Update: As of August 2020, Newton Education Services is introducing a comprehensive German University Track combining online language instruction with advising for admission success. Please complete our inquiry form to receive full, current details.
Is a German degree right for you? We discussed some of the issues recently during a session at the American International School of Egypt with Andrea Agbo, CEO of InnoVision Concepts, Best Education & Careers, Augsburg, Germany. If you attended, this set of responses to frequently asked questions offers a review and a little added information. If not, we encourage you to start off now on what may prove a rewarding exploration. We also have a link to the presentation at the end of this post.
What are some advantages of studying in Germany?
The Federal Republic of Germany has long been recognized for quality academics. It has a particularly strong reputation in the sciences,engineering, medicine, and economics, with a range of excellent programs in other fields as well. Its universities can offer rich heritage, with some in operation since the 1300s, but the country is also known for its very modern focus on building workplace skills and experience.
Germany is located in the center of Europe, convenient for exploring the continent. Your German student visa will allow you easy access to the 26 countries of the European Union. Within Germany there is a wealth of history, art, and culture to explore, not to mention an estimated 10,000 festivals each year.
Another particular advantage is that study in Germany is remarkably affordable. In fact most students do not pay any tuition.
Tuition-free programs?
Yes, at present fifteen of Germany’s sixteen states charge no tuition to public university students in most types of programs. (The exception is the large southern state of Baden-Württemberg, whose public universities currently charge tuition of only €1,500, per semester, equal to approximately 26,335 Egyptian pounds.)
The German government covers about 86 percent of student tuition costs. That compares to about 57 percent in the United Kingdom and 32 percent in the United States. Also, unlike many other countries, Germany extends this financial support to international students.
Why does German government cover student tuition?
There’s a strong tradition of support for education in the German culture. The country “has a totally different understanding of the role education plays,” according to Brigitte Göbbels-Dreyling, deputy secretary general for the German Rectors’ Conference, quoted in DW Akadamie. Her theory is that while countries such as the U.K. or U.S. focus on study’s benefits to the student, Germans instead tend to view higher education as “a public good, a way to train specialists that then benefit the public.”
Why do they cover tuition for international students?
““The aim is to gain long-term friends of Germany throughout the world,” says Sebastian Fohrbeck of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), quoted in Inside Higher Education. Germany’s economy, the strongest in Europe, is export-based. High achieving students from other countries are also viewed as improving German universities, offering intellectual stimulation and new perspectives to their German peers.
In addition, international students sometimes remain in Germany after graduation, benefiting the country. Skilled immigrants are much needed in the German labor market. Fohrbeck points out that even if a relatively small percentage of international students stay in Germany, they will pay off the government’s international student expenses within a few years simply by paying taxes on their earnings.
What options are there to choose from for tuition-free degrees?
According to the German Rector’s Conference, there are currently 279 public institutions in Germany. The 106 public research universities (Universitäten) typically offer the broadest range of fields, as well as doctoral programs. Universities of applied science (Fachhochschulen/Hochschulen für angewandte Wissenschaften) primarily offer programs in engineering and other technical disciplines, business-related studies, social work, and design areas. They enroll almost a third of German students and take a professionally oriented approach that integrates internships and other opportunities to gain work experiences. A third type of public institution would be conservatories of music or art (Kunsthochschulen/Musikhochschulen).
Bachelor’s and doctoral degrees at public institutions generally do not charge tuition. Master’s programs are also tuition-free if they are considered “consecutive,” that is, if the student enters directly following graduation from an undergraduate program in the same field. (That undergraduate program may also need to have been located in Germany for the master’s to be considered consecutive.)
What about private institutions?
About 94 percent of German postsecondary students attend public institutions. However, a private sector does exist, including 108 government-recognized institutions. These are typically smaller, specialized institutions, from arts conservatories to religious colleges and technological institutes. Private institutions do charge tuition though rates are often quite affordable.
What about other costs?
Free tuition doesn’t mean free everything. German public universities charge a fee each semester to cover administrative costs as well as student activities and typically a pass for free local transportation. Cost varies from institution to institution but currently would be no higher than around €350 per semester (about 6,145 Egyptian pounds). You will also need to pay for whatever books and other materials your program requires, and must have health insurance coverage acceptable in Germany. A German public health insurance policy costs about €80 per month (about 1,400 EGP) for those under the age of thirty. .
Housing, food, and other living costs will be the largest part of your budget. Costs vary depending where you live, with larger cities typically more expensive. To obtain a student visa, you must show you have an amount judged as minimal to pay for your living costs for a year. As of 2020, this amount was €10,236 (around 178,200 EGP). You will put this in a German bank and be able to withdraw €853 per month (14,850 EGP).
Do scholarships exist?
Yes, there are scholarships providing living stipends, support for research, paid internships, and other opportunities. Often, however, support is not available immediately on starting a program, and funds may be limited to very specific types of expenses. DAAD maintains a database of scholarship programs.
Are all German university programs taught in German?
No, Germany also offers many degree programs taught in English. Some, especially at the master’s level, are provided entirely in English. A common undergraduate model is for students to complete a year of study in English and then transition to German for the second and third years of their three-year degree. To look for English or English-German programs in your field, you can search a DAAD database of “international degrees”.
