EUROPE has the world’s most flexible education system, students can study their area of interest as specialization. As the education system of EUROPE is not centralized each institute can determine its program and admission standards. Lateral movement in the education system is possible any time.
Each year more than 25,000 international students choose Germany for study and research. They are attracted by international study programmes and excellent research opportunities. In addition, studying in Germany means being part of an international, high qualified community.
Home to 82 million inhabitants, Germany is a land of diverse beauty, historical splendor and state-of-the-art innovation. If you are looking to fulfill your Alpine fantasies then the country’s bewitching scenery is sure to satisfy, and those drawn to Germany’s cities will experience the new pinnacle of cool in Europe. Tradition coexists with techno in these pulsating centers of culture and counterculture where you can gorge on Bratwurst and Stollen cake by day and sweat in industrial clubs by night.
A global forerunner in industry and technology, Germany is a highly developed country with an excellent standard of living and a social market economy widely considered to be one of the most efficient in the world. Germany is also known the world-over for its cultural contributions – you will find everything from the high-brow to the underground across the nation’s sixteen dynamic states. From the beer halls of Bavaria to the industrial heartland of Westphalia, undertaking your education in Germany provides the ultimate opportunity to experience a corner of Europe which is both old-world and à la mode.
Continuously the home of influential and successful writers, artists, philosophers, musicians, scientists, engineers and sportspeople, few countries have had as much impact on the world as Das Land der Dichter und Denker (‘The Land of Poets and Thinkers’), and an education in Germany places you right in the center of this veritable nerve center of economy, industry and culture.
Capital: Berlin
Currency: Euro (€)
Population: 82 million
Area: 357,168 km²
Students: 2,500,000 (250,000 international)
Academic Year: October – March, April – September
Languages: German
Call code: +49
Germany’s institutions of higher education are internationally accredited – according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), 6 of the top 100 and 18 of the top 200 universities in the world are German. Studying here will place you among some of the oldest and most established universities in the world, as well as some of the newest and most innovative.
Public and Private Universities
There are 400 public universities in Germany, which are attended by 95% of the university student population. These institutions are state funded, meaning that students do not pay tuition fees (apart from a small administrative cost at the start of each semester). There are also around 120 private institutions which do not receive government funding and are not state regulated, meaning that they set their own tuition fees.
The Bologna System
Higher education in Germany recently converted to the three-tier degree system of the European Higher Education Area established under the Bologna System. Rather than the old one-tier ‘long’ programs, Germany now offers undergraduate courses which result in a Bachelor’s degree, and postgraduate courses which result in a Master’s or PhD (Doctorate). This system is designed to be the same throughout Europe, facilitating international educational mobility and enhancing flexibility in educational objectives.
Undergraduate Education
The German higher education system differentiates between different types of universities for different disciplines:
Postgraduate Education
Master’s degrees are taught courses (unlike PhDs which are research-oriented), and usually last two years (four semesters). They are either ‘consecutive’ or ‘non-consecutive’. Consecutive Master’s programs build upon an obtained Bachelor’s – they follow on from a related undergraduate degree and do not ordinarily charge fees. Non-consecutive programs focus on a more specialized area of study. These courses may charge fees, and are more likely to require professional or practical experience on top of an undergraduate degree.
Public universities
As of 2014 German universities are fully funded by the German government, meaning that neither home nor international students pay tuition fees. Students need only to pay a fee of around 60-200 EUR per semester for administrative, travel and food facilities. This has greatly increased Germany’s population as a destination for studying abroad – it is now the world’s third leading destination for international study.
Private universities
Private institutions do not receive subsidization from the government and are therefore dependent on tuition fees. These are not regulated by the government and can cost up to 20,000 EUR per year. This fluctuates depending on institution of study and chosen degree program – engineering or business degrees are usually higher in cost than social sciences, for instance.
