Welcome to Germane Education Agent Insight
Five Quick Points About Germany
- Germany is among the top study destinations for international students worldwide
- Degrees are internationally compatible
- Emphasis on applied sciences, interdisciplinary studies, international outlook, and theory balanced with practical applications
- Very green, environmentally aware society
- A blend of modern and traditional cultures
Location and Geography
Germany (Deutschland), the sixth largest country in Europe by land area (349,520 square kilometres), is situated in central Europe, with coastal access to the North and Baltic Seas. It is bordered by nine European countries to the north, east, south, and west. It comprises lowlands (north), uplands (centre), and the Bavarian Alps to the south. Berlin (in the northeast) is the capital.
Climate
The climate of Germany is temperate (and marine in the north), with cool, cloudy, wet winters and warm summers, occasionally tempered by the Föhn, a warm mountain wind. There can be marked variations in climate from region to region.
History and Population
The German nationals of today have evolved from several different tribal groups: Celts, Germans, Franks, Slavs, and Romans. Germany has had a long and chequered history with periods of dominance, repression, and division.
Germanic invasions destroyed the declining Roman Empire in the 4th/5th centuries AD. From the 15th to early 19th centuries, the Hapsburgs ruled until the decline of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806. Within this period was the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648), which devastated Germany and left the empire divided into hundreds of small principalities.
After the Napoleonic Wars of the 19th century, Germany reorganised and a German Empire was established. The growing influence of Germany then collided with the interests of other nations leading into World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, and the separation of West Germany and East Germany.
In the 1960s and 1970s, a large immigration wave began in Germany, which permanently altered the composition of the German population, which is now very multi-ethnic.
Following the German Reunification in October 1990, Germany became a united and sovereign state for the first time since 1945. It has a population of over 83 million and is the second-most populated country in Europe. Population density varies markedly from urban (very dense) to rural (less dense) areas.
The median age is 46 years. Over 95% of the population speaks German as their mother tongue; other languages spoken in the country include Serbian, North Frisian, Danish, Romani, Kurdish and Turkish.
Society and Culture
The culture in Germany has many facets. From world-famous orchestras, architecture, museums, churches, and traditional cuisine to avant-garde art and music, international students will find a mix of modern and traditional. People who live here, or visit the country, can enjoy the outdoors which includes beautiful riverbanks. Gardens can also be found in most cities and towns. Germany is renowned as a sporting nation, with football being a beloved pastime for many. In addition to football, walking and cycling are prevalent leisure activities enjoyed by a wide range of people. The country boasts an exceptional train network, known for its efficiency and speed making it easy to get around the country.
Economy
Germany is a member of the European Union (EU). Its economy is the largest in Europe and the fourth-largest in the world after the U.S., China, and Japan, and it is very export-oriented (second-largest exporter in the world). It is among the largest and most technologically advanced producers of iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery, vehicles, machine tools, electronics, food and beverages, shipbuilding, and textiles. It is the leading producer of wind turbines and solar power technology in the world.
Some of the largest annual international trade fairs and congresses occur in German cities such as Hanover, Frankfurt, and Berlin.
The currency is the Euro (€).
Government
The political structure of the Federal German Republic is complex, consisting of a central federal government and 16 states. The government and economic systems today are based predominantly on those of West Germany before reunification. West German Basic Law (or constitution) became the cornerstone of the central, federal government in 1990. The Federal Constitutional Court has the power to repeal legislation if such legislation contravenes the Basic Law.
Most areas of government are centralised. The states, however, are responsible for schooling (and to a large extent tertiary education), internal security (including policing), as well as the organisation of local self-government. The federal government supplements the states’ income to assist them in managing and administering these areas.
Living Conditions and Cost of Living
International students living in Germany can generally live on €750–€950 a month. Most public universities do not charge tuition for international students, although some states may have policies in place for international student fees. Please verify the tuition policies of each institution directly before joining. If they attend a private university, students can expect to spend €20,000 a year in tuition. Health insurance is usually around €50–€60 a month.
Education System
The fundamental structure of the German education system is similar to that of many Western countries. It consists of elementary (primary), secondary (lower and upper) and tertiary/higher education. It is in the detail – especially in relation to the range of institutions that deliver tertiary/higher education – where the differences lie. International students planning to study in Germany need to be able to identify these differences in tertiary/higher education; a brief outline follows:
- Traditional universities (Universitäten)
- Equivalent higher education institutions including technology (Technische Hochschulen or Technische Universitäten) and education (Pädagogische Hochschulen)
- Colleges of art and music (Kunsthochschulen and Musikhochschulen)
- Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen)
- Universities of Applied Administrative Sciences (Verwaltungsfachhochschulen)
- Professional academies for vocational education and training (Berufsakademien)
Most of these institutions are public (government). There are some privately run institutions; however, public education is the first choice for more than 90% of students.
Information Specific to International Students
Close to 325,000 international students are enrolled at German institutes of higher education. This makes Germany among the most sought-after destination countries in the world.
There is a German language proficiency requirement for entry to higher education institutions, the DSH (DSH-Prüfung). In some situations, basic language may be accepted depending upon the course, the level of study, and the language of instruction. German-language courses are available at most institutions.
Non-EU students may need to obtain a student visa before entering Germany. Students should first check with the German embassy or consulate in their own country to obtain the most up-to-date information about student visa requirements. Visa application processing for long-stay visas can take several months, so students must allow sufficient processing time before their intended date of entry. Students who wish to seek work while studying need to check if they will need a work permit. For more information on visas and health insurance, please visit: https://www.study-in.de/en/plan-your-studies/requirements/visa-and-residence-permit_26604.php
International students can work while they study in Germany, and because student jobs are subsidized (entailing lower social security costs for employers); many German employers find student workers an attractive option. For more information: https://www.study-in.de/en/plan-your-stay/job-and-career/part-time-job_26928.php
More Information
www.deutschland.de – Deutschland Portal: Official portal to access information on Germany
www.bmbf.de – Official site of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research
www.studienwahl.de – Study programmes in Germany
www.eduserver.de – Deutsche Bildungs Server: Information on the education system and access to web-based education information in Germany
www.eubusiness.com/Germany/econ – EU business site: Information on German economy
www.imf.org – International Monetary Fund site for IMF reports on German economy
www.hs-kompass2.de/kompass/xml/index_en.htm – HRK: Information on higher education institutions
www.study-in-germany.de – Deutsche Welle: Information on studying in Germany and student visas
www.auswaertiges-amt.de – German Foreign Office
www.internationale-studierende.de – Deutsches Studentenwerk (German Student Union)
www.tatsachen-ueber-deutschland.de – Information on German government, society, and culture
www.germanculture.com – Information on German society: population, culture, education, healthcare
Study in Germany website: https://www.study-in-germany.de/en
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): https://www.daad.de/de
Deutsches Studentenwerk (German Student Union): https://www.internationale-studierende.de
German National Tourist Board: https://www.germany.travel/en/home.html