue their studies in technical fields can greatly benefit from the availability of more programs taught in English.
In any case, you should review the policies of the university you are applying to.
Types of Academic Degrees for University Study in Germany
The field of study you wish to pursue plays a role in the length of university study in Germany. Here is a general breakdown:
Bachelor's degree in Germany: A bachelor's degree typically takes 3 to 4 years to complete.
Master's degree in Germany: A master's degree typically lasts 1 to 2 years.
Doctorate degree in Germany (Ph.D.): A doctorate degree may take 3 to 5 years to complete, depending on the research and thesis.
How to Get Admitted to German Universities
Application criteria vary depending on the university and academic program. When there are a large number of applications, universities rely on several criteria to make admission decisions. These include:
GPA: A student's GPA can be one of the main criteria for admission decisions.
Standardized Test Scores: Scores on certain tests, such as the SAT or ACT, may sometimes be important.
Letters of Recommendation and Resume: Providing strong letters of recommendation and an impressive resume can play a role in the decision-making process.
Social Activities and Involvement: Universities may consider student participation in social and volunteer activities as a positive factor.
Personal Interviews: In some cases, personal interviews are conducted to assess the student's skills and adaptability.
Academic Specialization: Preference may be given to certain majors based on the needs of the university and its academic programs.
Definitions of some of the above abbreviations:
GPA: Cumulative Grade Point Average, used to measure students' academic performance. It is usually calculated on a numerical scale, such as 4.0 in the educational system, and reflects the overall average of grades over a given period.
SAT: stands for Comprehensive Assessment Test, a standardized test used in the United States to assess students' readiness for college.
ACT: Academic Achievement Test, another test used to assess students' abilities and readiness for college.
How to Calculate Your High School Diploma's GPA in Germany
In the German system, the cumulative grade point average (GPA) is calculated differently than in some other academic systems. Germany uses a performance-based grading system (ECTS – European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
In German, it is Schulnote.
The ECTS system uses a 1-5 point scale, where point values are assigned as follows:
1.0 – Excellent
1.3 – Very Good
1.7 – Good
2.0 – Good to Average
2.3 – Very Satisfactory
2.7 – Satisfactory
3.0 – Sufficient
3.3 – Very Weak
3.7 – Poor
4.0 – Very Poor
The cumulative grade point average is calculated by adding up the performance points for all courses and then dividing them by the number of courses. For example, if you have three courses:
Course 1: Good (2.0)
Course 2: Very Good (1.3)
Course 3: Excellent (1.0)
The cumulative GPA is calculated as follows:
GPA=(2.0+1.3+1.0)/3
Students should be aware of the local grading system at their university, as the calculation details may vary between universities. However, this is a general explanation of how your high school diploma is evaluated in Germany.
Some platforms that help you apply to German universities and check the recognition of your high school diploma
There are tools available to help facilitate the application process to study in Germany. Here is an overview of each one:
Uni-Assist is an application platform for international students that helps submit admission applications to German universities. You can find more information on how to apply through this platform.
– German Academic Exchange Service: DAAD provides a wealth of information about studying in Germany and the support programs available to international students. Official university websites: It is recommended to visit the relevant university websites directly for accurate information on procedures and requirements.
In some cases, you should check whether you need a preparatory year upon arrival in Germany via the website
Studieren in Deutschland – Land der Ideen study-in-germany.de.
Note for Syrians: If your high school diploma is science-based and has a score above 70% after deducting the religious mark, you are eligible to study at university without a preparatory year. Otherwise, you must complete the preparatory year before enrolling at a university.
If your high school diploma is not equivalent to a high school diploma in Germany, you need a preparatory year. Studienkolleg
The preparatory year (Studienkolleg) is a preparatory year that precedes university studies in Germany. It prepares international students for a full year to enhance their language and academic skills, especially for international students who may not meet the direct requirements for admission to higher education in Germany.
It is not limited to a specific nationality; it depends on the evaluation of the high school diploma and its compatibility with German standards. Admission to a Studienkolleg may be required in the following cases:
Unrecognized secondary school certificate: If the student's secondary school certificate is not recognized, or if there are significant limitations or differences in the curriculum between the educational system the student completed and the German system.
Incompatibility of grades: If the academic grades do not meet the admission requirements of German universities.
Application for specific majors: In some cases, admission to a Studienkolleg may be necessary when applying for certain specializations, such as medicine or engineering.
Some countries offer the option of a preparatory year in your home country, while in others, this option is not available and requires you to study in Germany.
