University
Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international students because of the excellence of its higher education institutions and the huge range of degree courses on offer, in all subject areas.
Education is not regulated at national level in Germany: each of the 16 federal states has its own regulations and systems. In addition, universities in Germany are very independent, so the deadlines for both admission and applications vary from university to university.
There are three types of higher education institutions in Germany.
- Universities
- Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen)
- Universities of Art, Film and Music Education (Kunst-, Film- und Musikhochschulen)
Germany also participated in the so-called Bologna Process, which reformed the different European university systems, harmonising and unifying them by dividing university studies into three cycles:
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Doctorate
Access to university in Germany: EU citizens must have a qualification entitling them to enrol in a degree course in their country of origin. EU university students do not need a residence permit or visa.
Nationals of EEA countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are subject to the same regulations as EU citizens.
Reference portals:
An overview of degree courses in Germany can be found on the page "Study opportunities in Germany" of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD - Deutschen Akademischen Austauschdienst)
The Study-in.de website provides information in German and English on living and studying in Germany. The site contains a blog with the experiences and advices from foreign students in Germany.
The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Deutschland is an international non-profit student association, whose main objective is to provide activities and services for international students. The portal can be useful to get in touch with other foreigners.