Whether your program is in English, German, or both, you will need to learn some German in advance of your study. Not only is it a requirement for many programs but it will be a big help in managing your daily life in Germany.
How can I learn German in Egypt?
You can now take German classes with Newton Education Services. Our German University Track offers instruction (currently online) with a focus on what you need for successful entry to higher education.
DAAD Egypt provides additional information, including a list of Egyptian universities offering undergraduate courses in German.
What is the timeline for applying to German universities?
Typical application deadlines for German universities are July 15 for entrance to the winter term (starting in September or October) and January 15 for entrance to the summer term (starting in March or April). Some programs, especially those in high-demand fields, have earlier deadlines. Remember to allow yourself plenty of time for language testing. Uni-assist recommends completing applications at least eight weeks before the final deadline.
Universities commonly send acceptance letters in August or September (for winter term) and in February/March (summer). Once you receive your letter, apply immediately to the Embassy Foreign Office for a student visa. Processing can take three months or more.
How do I apply to German universities?
Many German universities ask international students to apply through the online system uni-assist. Other universities have their own systems, while applicants for particularly high demand, “restricted” fields go through a different review process. To apply to any German university you will generally need to provide at least the following:
- Certified copies of your diploma and transcripts
- Translations of academic documents, completed by a court-certified translator
- If instruction is in German, results of TestDaF, administered in both Cairo and Alexandria. The DSH is another accepted language test but is only administered in Germany.
- If instruction is in English, results of the IELTS language test, available in Egypt; other English tests may also be accepted by some institutions.
- Certified copy of your passport and a passport photo
- Application fee. Amount varies; currently uni-assist charges €75 (1305 EGP) for the first program application and €30 (525 EGP) to apply to additional programs.
You may also be asked to submit a statement of purpose (also known as a letter of motivation), references, a CV, and/or provide other documents or complete other requirements varying by institution and field. The DAAD site is one good source of further information and tips on application processes.
Admission to German universities is primarily based on your grade point average. Certified proficiency in the language of instruction is also important with a B2 or C1 level on the CEFR scale common minimums.
German institutions also look at international credentials to determine whether they will be considered a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB, or university entrance credential).
Will my school-leaving credentials be accepted for entrance to a German undergraduate program?
It depends, and many types of credentials will not be accepted for direct admission. Or credentials may only be accepted for study in only some fields. Credential review looks at what subjects you have taken, scores on any required tests, and whether you have completed any previous university study. Uni-assist provides an online tool that allows you to see whether you will be considered to hold an HZB.
So it seems my school-leaving credential is not considered a university entrance credential in Germany. Does that mean I can’t go study there?
Most commonly, universities ask students without an HZB either to complete additional study outside Germany or to apply to a German foundation program (Studienkolleg),. Public foundation programs are tuition-free and usually run by the university you will attend. You may also have the option of attending a private foundation program. Private programs charge tuition but also often offer additional services not available from public programs, varying by program.
You will need proficiency in German at least at the B1 or B2 level to enter a Studienkolleg. This is usually necessary even if you plan to take a degree program taught in English. You will also take an entrance examination to show your basic knowledge of core subjects related to your field of study.
Once at the Studienkolleg, you will take further German language instruction and courses in the broad core area that relates most closely to your planned field of study. For example if you planned to study business you would take courses in mathematics, economics, business, and sociology as well as German or English. Studienkolleg typically takes one academic year to complete. Then you will need to pass a final examination ((Feststellungsprufung), which will allow you to move on to regular degree study. You can read more about Studienkolleg on the Studying-in-Germany.org portal site.
What about the TestAS?
According to Study-in-Germany.org, about 40 universities so far will accept strong performance on the TestAS aptitude examination for international students as an HZB equivalent, either as standard policy or in individual cases. TestAS is currently administered twice each year at the Goethe Institut in Egypt. (Within Germany, an Arabic version of the TestAS examination is available free to refugees.)
Good performance on the TestAS can also help in gaining admission to selective German university programs, whether or not it is acceptable as a HZB equivalent.
How do I choose the right German university for me?
There’s much to explore. DAAD gives a good overview of different study levels and types. Its “Higher Education Compass” lets you search through and access background on more than 20,000 programs.
Even private institutions should hold official German government recognition, allowing degrees to be recognized. There’s also the Center for Higher Education (CHE) University Ranking. This is not a numerical ranking or even a rating of a university as a whole, but it provides useful information on programs in thirty-five fields of study across Germany. In addition to factual information regarding such areas as research, class sizes, and special program features, this ranking provides assessments by students of university quality in different areas and quality ratings by other professors in the field at other institutions.
Other questions about study in Germany? Just ask us in the comment area below or give us a call. Also, if you want in-depth help with choosing a program or with applying, Newton Education Services will be glad to assist you through our advising services. You can come for a single appointment or support all along the way.
And as promised, here is a copy of the presentation Ms. Agbo and Newton Education Services held on February 15, 2020:
Studying in Germany Information Session Presentation. February 2020.