The world's third most powerful economy, the strongest European economy, an internationally renowned industry, and an education system that is an example for all, are just some of Germany’s strengths. In Germany the word "success" is not to be taken in vain.
Germany’s success is not only about statistics ; it is also a place where cities and nature are one, where organized work is the key to a successful life, from the plains of the north, the rivers of the Baltic, and the mountains of Bavaria. It is also a country where there are a number of old and well established universities such as Heidelberg, with a magnificant campus and a history no less rich and known by all. In addition, Germany has large and well respected research institutions that are always discovering breakthroughs, for example the world renowned Max Plank Institute.
German universities open their doors to students from around the world, and take good care of them. The German education system combines a high standard of education with an easy access to company internships, all at an affordable cost. Furthermore, they are always searching to recrute new and talented graduates from around the world. So don't miss the chance to experience this beautiful country.
Local Information:
Germans have a Northern European way of life, meaning that the pub plays an important role in a German's life. Pubs are a meeting place where the locals, and who ever happens to be passing by, can have open discussion about the local news, in a friendly environment. There is almost always a pub on each university campus.
The cradle of ecology (the term ecology first appeared in German,) Germany offers a number of possibilities to discover the countryside. Scenery varies and even in the large cities you never feel far from nature as the local authorities are always beautifying their streets and parks.
There is always time to appreciate the environment and the culture, whether you are at university or at a job. In fact, the government, in its fight to reduce the level of unemployment, whilst maintaining the German tradition of work management, has slowly allowed the number of hours of work to decrease so there can be an improvement in the quality of life. So go ahead use your free time to discover German culture. Berlin, for example, is a well known lively cultural capital with theatres, cinemas, museums, and night clubs.
Germans suffer from the false reputation that they are cold in their relationships to others. In fact Germans are the opposite, they are very open and welcoming and always try to get to know you and are always there to help you. For example when you are in Germany ask someone on the street for directions, they are most likely to take you personally to where you want to go. Relationships between students are easily formed. When you are in Germany you will not be alone or only with people of your nationality. This it is a great opportunity and environment to just dive head first into the German way of life. Climate and Seasons:
The overall climate can be described as Northern European: the winters are cold (frequently freezing) and the summers are fairly mild. The further north you go the colders it gets, however the the sea moderates the climate in the north. The further east you go, the climate and seasons are more defined: in Berlin you can sunbath during the summer, and during the winter the temperatures can be freezing and it can snow for long periods of time.
The further south you go, the milder the weather: Munich is at the foot of the Alps and during the summer you can have very nice days while snow can still be seen on the mountain peaks. Distances: Germany is the second largest European country in terms of land mass. A plane can be a means of transportation if you wanted to travel from Cologne to Berlin or even from Munich to Hamburg. The railway system is one of the best managed in the world. It covers the entire country since the West and East were united. The ‘Inter City Express’ is the most important component of the railway system: it travels at over 250 km/h.
The motorway system, the "autobahn," is especially well managed and organized in the Western part of the country. There are no strictly inforced speed limits: so this is the domain of the large cars which are the pride of the national industry. However, in the part of Germany that used to be the East, a lot of work needs to be done. There are no tolls on the motorways. Practical information: currency: Deutsche Mark (DM) exchange rate on 15 April 2001: 1 DM = 0,511Euro = 0,459 $US Telephone: 00 + 49 + number
For further information also see www.audimax.de that provides a comprehensive list of Who is Who in the German educational system.
The students community Unifish.de is where about 30.000 students from
Nuremberg, Forth and Erlangen can meet in an unique and innovative environment.
Led by the motto "from students for students" you find hints for leisure activities, job search and much more.
Cost of Living :
One of the best parts about living in Germany, is that you do not have to spend a fortune to live in one of the older European countries. A budget of per month US$ 596 is a reasonable amount, so for one university year it would come to about US$ 5400.
Organization :
German higher education institutions are for the most part public. The university (Universität, "Uni" abreviated) is the busiest higher education institution, where the departments teach classic university degrees (law, business, social sciences, mathematics, philosophy, etc) and there are separate departments that teach degrees such as economics, history, etc. Future scientists and engineers also attend university but their departments have different names: Technische Universität (TU) or Technische Hochschule (TU). For degrees in the arts, the higher education is taught in academies such as the fine arts and music.
