I’m currently two weeks into my Master’s program in Germany, attending an applied sciences institute in Rhineland-Palatinate, and let me tell you—there are some significant differences between studying here and studying in the U.S. Here are some key aspects that stand out:
1. Tuition Costs: A Fraction of the Price
One of the most remarkable differences is the cost of education. In Germany, I pay only about 150 Euros per semester in administrative fees, and that’s it. Coming from the U.S., where graduate programs can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars per semester, this is a huge relief. In the U.S., you could be looking at $50,000 or even $100,000 per semester for a graduate degree program, especially in fields like business, medicine, or law. Not having to worry about massive tuition bills is definitely one of the best perks of studying in Germany. It’s almost surreal to receive such high-quality education at such an accessible price.
2. Class Schedules: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
The class scheduling system in Germany is another big change. Unlike the U.S., where you typically register for classes and can tailor your schedule to your needs, here I’m assigned a set schedule based on my degree and semester. And let me tell you, these days can be very long. My classes may run from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM on a given day, with some classes being as long as five hours. Most of my classes are around three hours each, split into two 90-minute sessions with a brief break. It’s quite a shift from my experience in the U.S., where classes usually capped at two hours and never extended past 5:30 PM. These longer, structured days mean that you really have to pace yourself—and unfortunately, there’s often little time for lunch breaks.
3. Homework? Never Heard of Her
In the U.S., homework, readings, and projects are a big part of the academic experience. I spent countless hours outside of class working on assignments, buying pricey textbooks, and completing weekly readings. Here in Germany, I’ve only had one professor out of nine assign a textbook (which cost just 30 Euros), and most readings are optional supplements. Assignments and homework are almost nonexistent, with a lot of the learning taking place in the classroom. This hands-on, project-based approach may just be a standard for applied sciences institutes and not the traditional universities, but either way, it's refreshing and provides a lot of flexibility, especially for those of us with busy schedules or part-time jobs.
4. Exams: A Semester-Long Journey with a One-Time Test
In Germany, the exam structure is another striking difference. In the U.S., you’d typically have quizzes, exams, midterms, and finals spread out over the semester, keeping you on your toes. Here, we have one examination period at the end of the semester, typically in January or July, where we complete all written exams on campus over two weeks. Other courses may require a final paper or project instead during this time period, but the workload is largely contained to the end-of-semester. After exams, we get a two-month break before the next semester starts, meaning I won’t be back in class until April or October. This setup allows for extended breaks in February, March, August, and September—plenty of time to recharge, visit home, or even explore more of Europe!
Overall, the experience of studying in Germany has been incredibly eye-opening. From the affordability to the structure of the classes and exams, it’s a very different approach compared to the U.S. The German education system seems to focus on in-depth, immersive learning during class time, allowing students to work and live their lives outside of school. While the long days can be intense, I’m grateful for the opportunity to study here and experience such a unique education system.
Best,
Hailey
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