This varies from case to case, and international students are always advised to check the admission requirements of the university or Studienkolleg they intend to attend. Universities and educational institutions in Germany can provide guidance on when admission to a Studienkolleg is necessary to prepare students for graduate programs in the country.
During the preparatory course, students learn the German language and academic subjects required for university admission in a specific field. After completing the course, students take a qualifying test (Feststellungsprüfung), which includes an examination of academic skills and German language proficiency. If a student passes this test, they are eligible to apply to university.
Checking the Feststellungsprüfung
If you are confident in your knowledge level and feel you do not need a preparatory year, you can take the Feststellungsprüfung without enrolling in a preparatory program (Studienkolleg). This allows you to test your skills and determine your readiness to study at university in Germany.
The Feststellungsprüfung is a qualifying test in the German education system. It is known as the Assessment Test in English. This test is administered to students who wish to enroll in German universities but do not hold a recognized German high school diploma (Abitur) or equivalent.
How to Calculate Your High School Diploma's GPA in Germany
In the German system, the cumulative grade point average (GPA) is calculated differently than in some other academic systems. Germany uses a performance-based grading system (ECTS – European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
In German, it is Schulnote.
1.0 – Excellent
1.3 – Very Good
1.7 – Good
2.0 – Good to Average
2.3 – Very Satisfactory
2.7 – Satisfactory
3.0 – Sufficient
3.3 – Very Weak
3.7 – Poor
4.0 – Very Poor
The cumulative grade point average is calculated by adding up the performance points for all courses and then dividing them by the number of courses. For example, if you have three courses:
Course 1: Good (2.0)
Course 2: Very Good (1.3)
Course 3: Excellent (1.0)
The cumulative GPA is calculated as follows:
GPA=(2.0+1.3+1.0)/3
Students should be aware of the local grading system at their university, as the calculation details may vary between universities. However, this is a general explanation of how your high school diploma is evaluated in Germany.
Some platforms that help you apply to German universities and check the recognition of your high school diploma
There are tools available to help facilitate the application process to study in Germany. Here is an overview of each one:
Uni-Assist is an application platform for international students that helps submit admission applications to German universities. You can find more information on how to apply through this platform.
– German Academic Exchange Service: DAAD provides a wealth of information about studying in Germany and the support programs available to international students. Official university websites: It is recommended to visit the relevant university websites directly for accurate information on procedures and requirements.
In some cases, you should check whether you need a preparatory year upon arrival in Germany via the website
Studieren in Deutschland – Land der Ideen study-in-germany.de.
Note for Syrians: If your high school diploma is science-based and has a score above 70% after deducting the religious mark, you are eligible to study at university without a preparatory year. Otherwise, you must complete the preparatory year before enrolling at a university.
If your high school diploma is not equivalent to a high school diploma in Germany, you need a preparatory year. Studienkolleg
The preparatory year (Studienkolleg) is a preparatory year that precedes university studies in Germany. It prepares international students for a full year to enhance their language and academic skills, especially for international students who may not meet the direct requirements for admission to higher education in Germany.
It is not limited to a specific nationality; it depends on the evaluation of the high school diploma and its compatibility with German standards. Admission to a Studienkolleg may be required in the following cases:
Unrecognized secondary school certificate: If the student's secondary school certificate is not recognized, or if there are significant limitations or differences in the curriculum between the educational system the student completed and the German system.
Incompatibility of grades: If the academic grades do not meet the admission requirements of German universities.
Application for specific majors: In some cases, admission to a Studienkolleg may be necessary when applying for certain specializations, such as medicine or engineering.
Some countries offer the option of a preparatory year in your home country, while in others, this option is not available and requires you to study in Germany.
This varies from case to case, and international students are always advised to check the admission requirements of the university or Studienkolleg they intend to attend. Universities and educational institutions in Germany can provide guidance on when admission to a Studienkolleg is necessary to prepare students for graduate programs in the country.
During the preparatory course, students learn the German language and academic subjects required for university admission in a specific field. After completing the course, students take a qualifying test (Feststellungsprüfung), which includes an examination of academic skills and German language proficiency. If a student passes this test, they are eligible to apply to university.
Checking the Feststellungsprüfung
If you are confident in your knowledge level and feel you do not need a preparatory year, you can take the Feststellungsprüfung without enrolling in a preparatory program (Studienkolleg). This allows you to test your skills and determine your readiness to study at university in Germany.
The Feststellungsprüfung is a qualifying test in the German education system. It is known as the Assessment Test in English. This test is administered to students who wish to enroll in German universities but do not hold a recognized German high school diploma (Abitur) or equivalent.