• Germany

Education System in Germany

1369 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Feb 29,2024 10:58 AM IST

Germany is famous for its scenic landscapes and standardised German education system for international students. Studying in this country will allow students to choose from a wide array of programs and have an extended career scope in their particular field of interest. From this blog, students can learn more about the higher education system in Germany.

The German education system for international students has much to offer, making it a popular destination for international students to pursue higher education. Studying at German institutes is immensely beneficial for students. A degree from a German institute is not only globally accepted but also opens the door to several exciting opportunities.

However, before students enrol in any German institute, it’s essential to know about the country’s education system. Students can find numerous programs in different fields, giving them a wide range of course options to choose from. The education system is very different from that in India. So, before starting their studies, students should know what to expect.

Read the blog to learn everything about the higher education system in Germany.

German Education System for International Students

A significant reason why students choose to study in Germany is due to its education system. There are a set of rules and regulations on which the higher education system in Germany functions. The Federal Ministries of Education, Cultural Affairs and Science is the responsible authority for making such education, science, and arts policy guidelines. They are also accountable for embracing related laws and administrative regulations.

The education system in Germany emphasises majorly on research and academic freedom. Technical degrees hold a lot of significance, so that’s why they’re a crucial aspect of the education system. This contributes to German universities ranking high at a global level.

More About the Education System in Germany

The starting point of the higher education system in Germany is the Kindergarten. Then comes the Primary Education, Secondary Education, and Tertiary Education. The table below provides information on the duration of each:

Education System	Duration
Kindergarten	3 Years Long
Primary Education	4-6 Years Long
Secondary Education	3-4 Years Long
Tertiary Education	3+ Years

Higher education in Germany is provided through universities. There are more than 300 universities in Germany, 150 applied science universities, and more than 50 colleges for music, art, and film. There are diverse educational programs from which students can choose. For international students, there are over 500 English-taught programs in Germany.

Types of Universities in Germany

There are three types of universities in the German education system for international students. These are academic universities, universities of applied sciences, and universities of art/music. The table below presents more details on the different types of universities in Germany:

Types of Universities in Germany.webp

Types of Universities	Details
Universities of Applied Sciences	Such universities focus on the professional practice and the practical side of learning. The universities offer programs related to medicine, social work, technology, business, etc. Moreover, they also provide a ‘Praxissmester’ in which students are placed into a German or abroad company for a period of one or several semesters.
Universities of Art & Music	These universities provide artistic courses in fine arts, design, mass communications, performing arts and music, and design.
Academic Universities	In these universities, programs are regarding methodological expertise and theoretical knowledge.

Additionally, students who wish to study in the German universities must know about the semesters. There are two semesters in German universities:

• One is from April to September, and the application deadline for this semester generally comes in January.

• The other semester is from October to March, and its application deadline is in July.

Popular Programs to Study in German Universities

A common reason why international students choose this place is due to the wide-ranging program options they have. They can find a program in every course they can think of. Students can find top study options in Germany in the following fields:

• Business Administration

• Fine and Applied Arts

• Math and Computer Sciences

• Engineering

• Humanities

However, before starting the application procedure, conducting full research and reviewing the program options is recommended.

Grading System of German Universities

The German universities use the GPA system to grade students. They grade students on a 1 to 6 or 5-point basis system that analyses the student's academic performance. In this, six means the performance is unsatisfactory, and 1 indicates an excellent performance.

For bachelor’s degrees, the Bologna system is used to grade the students. In this, students achieve a first-class, upper-second, lower-second, or third-class degree.

