What are the Advantages of Studying in Germany?

The German education system enjoys a very good reputation. German degrees are recognized worldwide and are often seen as an indicator for a sound and practical education. Unlike many other countries, such as Great Britain or the USA, Germany does not convince with very few absolute top universities, but rather with a generally high quality at almost all universities. Of course, there are also some particularly prestigious ones, especially for certain subjects, but overall one does not need to be afraid that a degree from a smaller university would be rated less highly than that from one of the Berlin or Munich universities, for instance.

In Germany, there are about 450 state-recognized universities providing more than 17,000 courses of study. As you can see, the offer is huge! This creates a great variety of choices: Whether provincial or metropolitan, specialized university or large, general institution, strong practical or theoretical orientation, just about anything is possible. You can find out more about the different types of universities and degrees in our blog post. Moreover, if you like to study something extraordinary, then perhaps one of the most exceptional German degree programs is for you.

One of the best known advantages of studying in Germany is certainly that there are no tuition fees even for international students. The only exception to this is the state of Baden-Württemberg, where international students who do not come from the EU have to pay fees of 1,500 euros per semester. Apart from that, only a small semester fee has to be paid, from which, for example, a ticket for bus and train is also financed and which usually amounts between 100 and 450 euros per semester. Moreover, life in German student cities is often affordable. Canteens and the like are supported by subsidies, so that you can usually get very cheap meals here. In addition, there are almost always discounts for students on cultural, leisure and sports activities. The only cost factor that definitely increases significantly is that of rent in popular cities such as Berlin, Munich or Hamburg. However, even this can be avoided if you move to one of the eastern German cities such as Leipzig or Jena where rents are still affordable.

Even though the costs for studying in Germany are comparatively low, you still have to finance yourself somehow. How is that possible? In fact, the DAAD offers an overview of the numerous support and scholarship programs explicitly for international students. Furthermore, under certain conditions you can apply for BAFöG, state support for trainees. However, this is quite complicated. Nevertheless, you can simply do the same thing that most German students who are not eligible for BAFöG do: work while you study. If you come from the EU, you are practically on an equal footing as the Germans and have free access to the labor market. If this is not the case, you are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year without further approval. For more working hours, you need a permit. If you get a job as a research assistant at the university, the limit will even be dropped completely.

The vast majority of German universities are pleased to have a high proportion of international students: Already in 2019, more than 13% of the students came from abroad. Most universities also offer extensive advisory and activity programs through their International Offices, which make it easy for you to meet people and integrate. In general, there is also a strong bond between students at most universities. With various student initiatives, university sports or student council parties, it will be easy for you to make friends and exchange experiences.

Of course, there are muggings, acts of violence and Co in Germany, too. In comparison to many other countries, however, such attacks occur relatively rarely. There are also very few regions or quarters where it is better not to be alone in the evening. Normally in Germany, you can move freely at any time, feel safe and as a woman, you have the same rights and opportunities that a man has. Overall, most Germans are very rule loving and law-abiding and do not even cross the street when the light is red. Depending on where you come from, this may be a matter of course for you or it may open up a completely new freedom.

You also don't have to worry about your health in Germany, because we have one of the probably best health care systems in the world. This is also reflected in the current Corona developments. Although there was and still is a large number of infections, the spread could be contained well, the hospitals were not overloaded and the mortality rate is rather low compared to other heavily affected countries. This is probably also due to the well-trained medical and nursing staff, the extensive hospital capacities and high hygiene standards. Furthermore, everyone in Germany is obliged to take out health insurance, so that no one is left without care in an emergency. You can inform yourself about our health insurance for international students here.

To conclude this list of logical and rational reasons for choosing Germany as a place to study, it is worth taking a closer look at the country as such. Okay, we don't have the summers of the Mediterranean region or the cold charm of Scandinavia here, but Germany has a little bit of everything: a beautiful coast and numerous lakes, mountains and flatlands, enchanted forests and pulsating metropolises. German culture is just as diverse as its nature. If you travel from the south to the north, you will encounter numerous, extremely different dialects, specialties, habits and celebrations. Exploring them is, promised, anything but boring.

Well, could we convince you of the advantages of Germany as a place to study? Then feel free to have a look around our blog and find out more about the application process, the university system and many other things. Anyhow, we would be very happy to welcome you here.