Why to Study in Germany

German universities, dispersed all over the country, form a web of higher education institutions (numbering over 300) with the density unparalleled anywhere in the world. Conveniently located near focal points of interaction between industrial plants and scientific/technological research centers, these universities provide opportunities that seldom exist elsewhere for students: find employment upon graduation and live & work in the same city where they studied.

Academic standards at German universities are top-notch; not only are the renowned technical institutes, such as TU Darmstadt, RWTH Aachen, and others, ranked as some of the best in the world, but the study courses offered in a variety of other disciplines such as: medicine, law, social sciences, arts etc., are highly acclaimed internationally.

The three preeminent funding sources for research projects at German universities are: German Government, the industrial sector, and the European Union; having this giant pool of funding to draw from, researchers from a wide variety of disciplines have virtually limitless possibilities to conduct research and come up with innovative solutions in their respective fields.

Although the vast majority of courses offered by German universities are predominantly German taught, there are, due to a growing demand and a steady rise in the influx of foreign students, various universities that are switching to English taught courses, today numbering a total of over 350 university courses taught in English. These courses, offered across the spectrum of disciplines, are internationally recognized, a fact which lays to rest whatever concerns foreign students may have about the validity of their degrees earned in Germany.

The vast majority of universities and colleges in Germany are state-financed, and as of October 2014 literally free of charge meaning that there are no tuition fees whatsoever charged in all public universities throughout the country. Just as in the past, higher education in Germany has become virtually free again– the tuition fees are entirely waived for all students regarding undergraduate studies.

In the last couple of years, some changes have taken place in this regard; a relatively low tuition fee has been charged (the amount, rarely exceeding €500 per semester, was set by respective Federal States) on the excuse of it being necessary to maintain the facilities and the general quality of services. However even with these tuition fees higher education was still significantly less expensive than in most other developed western countries, and with many student benefits and discounts available across the board, the total living costs for students in Germany can be kept well below €1000 per month.

In 2014 the decision has been made however; tuition fees for undergraduates have been waived making it even more affordable to pursuit a degree in Germany.

Studying at a German university could be your first step towards a career in Germany. Because German companies are looking for university graduates in a variety of sectors – especially in the fields of engineering, medicine, the life sciences and information technology.

You are advised to build contacts with suitable companies – for example by means of an internship – during your course of study. With your German degree, you can score points with internationally operating companies, since by moving to Germany you have proven that you are flexible and keen to learn, and that you are at ease in an international environment.

Studying in Germany can also pay off financially. Just remember that salaries differ from sector to sector and the amount depends on different factors such as the need on the labour market for certain qualifications or professional experience. On average, university graduates aged between 25 and 30 earned a gross salary of 3,537 euros in 2010. Salaries usually rise the more professional experience you have, and so the 30-35 age category were earning an average gross salary of 4,768 euros a month. Students of mathematical and technical subjects, including information technology, have better salary prospects compared with the average for graduates.

Life in Germany is very good. If you study here, you will not only find Europe’s most dynamic economy. Germany is also a very safe country, with a high standard of living, a rich cultural history and a very diverse population.

The country also has an excellent infrastructure at the centre of Europe as well as numerous opportunities for recreational activities.

Also, at university you can do much more than just study: you can join a university sports club or theatre group, or engage in social or political activities. You can also go to university parties, music festivals, to the cinema or to night clubs with other students. You will soon make friends and through them get to know the country where you are studying even better.

Regardless of the free tuition fee policy, studying in Germany doesn’t come entirely for free – you still need to meet the living costs. Therefore many international students tend to look for a job to support themselves while studying. 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.

Students from countries outside of the EU, EEA or Switzerland are not permitted to work freelance or self-employed. However, this has seldom been an issue since Germany is a very well-developed country where the economy supports thousands of new jobs every day, giving the majority of international students the possibility of finding a decent job.

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.

German education institutions give out a lot of financial support and scholarships to international students on the basis of merit. So, if you are a bright student, you can rid yourself of the worry of any monetary problems. Student benefits and discounts come to an overseas student’s rescue.3.

There is an abundance of colleges and courses to choose from. This is a major reason to study in Germany. You can find numerous college-course combinations which are sure to provide an internationally acclaimed study experience. With more than 12 thousand courses and programs, a student can zero in on the course best suited to her/him.4.

Universities like Heidelberg University, Technical University of Berlin, University of Bonn, among others, have a global standing when it comes to the top universities of Germany. Many German universities made it to the top 200 universities according to QS and Times Higher Education (THE) rankings. The status of German colleges is in itself a mark of quality.5.

Do you want to study in Germany but cannot speak German? Well, don’t worry! Many German universities teach their curricula in English, especially during the first year of one’s college life. This flexibility pertaining to language medium is a good reason to study in Germany. Not only the study material and lectures are in English, the notices and circulars are issued in both the languages, to facilitate non-German speakers.6.

What better place to learn German than Germany itself? Multilingualism is a valued skill in the job market today, and German is a language that adds weight to your profile. Not only German, the large numbers of international students bring with them their own native communication systems, which indisputably create an aura of linguistic heterogeneity.

Germany has a brilliant profile of international students, coming from ALL countries – no matter how big or small. A variety of cultures provide the context for development of interest in other cultures and also a sensitized approach towards world cultures. It is a great multicultural learning center.

Germany entices its students to stay, after their study completion, with its high-paying and secure job market. A whopping 50 percent of international students remain in the country to serve the German workplaces.

Germany has a wide quantity of pastime activities centers like opera houses, movie theaters, multiplexes, food and beverage outlets, museums, monuments with impeccable architecture, discotheques et cetera.

With its high quality, internationally recognized, subsidized education which helps you find promising employment in the country itself, Germany is a holistic, self-sufficient package in itself, and the perfect answer to ‘Why Study in Germany?’

With its high quality, internationally recognized, subsidized education which helps you find promising employment in the country itself, Germany is a holistic, self-sufficient package in itself, and the perfect answer to ‘Why Study in Germany?’