Master’s programs
Master’s courses in Germany are either ‘consecutive’, meaning that they follow directly on from a related Bachelor’s degree, or ‘non-consecutive’, meaning that they are standalone courses in a more specialized area. Consecutive courses are usually free of charge in Germany for home, EU and international students. Non-consecutive Master’s courses can cost up to around 5000 EUR per year for public universities, and up to 30,000 EUR per year for private universities.
PhD programs
For the first six semesters of study, tuition fees do not apply for Doctorate programs at public universities. However, as with Master’s and Bachelor’s options, PhD students are required to make a contribution of no more than 300 EUR per semester.
Scholarships
For students who struggle to meet the financial criteria for their chosen degree, the Federal Student Financial Aid Program (Bundesausbildungsforderungsgesetz or BAföG) can be accessed by both German nationals and EU students, as well as international students under some circumstances. Half of this takes the form of a state-grant and the other half is an interest-free loan that is gradually paid back.
Many Indian students, along with other international students, make plans to go to American universities for college-level education, as some colleges of the U.S.A. are ranked among the top universities in the world. But coming to colleges in the U.S.A. involves more than being accepted academically as a student; it also involves dealing with the legal and governmental aspects of traveling to the U.S.A.As an Indian student intending to study in the U.S.A., you will need to acquire a U.S.A. student visa from a U.S. Embassy near you. The U.S. Embassies in India are located in New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai. The process for obtaining a U.S. student visa from one of these embassies might seem long and complicated, but the more you are prepared and the faster you put together your documentation, the quicker you will be able to start your adventure at a U.S.A. university.
The type of visa granted to you will depend on the purpose of your visit to the U.S. For academic purposes, students will need to obtain an F-class U.S.A. student visa. These visas cover students planning to pursue full-time degree programs at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
FQA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: There are so many schools in the U.S. How do I decide which schools to apply to?
A: Research your options and define your priorities. Contact the EducationUSA advising center nearest you and browse college search engines online. Check to see if the schools your are considering are accredited.
Q: What’s the difference between a college and a university?
A: Colleges offer only undergraduate degrees while universities offer graduate degrees as well, but the terms are often used interchangeably.
Q: Are there age limitations to attend U.S. universities?
A: In general, you must have completed high school and you must be at least 17 years of age.
Q: What is the academic calendar for universities in the United States?
A: The academic year usually runs from August through May with breaks for holidays. Most universities use either the semester system (two terms), the quarter system (students attend three out of four total terms), or the trimester system (three terms).
Q: What is the difference between “Undergraduate” and “Graduate” degrees?
A: Undergraduate programs follow high school and lead to an associate (two-year) degree or a bachelor (four-year) degree. Graduate programs follow a bachelor’s degree and lead to a master’s or doctoral degree.
Q: What are the different types of undergraduate degrees?
A: Associate: a two-year program that either leads to a specific vocation or transitions to a bachelor program. Bachelor: a four or five-year program where students earn credits in a wide variety of courses.
Q: What are the different types of graduate degrees?
A: Masters: two-year degree providing additional specialization. Doctorate: five to eight-year program certifying the student as a trained research scholar and/or professor.
Q: Is it possible to take a professional degree program without first earning a bachelor’s degree?
A: Yes, but they are highly selective and require a heavy courseload across a total of six years of study.
Q: Is it possible to obtain a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree at the same time?
A: In a joint-degree program, students begin a graduate program in their fourth year of college, earning both degrees upon graduation.
Q: What is the length of study for MBA programs in the U.S.?
A: MBA programs typically last one to two years.
Q: Can you work while studying in the United States?
A: With permission of the International Student Office, international students may work on campus up to 20 hours/week their first year and can apply to work off-campus in subsequent years.
Q: What is the difference between online studies and distance studies?
A: Essentially there is no difference.
Q: What is distance education?
A: Distance education occurs when a student and an instructor are in different places. Learning occurs by mail, telephone, internet, or by other means.
Q: Is distance learning available at the graduate level?
A: Yes. To find accredited online distance learning programs, please search the Distance Education Accrediting Commission website.
Q: Can I transfer to a U.S. university from a university outside of the United States?
A: Yes, although you may lose some credits and require extra time to complete your degree.