One can also find a similar system, that was developed in the 1970s, called Fachhochschulen. These institutions teach disciplines that are more specialized and are combined with internships and hands-on experience. Today 1 / 3 of German students attend these schools of which 22,000 are foreigners.
The Medizinische or Tiermedizinesche Hochschulen (MH ou TH) teaches future doctors and veterinarians. Degrees such as natural science, computer science, graphics, ... are also taught under the Hochschule institutes. Business studies are taught in public universities as well as in private higher education institutions. All of them award the much sought after Diplom-Kaufmann.
There are some Hochschulen schools that are private and there are some other higher education insitutes that are either protestant or catholic.
There are about 300 higher education institutes in Germany.
Universities are autonomous according to a charter which they sign with the Land where they are located, and are financed by these federal states. Due to this, there are some differences in the teaching system from one insitution to another. Germany is a federal country and each state (Land or Lander if plural) have certain particularities. Therefore a university in Bavaria can be different to one in Saxe. University Calendar:
There is no official university calendar. Courses are generally taught in semesters: winter semester could start from mid-October to mid-February, and summer semester could start from mid-April to mid-July. It is normal to have a long period of time without any courses. Teaching language (Language of Courses):
Courses are taught in German, however courses taught in English are becoming more common.
Information reviewed by the DAAD
(German Academic exchange Service)
Tution & Fees :
One of the great things about the German education system is that it is public, therefore the cost of studying is not overwhelming.
Public universities in Germany do not have tuition fees. The only required payment is a social tax (Sozialbeitrag) which funds the activities of the Studentenwerk and the ASTA (which is the national representative of students). This social tax generally includes the price of a public transportation ticket that is valid for one semester (it is better to pay taxes than have to pay a tuition fee). For example, if you were to go to the University of Cologne you would have to pay a social tax of US$ 89.50 per semester. The tax rates can range (US$ 13.77 to 45.90). If you do not pay the taxes you are not allowed to attend university. You are also obliged to pay for health insurance which can cost around (US$ 41) per month.
Information reviewed by the DAAD
(German Academic exchange Service)
Admission Requirements:
Information reviewed by the DAAD
(German Academic exchange Service)
Visa Information:
If you are a part of the European Union or one under an agreement with Germany (Honduras, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, USA) then you do not need a visa. All other countries need a visa in order to enter Germany. You must apply for one in either the German embassy or consulate in your country.
A student visa is given once the applicant proves that they have been accepted to study in Germany and that they can afford their stay. An acceptance of study can also include admission to a Studienkolleg or a German language course.
The entrance visa is generally valid for 3 months. Once a student has arrived into Germany and has started studying they must then apply for a long duration residence permit. Never come to Germany on a tourist visa. A tourist visa cannot be made into a student visa. Documents needed when applying for a student visa:
- 2 print outs of the application + 2 identity photographs
- a valid passport
- letter of acceptance from a German university
- a letter stating that the applicant has a guardian who is a resident of Germany
- certificate showing that you are taking German language courses
- certificate that proves you have completed secondary education
- last report card
- visa fee
Declaration of residency (Anmeldung):
Everybody that resides in Germany must register their presence in the country within 8 days of arrival, at the Domicile Declaration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt). The declaration form, which can be found in a stationary store, must be signed by the interested party (renter) and the owner of the property. If you have to move while in the country, you must then declare this situation to the Einwohnermeldeamt within 8 days stating your new address. If you stay in a hotel or an inn for less than 2 months, then you do not need to worry about the declaration of residency.
The administrative obligations can be a real headache at the beginning of your stay. Do not get discouraged and if you need help ask the foreign students office at the university.
The world's third most powerful economy, the strongest European economy, an internationally renowned industry, and an education system that is an example for all, are just some of Germany’s strengths. In Germany the word "success" is not to be taken in vain.
Germans have a Northern European way of life, meaning that the pub plays an important role in a German's life. Pubs are a meeting place where the locals, and who ever happens to be passing by, can have open discussion about the local news, in a friendly environment. There is almost always a pub on each university campus.
