Study programs in Germany are becoming more and more popular for students who want to pursue higher education in a diverse and dynamic country. Germany offers various study programs in various fields and disciplines, from engineering and natural sciences to arts and humanities. However, finding the right study program and university in Germany can be challenging, especially for those who are not familiar with the German higher education system. There are so many things to consider ranging from the language the course is offered in, requirements for international students, all the way to where is it located and whether will you adapt in that city or town?

In this blog post, we will provide some guidance and tips on how to find a study program in Germany that suits your interests, goals, and qualifications.

Types of Universities in Germany

There are three main types of higher education institutions in Germany:

1. Universities
2. Universities of Applied Sciences
3. Academies of arts, music, and film.   

Each type of institution has its own focus, degree offerings, and admission requirements.

Universities (German: Universität) are research-oriented institutions that focus on theoretical and scientific knowledge. They offer a wide range of subjects, including medicine, law, pharmacy, and teaching. They are the only type of institution that can award doctorate degrees.

Universities of applied sciences (German: Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften or Fachhochschule) are practice-oriented institutions that focus on the application of scientific knowledge to real-world problems. They offer subjects such as engineering, business, social work, and media. They usually include mandatory internships and project courses in their curricula. They can award bachelor’s and master’s degrees, but not doctorate degrees.

Academies of arts, music, and film (German: Kunst-, Musik-, Filmhochschule) are artistic institutions that offer training and education in fields such as fine arts, design, architecture, theater, music, and film. They require applicants to demonstrate their artistic talent and potential in an entrance examination. They can award bachelor’s, master’s, and in some cases, doctorate degrees, as well as artistic degrees.

Factors to consider while choosing a University in Germany:

Many factors can influence your decision on which university and study program to choose in Germany. Some of the most important ones are:

Language

The language of instruction can vary depending on the type of institution and the study program. Most programs are taught in German, but what many people don’t know is that you can find many programs from many disciplines offered in English as well. This is especially true at the master’s level.  Here# is a tip: you should check the language requirements for each program and make sure you have the necessary language skills and certificates before applying.

Location

Germany is a large and diverse country, with different regions, cities, and cultures. You should consider the location of the university and the study program in terms of the climate, the cost of living, the transportation, the social and cultural activities, and the safety. You should also think about the distance and the accessibility to your home country and other places you want to visit.

 Reputation

The reputation of the university and the study program can affect the quality of education, the research opportunities, the employability, and the recognition of your degree. You can check the ranking lists, the accreditation status, the alumni network, and the feedback from current and former students to get an idea of the reputation of the university and the study program.

Program Specialization

 The program specialization refers to the specific focus and content of the study program. You should choose a program that matches your academic background, your professional goals, and your personal interests. You should also consider the curriculum, the teaching methods, the learning outcomes, and the assessment methods of the program.

Tuition fees and scholarships

The tuition fees and the availability of scholarships can vary depending on the type of institution, the study program, and your nationality. In general, public universities do not charge tuition fees for bachelor’s and consecutive master’s programs, but they may charge a small administrative fee per semester. Private universities and non-consecutive master’s programs may charge tuition fees, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros per semester. There are also many scholarships and grants available for international students, offered by various organizations and foundations. You should research the tuition fees and the scholarship options for each program and apply for them in advance.

How to find a study program in Germany

Several websites can help you find and compare study programs in Germany. Some of the most useful ones are:

– Higher Education Compass (German: Hochschulkompass) is a website that provides information on more than 20,000 study programs offered by state and state-recognized universities in Germany. You can search by subject, degree, location, language, and admission requirements.

– My GUIDE is a website that helps you find a suitable study program in Germany based on your academic background and interests. You can check your eligibility and find information to contact the university directly.

– DAAD International Programmes is a database that lists bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral study programs that are internationally oriented and internationally accredited. You can search by subject, degree, location, language, and tuition fees.

– Studyoda is a website that offers a comprehensive portal to kickstart your study dream in Germany. You can explore extensively curated courses and universities, compare them, bookmark them, and track your application. You can also use useful functions such as grade converter, notes, and tasks.

Additional tips for finding Study Programs:

Here are some pro tips that can help you navigate this process and increase your chances of getting admitted to your desired study program:

– Reach out to alumni: Alumni can be a valuable source of information and advice for prospective students. They can share their experiences, insights, and tips about a study program, as well as offer guidance and support. You can find and contact alumni through various channels, such as the University’s career services office, social media groups, or online platforms like LinkedIn. When reaching out to alumni, you should introduce yourself, explain how you got their contact information, and be specific with what you are asking for.

– Check out the study program website: The study program website is the official and most updated source of information about the program. You should check the website to learn more about the program’s objectives, curriculum, admission requirements, application process, deadlines, fees, scholarships, and contact details. You can also find useful links, resources, and testimonials from current and former students. The study program website can help you decide if the program is suitable for you and prepare your application materials.

– Attend info sessions: Info sessions are events where you can get more information about the study program and the university from the representatives, faculty, and staff. You can attend info sessions either online or in person, depending on the availability and your preference. Info sessions can help you understand the program better, ask questions, and interact with other interested applicants. You can also make a good impression on the program coordinators and show interest and enthusiasm.

We hope this blog post has given you some useful information and tips on how to find a study program in Germany. We wish you all the best in your studies in Germany! 😊