Higher Education in Germany

Germany has evolved as an epitome of Europe when it comes to higher education. There are more than 300 universities and around 220 Fachhochschulen i.e. universities of applied science listed in official guide book of Germany. Most of the information given in this book is in German language and normally admission is done on German language proficiency. Only a few universities offer programs that are taught in English. Though vast number of programs are taught in German language only whether it is some traditional German university or a newer bachelor’s or master’s degree which has been introduced after 1999.

In the olden days only master’s degree was the first degree available but now the recent higher education norms have introduced two level programs at both bachelor’s and master’s level. The bachelor’s degree was introduced to reduce the number of non-completers. The Fachhochschulen (universities of applied science) offer shorter practice oriented programs. This has lead to more credentials at bachelor’s level but some also offer master’s program for those who are interested in further study. A number of colleges offer programs in art and music areas.

Many American and British institutes have established a campus of their own in Germany like Schiller International University in Heidelberg. There are many universities that offer higher education like Duke University, Jacobs University Bremen, Dresden International University, Stuttgart Institute of Management & Technology, etc.

A new enterprising sector of private institutes has developed over last two decades. In some cases if any university has an English name that doesn’t mean that the programs will be taught in English. Some universities offer corporate programs that are open to employees only.

There are many business schools also licensed by German state which offer one or two year program, leading to vocational degree below bachelor’s degree. Getting admission into some German state university can prove to be trying process because the number of seats is limited and admission is done only once a year. Institutes of higher education

In Germany there are some 370 institutes of higher education, of which 140 are entitled to award doctorates, and around 200 universities of the applied sciences. Of some 2 million current students almost half are women. For first degree courses tuition fees of some EUR 500 per semester are levied in five federal states, while for long-term studies and second degrees fees are payable almost everywhere

Foreign students

240,000 foreign students are enrolled at German institutes of higher education. After the United States and Great Britain, Germany is the third most attractive country world-wide for foreign students

Degrees

Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D., State Examination, Diploma, Magister, Promotion