Educational qualifications
Besides choosing a subject, it is important to find out about the different degrees and their advantages. This way the study programme can be planned in terms of opportunities and the upcoming career, as well as to be aware of the educational prerequisites and financial requirements.
Bachelor (6 – 8 semester)
The Bachelor's degree is the most common academic degree in Germany and usually the first degree of a staggered programme at a university or college. It usually lasts three to four years and qualifies students for a basic professional occupation or further Master's studies. In some cases, it is even possible to begin a doctoral study via a "fast-track promotion". The degree is a good way to learn about studiying in general or a subject more detailed.
Master (2 – 4 semester)
The Master's degree is the second highest academic degree and is also earned at universities or colleges. Usually, but not always mandatory, a previous Bachelor's degree is required. The course of study lasts one to two years and can either serve to deepen the scientific knowledge of the previous course of study or open up new areas of knowledge as a non-consecutive Master's course. Higher qualified career paths or a doctorate are open with this degree.
Promotion (2 – 6 semester)
A promotion means the award of an academic doctoral degree in a specific field of study in the form of a doctoral certificate. Here, particularly in-depth scientific knowledge and independent skills can be acquired. The privilege to award a doctorate is held by universities and research-oriented collegues of applied sciences of equal status. Graduates can pursue an academic career and get high positions in professional life.
Studienkolleg (1 – 2 semester)
These institutions are connecting from the academic culture of a student's native country to the German one and offer targeted preparation courses for them. They are specifically needed, if the Abitur or university entrance qualification of the home country is not accepted in Germany. Also German language skills are a mandatory here. The teachers at Studienkollege are specialised and provide support in settling into the academic culture.
Dual Studies
Many degree programmes can also be completed in a dual way. This has the advantage of linking theory and practice more closely. In this way, students gain valuable practical experience and earn money during their time at university. Thousands of German companies from high technology, administration or production offer themselves as practical partners. This form of education exists primarily for general, specified or international economics, architecture and engineering courses, for biology and health care, as well as for numerous other subjects.
Further Opportunities
In addition to the common programmes presented here, Germany offers a variety of other educational options. Summer schools, exchange programmes, au-pairs or specialised training programmes for adults are marvellous opportunities to discover the country, even if you already have completed your education. Our team will be happy to advise you personally. To choose your favoured option it should be clear at first what the purpose of your stay is and which is the outcome you seek.
Career Options
With some degree programmes, the career path is already determined, such as teaching or medicine. On the other hand, a general engineering or economic degree programme offers numerous options for specialisation during and after it. To be aware of the multiple options often helps in deciding on the right one.
Working Student
In Germany, it is possible to work while studying in order to gain practical experience. Although it usually leaves less free time available, a lot of money can already be earned for living expenses. This can be done in the desired field of study or with the future employer, as well as in completely different professions in order to gain a broader view of the working world.
Location for high technology
An interesting sector is the particular field of high technology for science graduates. German companies, such as SAP, Adidas, Siemens, the car manufacturers BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Porsche, but also university and private research institutions or institutes such as the European Space Agency ESA hold out the prospect of first-class careers.
Universal Career Options
Students of general sciences have many career paths open to them. Therefore, they do not have to decide immediately on a clear course of study. They can first immerse themselves more broadly in the subject area and educate themselves. This is the case with many engineering or economics subjects, but also with cultural, administrative or social sciences. Later, the Master's degree or the specialisation in the Bachelor's degree is often decisive for the career path or the professional field.
Unlimited possibilities
German educational qualifications are of excellent quality and are respected all over the world. Therefore, job opportunities are not limited to the country itself. As the European Union has grown together, many other countries in the immediate vicinity, often also German-speaking, are open without complications. Due to Germany's high reputation around the world, there are virtually and physically no borders.
About Germany
General Overwiew
Germany is a country right in the center of Europe. Despite its small size and modest raw material deposits, it is one of the largest economies in the world.
Geographically, the country is as diverse as its culture. In the south, it is mountainous. The people value their traditions and many are coming every year for mountaineering tourism. On the other hand, the landscape in the north is very flat and people are strongly connected to the ocean by the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. While the west is very densely populated, especially along the major rivers, and offers a wide range of job opportunities, there are still existing primeval forests in the east. Berlin, the capital, is also Germany’s largest city and very popular as a place to live, especially among young people from all over the world. Germans also know how to celebrate their free time after work. They often socialise in a relaxed atmosphere in their favourite pubs around the corner and enjoy a German beer or a local wine.
The country is also internationally known for its deep and long history. The empire of the ancient Romans already left its mark, and in the 20th century Germany played an important role several times. Today, Germany is a cosmopolitan country, characterised by the pluralism of lifestyles. Therefore, Germans are very happy about anyone who decides to visit or stay in Germany for a long time.
Educational System
With its long history of teaching and knowledge, it is not surprising that the country offers a wide range of educational opportunities. In addition to nearly 20,000 different courses of study at over 400 universities, colleges and technical academies, there is a unique training system for several hundred professions, distance learning courses, technical academies and more. Germany can look back on a long tradition of its education system. Some universities have existed for over 600 years. There are some elite institutes, which are among the best in the world. However, the focus is on providing the broadest possible masses with very high-quality teaching for their lives and careers. Thus, many teaching and study programmes can be reached by different routes, and the same applies to the multi-unit and permeable school system. Therefore, it is not uncommon for Germans to study again at an advanced age, to take a higher school degree or to take up a completely new profession.
Germany also plays a pioneering role in global developments around the world. Topics such as ecological or social sustainability, global development and security play a major role and are therefore also reflected thematically in the courses as well as the orientations of universities and colleges.
Guidance Germany prepares it’s clients for the country and the culture step by step through the content of the courses, even long before their arrival. This not only enables a quick start to studies, but also makes it easier to find your way around. So this converts the time of the stay into an unforgettable experience for a whole life.