System of Education - GERMANY

Why study in Germany
Globally, about 1.8 million students go abroad to attend a university. Nearly one tenth of those students choose to come to Germany. Germany has a lot to offer foreign students, be they first-year students or postgraduates. More than 300 universities are featured as the universities approachable for higher education in Germany. Be it further studies in medicine, art, law or any subject for that matter, Germany provides its students with all the necessary tools and learning for a better future. German universities are open to anyone who fulfills the prerequisites, and academic freedom is one of the basic principles of the German university system. That one of the reasons German public universities don't charge tuition fees. You'll only have to pay for your education at a few private schools.

System of education
In Germany there are at present some 312 state and state-recognized higher education institutions divided into three types. There are two semesters each academic year. The standard study period in which a degree programme can be completed is at least eight to ten semesters at universities and at Fachhochschulen six semesters, or eight semesters for degree programmes with integrated practical semesters. These comprise universities and equivalent higher education institutions such as technical universities, comprehensive universities (Gesamthochschulen) and specialized institutions at university level (e.g. for medicine, sport, administrative studies, philosophy and theology).

Only universities and equivalent institutions are entitled to confer doctorates.

Colleges of art and music
A second strand of higher education establishment is the Kunst-und Musikhochschulen which, as well as the corresponding subject areas in the universities and Gesamthochschulen, provide training in the fine arts and performing arts and also in music subjects.

Linguistic ability
German is the language of instruction for all lectures, classes and seminars and you will be required to pass a German language test to be admitted to, or registered with, a higher education institution. This is usually administered by the institution itself and is taken before you start your studies. There are various language courses available through the German cultural institute (the Goethe-Institut) in Germany or abroad, as well as courses offered by language schools and higher education institutions in Germany; these include summer holiday courses, pre-study courses and courses accompanying regular study.

Accommodation
You are not assured of accommodation when you register with a German university or Fachhochschule. There are halls of residence but most German and foreign students have to find their own accommodation.

You should go to Germany well in advance of the beginning of the semester to arrange a place to live. Initially you may have to stay in a youth hostel, boarding house or other cheap accommodation until better housing is found. Selection of students for the relatively few halls of residence takes place six months in advance of the semester so you should apply well in advance. The Akademische AuslandsSmter, Studentenwerke and other university services will give you assistance.

Student organizations and services
In most German states, you would automatically become a member of the Studentenschaft (student body) when you register - an organization established to help students look after their own interests. You could also join one of the political groups or other societies. Your overall interests as a foreign student would be looked after by the Akademisches Auslandsamt. The advisory service will provide general tips to help you organize your studies when you arrive. Student welfare offices will give you assistance with economic, social or medical problems. German and foreign students receive a student card upon registration at a higher education institution and can, as a rule, use public transport at reduced prices and eat inexpensive meals in student canteens.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offer scholarships for study and research in Germany and supplies information on higher education in Germany. Publications available from DAAD include:

• 'Studying in Germany - Information for Foreign Students on Universitie's (separate editions are available for the Fachhochschulen and for the Colleges of Art and Music)
• 'Postgraduate Courses in the Federal Republic of Germany', and
• 'Scholarships and Funding for Study and Research in Germany for British Academic Staff, Researchers and Students'.