Q: What is the transfer application process?
A: You must fulfill the requirements of a freshman applicant, as well as any supplemental information required by the transfer institution.
Q: What is a community college?
A: Community colleges are typically state-supported and provide the first two years of a four-year undergraduate degree.
Q: Why should I attend community college?
A: Community colleges offer lower costs, easier admission policies, close ties to state schools,and many of the required courses connected to a degree.
Q: How do you transfer from a community college to a four-year university?
A: The transfer process varies for each school. It is best to target the four-year institution early and determine what is needed to transfer.
Q: How can I find out if an institution is accredited?
A: Search the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Post-secondary Education website to see if an institution is accredited.
Q: How can I find out if a specialized program of study is accredited?
A: For specialized program accreditation, see “Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education,” available from American Council on Education.
Q: How can I find out which universities are rated best for a specific academic major?
A: Refer to college and university guides to find which institutions are known for excellence in different fields of study.
Q: What are English language proficiency requirements?
A: U.S. universities require an English language proficiency test before admission to ensure you can read, write, and speak fluently.
Q: I want to study in the United States, but my English proficiency isn’t good enough yet. What can I do?
A: There are a number of programs for English language study in the United States and online, as well as local possibilities.
Q: Do students have to study a fixed set of subjects or can they individually form their major?
A: It depends: Some degree programs are highly structured. Bachelors’ degrees are very flexible and sometimes allow you to create your own program.
Q: When do you declare a major?
A: You do not declare a major until the end of you second year of school.
Q: What is a liberal arts college?
A: A liberal arts college offers courses in humanities, languages, math, social and natural sciences, and students take 25-50% of their courses in their major.
Q: What are the benefits of a liberal arts education?
A: A liberal arts college offers a smaller setting and teaches critical thinking and communication skills necessary in an ever-changing job market.
Q: What is the credit system in U.S. universities?
A: A credit is a value assigned to each course which reflects the number of hours the class will meet with the professor each week.
Q: What is a GPA?
A: Grade Point Average (GPA) is a numeric indicator for a student’s academic performance, calculated on a scale of 4.0.
Q: What is the U.S. grading system?
A: Letter grades indicate a student’s academic performance. Each letter grade has a numeric value which is used to calculate a GPA, on a scale of 4.0.
Q: How are grades determined in U.S. universities?
A: Grades are typically determined by quizzes, midterms, final exams, papers, projects, class attendance, and class participation.
Q: What is the difference between state and private universities?
A: State universities are funded by the state and are generally larger and less expensive than private universities.
Q: Are there opportunities for university exchange programs?
A: Contact the office responsible for international programs at your institution to ask if your school has exchange agreements with U.S. universities.
Q: How can an international student find out what academic subjects from their country are acceptable for a U.S. university?
A: Each U.S. university will want to review an international student’s subjects and may ask the student to contact a credential evaluation agency.
Q: How can I apply for vocational training in the United States?
A: U.S. institutions cannot issue I-20 forms for non-degree study, including vocational training. Community colleges offer technical/vocational study for an associate’s degree.
Q: What’s the best general advice for an incoming student?
A: Attend the closest EducationUSA advising center’s predeparture orientation. Then, when you arrive on campus, attend all orientation meetings scheduled at your college or university.
What to do before the visa interview for study in the U.S.A. ?
Make sure that you complete Form DS-160 before the interview for your U.S. student visa. After completing Form DS-160, print out the confirmation page with the barcode on a laser printer. Then, go to an approved HDFC bank in order to pay the visa application fee. Save the receipt from the payment.
should also make sure that you have the I-120 form, which is a form issued by colleges in the U.S.A. for affirming enrollment, and you should make sure to pay the I-901 fee online through the U.S. Immigration and Customs enforcement website. Save the receipt.
Finally, make an appointment for a U.S.A. student visa interview through the VFS website. This will require you to have your DS-160 barcode number and your HDFC fee receipt.
What to bring to the U.S. student visa interview ?
