Have you just completed your 12th standard or are you about to complete it? Are you looking for a study abroad destination for your higher education? Germany is one of the best countries to have a solid higher education. Over the decades, Germany has emerged as one of the popular destinations for international students, especially those who want to have a strong academic foundation after schooling. Germany is home to quality education, global exposure, high-ranked universities, variety of research and professional opportunities; all at affordable prices. If you are convinced to start your academic journey from Germany, then this blog will provide all the details you would need to know.
Through this blog, we will help you understand why the choice to study in Germany after the 12th is extremely beneficial, the top programs and universities the country is home to, and the admission process.
Benefits of Studying in Germany After 12th
With more than 420 universities, Germany is a powerhouse when it comes to providing numerous advantages to its students, including international students. Below are some of the reasons why Germany would be beneficial for you as a student:
- Affordable Fees: The public universities of Germany do not charge tuition fees to their students, even to international students. Private universities do have tuition charges, but they also offer many scholarships and financial aid to help their students have accessible education without compromising the quality of learning.
- Elite Quality Education: The consistent top rankings of German universities are proof enough about the quality of education provided by them. All the universities have a strong emphasis on theoretical learning with practical experience, be it for STEM programs, arts, or business programs.
- The Range of Programs: Whatever might be your academic interest, be it engineering, arts, humanities, or even vocational areas, Germany has a program for you. These programs will ensure that they not only cater to your academic interests but also help you become industry-ready through their practical learning approach.
- Work Opportunities: Not only you will get to have internships and collaborations with industries during your study, but you can also look for job opportunities after completing your studies through Germany’s job-seeker visa.
- Global Culture: The student community of German universities is quite diverse and you will get to experience multicultural dynamics. You would be continuously interacting with people from different backgrounds which not only helps on the professional front but also enrich your personal growth as well.
Education System of Germany
In Germany, there are five levels of education: preschool, primary, secondary, tertiary, and continuing/higher education. A bachelor’s degree after 12th from Germany would be your first level in higher education. A Bachelor’s program in Germany is usually of 3 years but it can go up to 6 years depending upon the program (for example, Bachelor of Medicine). There are more than 400 universities in Germany, out of which many are technical universities, institutes of applied science, theology colleges, teacher-training schools, art academies, and colleges of public administration.
Popular Courses To Pursue After 12th in Germany
All the universities of Germany provide a variety of undergraduate programs across all disciplines. Here are the most popular choices among international students:
- Engineering: Germany is known to have excellent technical universities offering engineering courses. The range of specializations is not limited to traditional subjects but some of the most contemporary courses as well, such as mechanical, civil, electrical, computer science, chemical, aerospace, environmental, and renewal energy.
- Commerce: Commerce programs that you would find in Germany would mainly focus on global perspective and strategic thinking. Degrees such as BBA, international business, economics, finance, and marketing are popular choices.
- Medicine: The medical programs in Germany are academically rigorous and consist of comprehensive training of the students to make the best medical professionals. However, you need strong proficiency in the German language. Even though the programs might be taught in English, if you choose a course that requires interaction with patients as part of your training, then your German language skills need to be high. Some of the popular medicine courses are human medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biomedical engineering, medical informatics, and medical biology.
- Arts and Humanities: If you are more inclined toward a field of study like literature, philosophy, or social sciences, Germany has the most adept academic environment to cater to your needs. Some of the popular courses are fine arts, music, film studies, theatre/drama, design, literature or linguistics.
- Science: Science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics are offered which usually accompanies extensive research opportunities. Some popular science courses in Germany are psychology, chemical biotechnology, food technology, and applied biology.
Different Types of Universities in Germany
Germany has different kinds of universities. Understanding their features and differences will help you make informed decisions.
1. Public Universities
These universities run from government funds and are state-owned, therefore, they do not charge tuition fees. All you have to do is pay a small amount towards the semester fee which ranges around EUR 200 – EUR 350 every semester. They are mainly research-oriented and focus on academic and theoretical learning.
Some of the top public universities in Germany are:
- Ludwig Maximillian University Munich
- Heidelberg University
- Humboldt University Berlin
- Freie University Berlin
- University of Freiburg
2. University of Applied Sciences (UAS, German: Fachhochschule)
These universities are application-oriented and focus on more scientific and practical aspects of programs. For students who want to have hands-on experience during their studies, these types of universities are a perfect fit for them. They usually specialize in the fields of engineering, business, and social sciences.
