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Studying in Germany

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A Good Choice

Philologische Bibliothek der FU Berlin
Philologische Bibliothek der FU Berlin © dpa-Zentralbild

If you’re looking to study or research abroad, why not come to Germany, Land of Ideas? Higher education in Germany stands for numerous innovations, increasing internationality and strong support for cutting-edge research. Many degree programmes have already been converted into internationally recognised bachelor’s and master’s as part of the Bologna Process, and the trend is continuing. Among them are a large number of joint programmes run in collaboration with universities in other countries, as well as more than 1,000 programmes offered in English that take an international approach and are aimed particularly at international students. And the benefits of German universities don’t stop there: you’ll find quality service, good support and no tuition fees.

A varied higher education landscape

Prospective students will find high-quality programmes all over Germany that will cater for their particular interests and needs. Our 423 institutes of higher education, including universities and colleges of applied sciences, fine arts, education, theology and public administration, offer a huge choice of subjects and degree courses. There’s something for everyone in the complete spectrum of disciplines: languages, media studies, cultural studies, law, economics, the social sciences, art, music, theatre, design, medicine, agriculture, forestry, home economics and nutrition science. For every interest, you’ll find a corresponding course. Use the selection assistant to help you choose: www.study-in-germany.de

Studierende Lehramt an Universität Leipzig
Studierende Lehramt an Universität Leipzig © dpa-Zentralbild
Many scholarships available

When it comes to organising and funding a period of study or research in Germany, your most important point of contact is the German Academic Exchange Service. Better known by its German acronym, DAAD, it is the world’s biggest funding organisation for international exchanges among students and academic staff. In 2015, the DAAD provided academic and research funding to more than 131,000 Germans and foreigners. There is a vast array of funding programmes that can provide the effective, tailored help that prospective exchange candidates need to embark on a stay in Germany. This might be a classic PhD scholarship, a grant for a relatively short research visit or a scholarship for a year, a semester or just a brief stay. A number of foundations in Germany also award scholarships. Beneficiaries are selected in line with the foundations’ own criteria and specific remits.

Doctoral students and other academics or scientists interested in university research at the highest level will find those German universities particularly relevant that have been successful in the Excellence Initiative. Forty-five graduate schools, forty-three clusters of excellence and eleven universities’ institutional strategies secured the five years of funding attached to that recognition in 2012. More information is available here: https://www.bmbf.de/


Scholarships

There are numerous ways to obtain a scholarship for study in Germany. We have compiled the most important information for you here:

Federal Foreign Office Information on scholarships for foreign students
DAAD scholarship databank


Higher Education in Germany

Germany is an increasingly attractive place in which to study, offering international degrees such as Bachelor and Master degrees, courses taught in English and a system which enables credits for attendance and examination passes to be accumulated and transferred. The following websites provide more information for foreign students, who plan to study in Germany.

Higher Education in Germany
Study in Germany
The German Education Server
German Rectors' Conference
Research in Germany
German institutes of Technology


Recognition of School Qualifications

Students who wish to study in Germany are advised to consult with their perspective university's External Relations or International Students Office (or similar) regarding the recognition of their school qualifications when obtained outside Germany. For more information about the recognition of school qualifications in Germany, click on the following links:

Recognition in Germany
Infoportal on Foreign Educational Qualifications (Anabin)


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