When interviewing for your U.S.A. student visa, make sure not to arrive earlier than 15 minutes before your appointed time, and bring the following documents with you:
Germany has the fourth largest economy in the world (after the US, China and Japan) and the largest economy of any European Union (EU) country. It also has the biggest population of any EU member state and is a major industrial power; it is one of the world’s biggest and most technologically advanced producers of machinery, vehicles and chemicals. All of this is supported by a highly skilled workforce. There are plenty of opportunities for UK graduates to experience life in Germany, whether by starting or developing their careers in the country, teaching English, or taking part in a volunteering programme or study scheme.
The single most successful German industry is mechanical engineering, which is dominated by small rather than large companies. Only around 3% of the German companies working in this sector have more than 1,000 employees. Electrical engineering, automotive manufacturing and the chemical industry are also crucially important to the strength of the German economy.
Medical equipment and pharmaceutical goods are key exports, as are electrical goods, which range from commercial lighting to nanotechnology products and household appliances. Germany has also invested heavily in green energy and related technology, especially solar and wind energy.
There are many considerations that affect a student’s decision to choose a country. While some look for top colleges, some look for extensive programs and research options and many looks for post-study work options in the country. Some do it for earning a little extra on the side to enjoy their stay, some for having something better to do and some others to get a start to their professional careers. Whatever be the reason, part-time study options are a great factor in the decision-making process. So what is the verdict on Germany?
Before we explore the same in some depth, we must mention that there are two aspects to part-time work. One being the eligibility and laws relevant to part-time work options for international students and second would be the more obvious – the choices available. Let’s look at them individually.
Laws for Student Part-time jobs
As an international student, you are allowed to take up part-time employment along with your studies while in Germany. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind though.
Intakes:
The preparation to study in Canada for Indian students should begin a year in advance. The major intake for Canada universities and colleges is ‘Fall’, September. The other intake is in the month of January i.e., ‘Winter’, but it depends on the program and the institution applied to. Very few institutes might have the May intake as well.
English Language Requirements:
All students must be fluent in English if they are applying to Canadian Institutes. International students need to reach the required level of English language competence. All students should take the IELTS or TOEFL (ibt) exams. An IELTS band of 6.0/6.5 for undergraduates & 6.5/7 for postgraduate courses or a TOEFL score of 80 and above for undergraduate and 90 and above for postgraduation in Canada is desirable.
Eligibility:
Universities in Canada have a requirement level for its programmes. The requirements are mentioned below: –
• Advance Diploma/ Diploma / Certificate:
The student should have a Higher Second-Class score in HSC. They should have cleared the IELTS/TOEFL (ibt) exams successfully complying to the conditions laid down by the university.
• Bachelor’s Degree:
The student must clear HSC in First Class. And should have cleared the IELTS/TOEFL (ibt) exams successfully complying to the conditions laid down by the university.
• Postgraduate Certification / Diploma:
A Higher Second Class in Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) is necessary for a student to apply for Postgraduate Certification/Diploma. Students should have cleared the IELTS/TOEFL (ibt) exams successfully complying to the conditions laid down by the university.
• Master’s Degree
A Master’s Degree student should have a First class in Bachelor’s degrees (4 Years only). If students wish to pursue their postgraduation in Canada, they should have cleared the IELTS/TOEFL (ibt) exams successfully complying to the conditions laid down by the university or First Class in Bachelor’s degree (3 years in India) is required. Or could have completed a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma from a Canadian university.
Documents:
• Updated Resume
• An Essay or a writing sample latest.
• Academic Documents – Secondary and Higher Secondary mark sheets, Bachelors mark sheet, Masters mark sheet (As per the student’s case).
• A complete research report and questionnaire form for post graduate and research students.
• Work experience letter (As per student’s case).
• IELTS score sheet/ TOEFL or English proficiency test score result.
• GRE/GMAT score sheet (As per the student’s case).
• Portfolio, thesis on the research subject (As per students’ case).
• Transcripts and Mark sheets from College or University.
• Letters of Recommendation.
• Statement of Purpose.
and many more
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