Some of the top UAS in Germany are:
- Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences
- Munich University of Applied Sciences
- HTW Berlin University of Applied Sciences
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- Bremen University of Applied Sciences
3. Private Universities
Private universities have higher fees as compared to public ones, but they have smaller class sizes, give more personalized attention to students, and have specialized programs. Their mode of instruction is also mostly in English.
Some of the top private universities in Germany are:
- Berlin School of Business and Innovation
- GISMA University of Applied Sciences
- Bard College of Berlin
- Munich Business School
- Constructor University
4. Technical Universities (TU)
These universities are ideal for those who want to pursue STEM fields, especially engineering and technology subjects. However, they are not limited to STEM programs and offer programs in other disciplines too. Currently, there are 17 technical universities in Germany.
Some of the top technical universities in Germany are:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- RWTH Aachen University
- TU Berlin
- TU Darmstadt
- University of Stuttgart
Eligibility to Study in Germany After 12th
To study in Germany, students, especially international candidates have to meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Academic Requirements: You need to show that you have a minimum of 12 years of formal education. If your school-leaving certificate is not recognized by German universities, then you might have to take the foundation course called Studienkolleg. It is a preparatory program where students will be trained in academic and linguistic skills to excel in their chosen field of study. You need to pass the assessment test of Studienkolleg to be eligible to be admitted to any of the German universities. Along with this, you must have a strong academic record in your area of interest.
- Language Proficiency: For English-taught programs, you need to have a good score in the English Proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL. For German-taught programs, proficiency in B1 or B2 level is required. For that, you need to have good scores in German proficiency exams like TestDaF or DSH.
- Standardized Tests: Some, not all universities may require test scores of SAT or ACT often depending upon the program you have chosen.
Steps to Follow to Apply to German Universities
Admission to German universities is highly competitive, so make sure that you adhere to the steps given below so that you do not miss out on any important requirements.
- Choose the Right Program for You: Think about which subject area attracts you most, what kind of career you want to have in the future, and choose a program that best aligns with all your plans and ambitions. Research thoroughly the curriculum of the program, internship or career opportunities you will get through that program, and its language of instruction.
- Check Eligibility Criteria: Carefully read and understand what are the eligibility requirements of the program. Make sure that you are meeting the academic qualifications and have the necessary language proficiency.
- Prepare the Necessary Documents: The key documents that all the universities require at the time of admission include academic transcripts, statement of purpose (SOP) or motivation letter, letters of recommendation (LORs), CV or resume (if you don’t already have one, then create one) proof of language proficiency, and proof of funds.
- Apply Via Uni-Assist or the University Portal: Most German universities use Uni-Assist as their application portal. However, some universities may have direct application systems.
- Wait for the Admission Offer: After submitting your application, you just need to wait for the university’s confirmation that they have received your application. When you receive their offer letter, read further instructions they give regarding what would be your next steps if you accept their offer.
- Get Health Insurance: In Germany, everyone must get health insurance. Since you would be living in Germany for a few years, this rule would be mandatory for you too. Students from EU (European Union) member countries can use their country’s health insurance. But the rest of the international students have to get student health insurance to study in Germany.
German Student Visa Requirements
If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss student, then you will need to acquire a German student visa to study in Germany. The steps include:
- Secure your funding first. Open a German Block Account and deposit EUR 11,904 as it is mandatory to have this much minimum amount per year as of September 2024 for every international student. Mention your parents’ income or asset, if you are a scholarship recipient then provide the scholarship certificate specifying the amount of funds you will receive.
- With your visa application submit your university offer letter, proof of financial means, academic documents, health insurance, and an SOP.
- The last stage is to prepare for an interview with the German visa officials in which you will be asked about your study plans and reasons for choosing Germany.
Living Costs in Germany
The expenses you have to bear while you stay in Germany are almost similar to those of any other European country. It could cost you approximately EUR 700 to EUR 1000 per month. Many students work part-time to lessen their monetary burden. For international students, the rule is that they can work for 20 hours per week. There are scholarship opportunities too for international students in Germany, such as:
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Friedrich Ebert Foundation: Scholarship for International Students
- Deutschlandstipendium (German Grant)
- University-specific Scholarships (German universities offering their scholarships)
Conclusion
All these years of schooling have been preparing you for the best academic excellence you can receive, and choosing Germany after 12th can be a life-changing decision. It will open the doors for a world-class education, global exposure, and exceptional career opportunities. The admission process to the institutes of Germany, especially for an international student might be rigorous but can be made straightforward with the help of the right guidance and preparation. Taking the expertise of study abroad consultants such as Contentholic, and their vast array of services such as professional SOP writers can ensure your application stands out among your competitors. Consider Germany as not just a study-abroad destination but as a stepping stone towards a successful career.
