Germany for decades has been a front-runner in many of the world’s greatest achievements in the spheres of art and science, hence the role of Germany in every academic discipline has a long and outstanding tradition of success stories at home and internationally. In addition to this, the nationwide abolishment of tuition fees for local and international students alike offering free world-class degrees for every prospective student has helped catapult Germany to the very top as the ideal destination to study in Europe.
Little wonder why many students from all parts of the world are surprised to the fact that every other country have not followed in Germany’s footstep to make such a convenient move as Germany. However, the removal of tuition fees is not the only benefit of studying in Germany. In fact there are numerous benefits to studying in Germany but this article highlights seven (7) important benefits of studying in Germany. Let’s go through the perks studying in Germany has to offer to international students…
1. Tuition free education at all public universities in Germany
The government funds higher education in Germany and as such is it free of charge literally for both locals and international students alike. The higher education system in Germany consists of about 400 institutions, which is divided into public ‘tuition free’ institutions which accounts for 2.4 million students across Germany, and a small number of private institutions that enroll less than 5% of the total student population.
Germany in the past decades has been struggling politically to abolish tuition fees across the whole country; due to its decentralised form of government, it had been a chore to get all its 16 federations to come to a consensus. Finally, in October 2014, an agreement was reached and Germany as a whole now offers free access to higher education to all students irrespective of their nationality.
2. World-class staff members and Ultra-modern infrastructure
Three different types of institutions make up the higher education system in Germany. They are:
- Universities
- Universities of applied sciences
- Technical, art, film and music colleges
Many public universities in Germany are very old, dating back to the middle ages. This bars a significant tradition of qualitative education and famous names in various academic disciplines.
Universities in Germany are known to excel in both infrastructure and curricula. Optimal facilities providing contemporary technology, and a diversified professional staff that contributes to compounding an enlightening curricula, ensure promising future generations of experts regardless of the discipline. Innovation, international cooperation and practice-oriented studies are considered to be the revolutionary roads to a world-class education.
3. Globally recognized degrees
Universities in Germany now all operate under the Bologna reform, which ensures all students get a unified and internationally recognized degree such as bachelor’s, masters or PhD.
- BA/B.Sc equals 6 semesters of study
- MA/M.Sc equals to 2-4 semesters, depending on the program
- PhD equals 4-6 semesters, depending on the program
This applies to most academic disciplines, except for medicine, law and pharmacy. In these subjects students are still educated in the traditional way; a state exam is conducted at the end of studies, and the course lasts a few more semesters than an ordinary bachelor’s degree.
4. Numerous courses taught in English
Studying in Germany not only comes for free, but you can also do it in English if your German language skills are not so good. English is an international and widely spoken language, taught as a second language in the majority of schools around the world. A fresh start in a new country, a new university AND a new language can be tougher than you think; therefore you might want to go easy on yourself and take up an international program taught in English while your German language skills advance, and then perhaps switch to studying in Germany.
5. Great job opportunities
Although universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, studying in Germany is not totally free – there are some costs you will incur during your studies such as living costs. It is very easy for EU students to find a job, as there are no limitations whatsoever. Meanwhile students from non-EU countries have to apply for a work permit, and their working hours are limited to 190 full days or 240 half days per year.
It’s worth mentioning that practice-oriented universities in Germany have agreements with great companies, providing students with internships. These may not always be paid, but could lead to a great future job after obtaining your degree.
6. An opportunity to explore all facets of life in Germany
Student life in Germany thrives on adrenaline and curiosity. German people are friendly but give you privacy; mutual respect and order are part of the daily routine; and cultural diversity is worth exploring in every inch of the country, as it makes you feel part of one entity rather than a total stranger.
Another true advantage to life in Germany is the excellent public transport, which is efficient, safe and fast. As an additional perk of studying in Germany, you get a travel card for free by paying enrollment and administrative taxes that are ridiculously low.
7. Remaining in Germany after completing your studies
Finally, after completing your study in Germany, you’ll have the opportunity to stay on and seek work after you graduate. The law allows international graduates to stay for an additional 18 months to seek work, and you may even end up staying longer, if that is what you wish.