German Universities Intakes for International Students

To apply to German universities, students need to be aware of the German intakes. The German intake happens twice a year; there’s a summer intake and there’s a winter intake. During these seasons, universities accept applications. Students can find more information regarding the intakes below:

Details	Summer Intake	Winter Intake
Beginning Month	April	September - October
End-month	July-August	February-March
Deadline	Mid-January	Mid-July
Intake Value	Secondary intake	Primary intake
Applications	Fewer applications and less competition	More applications and competition is high
Programs offerred	Fewer	Almost all
Scholarship Availability	Fewer Scholarships	Most Scholarships
Session Commencement	April-May	September-October

Documents Required to Apply to German Universities

To apply to German universities, there are a few necessary documents that every international student requires. These are mentioned below:

• Transcripts for previous qualifications

• A passport

• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Score

• Entrance Exam Score (if required)

• CV/Resume

These are some of the necessary documents to apply to German universities. Also, keep in mind the student might require some additional documents depending on their course and program.

Conclusion

This blog provides sufficient insights into the education system in Germany for international students. Students can learn a lot from this blog about the higher education system in Germany and can find out about the types of universities, the grading system, and several other things. German education focuses on students' various skills at once. To know more about the German education system, connect with the expert study abroad counsellors of Canam Consultants.

FAQ

Can I study for free in Germany?

Yes, public universities in Germany offer no tuition fees as the German government funds them. They just need to pay a small sum of semester fees to enrol. This also applies to international students who wish to study in Germany for free. Their significant expense includes the living cost.

Can I study in English in Germany?

Yes, due to the popularity of studying in Germany among international students, the country has introduced more English-taught programs. So they don’t need to learn German to study in Germany. There is a broad range of English-taught programs for international students.

What are the admission requirements for German universities?

The admission requirements to enrol in German universities vary for several universities. The admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree, complete high school transcripts and a master’s, a bachelor’s degree, maybe an entrance exam (depending on the university). Valid language certifications are necessary for both admissions.

Is education good in Germany?

The education system in Germany is among the best in the world, ranking as the third country to have the best education system. Students can gain considerable exposure while studying in Germany. So, for international students, Germany is perfect.

Are there scholarships and financial aid available for international students?

Yes, there are numerous scholarships and financial aid options available for international students. Students can apply for student loans, part-time jobs, and scholarships. To get a scholarship, they need to check the eligibility criteria and apply accordingly.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Cardiff University

Wales, UK • 235 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 18000-24000 / year

Study Group - University of Sussex International Study Centre

England, UK • 350 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 18000-21000 / year

Auckland University of Technology - South Campus

Auckland, New Zealand • 36 Programmes

Tuition Fee : NZD 30092-42831 / year

Fanshawe College - London Downtown Campus

Ontario, Canada • 18 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 14500-16500 / year

Durham University

England, UK • 172 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 22000-29000 / year

Global University Systems (GUS) - Medical University of the Americas

Other/Any where, USA • 3 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 28000-29000 / year

The Sarina Russo Group - Sarina Russo Institute

Queensland, Australia • 1 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 0-0 / year

University of Wales Trinity Saint David - Swansea Campus

Wales, UK • 104 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 12000-18000 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

The International Education Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Singapore, Germany, Ireland, France

Amritsar • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

University Visit - University of Law, UK

Study in UK • University Visit

Mohali • 10:30AM

In-Person Event

University Visit - Canterbury Christ Church University, UK

Study in UK • University Visit

Chennai • 10:00AM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Masters in International Business (MIB) in USA

Masters in International Business (MIB) is a 1-2 years long postgraduate degree program offered in the USA. The program offers a unique blend of busin...

Updated on • Nov 05,2024 04:12 PM IST • USA

IELTS Line Graph Model Answer

IELTS Line Graph is one of the two tasks of IELTS writing section. In this task, you will get a visual representation to explain in 150 words. It show...

Updated on • Nov 02,2024 04:35 PM IST • IELTS

Common Reasons for Student Visa Rejection in the USA

Studying in the United States is a dream for countless students worldwide. The idea of exploring expansive campuses, connecting with a diverse global ...

Updated on • Nov 01,2024 05:40 PM IST • USA

Why Study in France

Art and culture are among the most attractive factors that make France a wonderful choice as a study destination. The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Da...

Updated on • Nov 01,2024 01:41 PM IST • France

Study in New Zealand After Graduation

Thinking about pursuing your higher education in a serene and culturally diverse country? New Zealand is indeed your best option! The sceneries of Ne...

