Study in Germany

Germany
• https://www.hochschulkompass.de/home.html
Bavaria
• https://www.study-in-bavaria.de/
• From the winter semester of 2013, there are no university tuition fees in
Bavaria. However, students still need sufficient funds to cover their living
expenses. Bavaria offers a number of grants and funding opportunities for
gifted students.
• Research Universities:
• https://www.study-in-bavaria.de/what-where/research-universities/

• Universities of Applied Sciences

• https://www.study-in-bavaria.de/what-where/universities-of-applied-sciences/
• Course Finder
• https://www.study-in-bavaria.de/what-where/study-options/course-finder/
Baden-Württemberg
• https://www.bw-studyguide.de/en/studying.html
• Since winter semester 2017/18, universities in Baden-
Württemberg charge moderate tuition fees for non-EU
international students. These fees are intended to keep the
high quality standards Baden-Württemberg is well known
for. In addition, the universities will offer increased advising
opportunities for foreign students in order to ensure that
their efforts will lead to a successful academic career in
Germany. These fees amount to 1,500 euros per semester.
Saarland
• https://www.uni-saarland.de/nc/en/home.html
• The academic study programmes offered at Saarland University are
state funded. Tuition fees are therefore not charged for first degree
courses (i.e. for all Bachelor's programmes and for the Staatsexamen
programmes studied by students wishing to qualify as teachers or to
practice certain professions such as law or medicine). There are also
no tuition fees for consecutive Master's programmes, which are
Master's degree programmes that build on the content acquired in a
Bachelor's degree in the same or related field. However, fees are
charged for conversion Master's programmes.
• https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/study/vor/programmes/first-
degree.html
Studienkolleg
Purpose
The Studienkollegs function as a “bridge” to help you adjust from the
academic culture in your home country to the academic culture in
Germany. In order to do this they offer courses specifically tailored to
international university applicants. The teachers at the Studienkollegs,
your “bridge builders”, are highly qualified and specialised experts, who
will work together with you.
International students come from different cultures and bring along
different biographies of learning. At a Studienkolleg they come together
to work out the professional and cultural requirements for a successful
course of studies in Germany. In this way the Studienkolleg functions as
a bridge between the educational system at home and the German
academic culture. The Studienkolleg organises and promotes the
learning processes needed for a successful course of studies.
Teaching Goals
• The students learn the German academic language, as it is used in the course
of studies they will follow.
• The students learn to use the terminology relevant for their course of studies.
• The students acquire the basic knowledge and methods that are specific to
their course of studies.
• The students develop individual strategies for learning.
• The students acquire social competences necessary in a different culture.
In all of this the students are individually supported and advised by the teachers
at the Studienkolleg. In this way the Studienkollegs introduce the students to
the German way of academic thinking and working and provide them with basic
knowledge specific to their course of study.
Duration
The Studienkolleg usually lasts one year and is divided into two
semesters. It is possible to shorten your attendance to one
semester for excellent achievement. If your performance is not
satisfactory, as a rule each semester can be repeated once.
Normally the Studienkolleg ends after one year with a final
assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung).
You are probably asking yourself: Isn’t that a waste of time? It would
be better to start studying right away! Our answer is: No! Scientific
studies have shown that Studienkolleg alumni study better and
more quickly than international students who did not attend a
Studienkolleg. The chances of successfully completing your studies
are much higher after attending a Studienkolleg. Take advantage of
this opportunity!
Types
There are two kinds of Studienkolleg:
• University affiliated
• You can study at a university or at a university of applied sciences
• University of applied sciences affiliated
• Can only study at a university of applied sciences

Graduates of Studienkollegs can apply to study in all of Germany.

State-run and private Studienkollegs
• State-run Studienkollegs. Are usually tuition-free and their degree is
usually valid to study anywhere in Germany.

• Private Studienkollegs. Often charge tuition and it is important that

you find out whether the private Studienkolleg you wish to study at
even offers a certificate which is valid in all of Germany.
Specialised Courses
University Studienkollegs offer the following specialised courses as
preparation for studying at university:

• M-course: for medical, biological and pharmaceutical degrees

• T-course: for mathematical, science or technical degrees
• W-course: for business, economics and social science degrees
• G-course: for humanity degrees or German studies
• S-course: for language degrees
Specialised Courses
University of applied sciences Studienkollegs boffer the following
specialised courses as preparation for studying:

• TI-course: for technical and engineering degrees

• WW-course: for economics and business degrees
• GD-course:for design and art degrees
• SW-course: for social science degrees
Costs
There is no tuition for attending a state-run Studienkolleg, although there
is usually a fee between 100 and 400 Euro per semester, depending on
the Studienkolleg.
You also need to pay for health insurance and will need to buy books and
other class material. Life in Germany is expensive. You should plan
approximately €700 per month for rent, clothes, food etc.
Usually you are not allowed to work during the semester while you are
attending the Studienkolleg. Although it is possible to work during the
semester break, it will not be enough to live on! Students do not usually
receive grants. You will need to plan to have enough to live on during your
time in Germany.
Application Process
• The application process is different for different Studienkollegs. You
can apply directly to some Studienkollegs, while others do not allow
a direct application.
• Entrance Exam. Since there are more applicants than places at the
Studienkollegs, the available spaces are usually awarded via a
ranking. In order to do this, most Studienkollegs have an entrance
exam which tests you in German language and mathematics. Many
Studienkollegs have mock exams on their websites.
• You must already have a knowledge of German at least at the B1
level of the Common European Framework.
Application Process / Steps
1. Check whether your school leaving certificate qualifies you for studies in
Germany.
2. Check whether you can start studying in Germany directly, or whether you need
to attend a Studienkolleg first.
3. Inquire at the Studienkolleg of your choice about the necessary application
documents.
4. Check whether you can apply directly to the Studienkolleg of your choice, or
whether you need to apply via uni-assist.
5. Apply for a visa at the German embassy in your home country.
6. Prepare for the entrance exam.
7. Take the entrance exam.