If you are looking abroad to complete your undergraduate and/or graduate degree, I present to you: Germany. With its renowned quality of education, diverse range of programs, and affordable tuition fees (if any!), Germany has become an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking higher education. Additionally, Germany offers one of the biggest job markets in the world, so there is plenty of opportunity to stay once you are finished studying. In this guide, I'll walk you through the step-by-step process of applying to universities in Germany, from choosing the right program to submitting your application.
Define Your Goals and Research: Before diving into the application process, it's essential to have a clear understanding of what you want to study and your career goals. Take some time to research different programs and universities to find the best fit for your interests and aspirations. The DAAD website (German Academic Exchange Service) is an excellent starting point, allowing you to filter and search through a vast database of master's programs in Germany based on various criteria such as major, location, language of instruction, and more. From this site, you can star your favorite programs, see deadlines for EU citizens and international students, access the program's website, and even find direct contact phone numbers and emails for program leads and administration.
Consider the Program Requirements: Once you've narrowed down your options, thoroughly review the requirements for each program. While the DAAD website provides a brief overview, it's essential to visit the official program websites for detailed information. Pay close attention to language requirements, as even English-taught programs may require some proficiency in German, particularly for daily life in Germany. For example, I am A2 German qualified at the moment, but have never taken an official exam, just courses through the Geothe-Institut. When I tried to apply to a program with proof of my completed class, they did not accept my application because it did not contain certified exam results of my A1 proficiency. Very frustrating, but it is important to read the fine print when applying to schools abroad. Be prepared to meet any standardized test requirements, such as the GMAT or MCAT, if applicable to your chosen program.
Understand the Educational System: Unlike in some other countries, university rankings are not as crucial in Germany, as the quality of education is relatively standardized across all public universities. Avoid falling into the trap of expensive private institutions offering English-language programs, as public universities typically offer excellent education with English-taught courses at a fraction of the cost. Keep in mind that tuition fees are minimal or nonexistent for most universities in Germany, but there are administrative fees ranging from 200 to 400 Euros per semester. The only exception is in the region of Baden-Württemberg where there is a tuition charge for non EU citizens and for repeat students (ie. you obtain your first Bachelor's degree in Baden-Württemberg for free, but if you decide to obtain another Bachelor's degree, you must pay tuition).
Gather Necessary Documentation: As you prepare your application, ensure that you have all the required documentation, including transcripts, most recent diploma, letters of recommendation (if applicable), a CV, and a well-crafted statement of purpose. If required, obtain official language proficiency certifications, such as the TestDaF or Goethe-Institut exams, to demonstrate your language skills. If you are not a native English speaker and/or did not previously study in a country where English is the native language and you are looking into an English-taught course, you will have to take a test to certify your language skills. Most commonly, this is the Cambridge language exam.
Submit Your Application: The application program for each university in Germany may vary depending on the institute and your citizenship status. For non-EU citizens or students who studied internationally, one common platform for application submission is uni-assist, which assists in ranking, organizing, and translating foreign credentials to meet German standards. Uni-assist processing fees cost 75 Euros for the first application and 30 Euros for each sequential application. Alternatively, with some programs you can apply directly through the university's website, usually for a nominal processing fee such as 25 Euros to assist with translating foreign credits. Be mindful of application deadlines (these can differ between international students and EU citizens) and ensure that your materials are submitted accurately and on time.
By following these steps and thoroughly researching your options, you can navigate the application process for programs in Germany with confidence. If you want more information regarding these steps in the application process and beyond, check out this link about studying in Germany. With its renowned academic institutions and affordable tuition fees, Germany offers an attractive destination for students seeking a quality higher education experience abroad.
Thank you for reading! Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Hailey
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