Updated on • Oct 29,2024 04:17 PM IST • New Zealand

Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Undergraduates : Format, Sample & Expert Tips

The Statement of Purpose is a cornerstone of every student's dream of pursuing higher education in a foreign country. An SOP allows students to highli...

Updated on • Oct 28,2024 05:52 PM IST • SOP

January Intake in UK : Universities, Timeline, Deadlines & More

Before choosing the UK as your study abroad destination, it is essential to learn about the three study intakes: Fall, Winter, and Summer, beginning i...

Updated on • Oct 28,2024 04:17 PM IST • study in the UK

Part-time Jobs for International Students in USA

A part-time job is more than just extra income; it's a stepping stone to experience, grow, and discover your potential. Going by this quote you might ...

Updated on • Oct 25,2024 05:56 PM IST • USA

Top Perks of Studying in New Zealand

Every year, a large number of students take a leap towards their dream by beginning to study in New Zealand. This island country has the all resource...

Updated on • Oct 25,2024 01:54 PM IST • New Zealand

Top MBA Courses to Specialize in Abroad

MBA (Master of business administration) is a prestigious postgraduate qualification recognized internationally. It is designed to develop ...

Updated on • Oct 25,2024 01:52 PM IST • Study Abroad

Study Abroad: Physiotherapy Guide

With mechanization and inactive lifestyles, people face common muscular-skeletal problems that include neck pain, osteoarthritis knee, backache, a...

Updated on • Oct 25,2024 01:42 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance

Linking Words for IELTS Speaking - Word List & Tips

Linking words serve as the verbal "glue" that holds your ideas and phrases together. They aid in making connections between your sentences and are cru...

Updated on • Oct 25,2024 01:28 PM IST • IELTS

IELTS Writing Task 2 - Academic and General Topics with Sample Answer

The second component of the IELTS writing test, IELTS Writing Task 2, asks you to produce an essay in response to a point of view, an argument, or a p...

Updated on • Oct 25,2024 01:26 PM IST • IELTS

IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips, Lessons & Models

IELTS Writing task 2 is an essay writing question, and there are a few techniques or strategies that can help you tackle each question uniquely and sy...

Updated on • Oct 25,2024 01:21 PM IST • IELTS

IELTS Test Report Form (TRF): Number, Tracking, Validity and Sample

After taking the IELTS test, a scorecard is received with overall and band scores for each of the module- listening, reading, writing and speaki...

Updated on • Oct 25,2024 01:01 PM IST • IELTS

IELTS Speaking Samples and Answers

The three parts of the IELTS Speaking test take between five and fifteen minutes to complete. The sub-test consists of a talk with a qualified examine...

Updated on • Oct 25,2024 12:59 PM IST • IELTS

IELTS speaking part 3 topics

IELTS has four components on which a candidate is marked: Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking. The IELTS speaking consists of an 11 to 20-minute ...

Updated on • Oct 25,2024 12:55 PM IST • IELTS

IELTS Speaking Cue Cards

IELTS Speaking One of the modules of an IELTS Exam is the Speaking Module. The Speaking module tests your ability to speak the English Language on ...

Updated on • Oct 25,2024 12:52 PM IST • IELTS

IELTS Sample Charts for Writing Task 1 Practice

IELTS WRITING TASK 1 (Academic Paper) is a report that includes multiple charts such as bar charts, line graphs, tables, pie charts, diagrams, process...

Updated on • Oct 25,2024 12:49 PM IST • IELTS

IELTS GT Writing Task 1/ IELTS Letter Writing

The IELTS letter-writing section evaluates your everyday language use. It also checks your ability to integrate into an English-speaking culture. The ...

Updated on • Oct 25,2024 12:48 PM IST • IELTS

Education System in Germany

Table of Contents

German Education System for International Students

More About the Education System in Germany

Types of Universities in Germany

Popular Programs to Study in German Universities

Grading System of German Universities

German Universities Intakes for International Students

Documents Required to Apply to German Universities

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams