Studying in Germany.

Studying in Germany offers a world-class education with numerous opportunities for international students.

On this page, you'll find everything you need to make your study journey in Germany a success.

University Applications.

A guideline on how to apply for your desired degree program in Germany, highlighting key steps.

University Fees.

Germany is known for having essentially no tuition fees, however, this may not apply to South Africans.

Duales Studium.

Study without the need for a blocked account and gain invaluable work experience as well.

General Overview.

Deciding on a City.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Cost of living, between different Bundesländer.

  • Job opportunities (part time; student jobs).

  • Student life.

  • Summer or Winter intake.

With this in mind, it is within your best interest to explore other universities outside of the most popular choices, because not only will your cost of living be lower but your chance of admission will also be higher.

Deciding on a University and Course.

Hochschulkompass

What information you can find:

  • Filter-search between university and degree programs.

  • Available degree programs

Hochschulkompass is an online portal that serves as a comprehensive guide for higher education in Germany. It offers detailed information on all German universities and higher education institutions, including available degree programs and research opportunities.

FAQ’s

  • Numerus Clausus (NC) in the German education system refers to the restricted admission policy applied to certain university programs due to high demand and limited spots. The term "Numerus Clausus" means "limited number" in Latin.

  • ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. It is a standardised system used across European universities to measure and compare the workload required to complete courses and degree programs. One ECTS credit typically represents 25 - 30 hours of work.

  • The German word "Gebühren" translates to "fees" or "charges" in English. Students are entitled to pay these fees and some international students are even expected to pay additional fees.

  • Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) translates to "university entrance qualification" in English. It refers to the qualification or credential that allows a student to apply for admission to a university in Germany. This would be your NSC and/or Abitur.

  • Studienkolleg is a type of preparatory course in Germany designed for international students whose secondary school qualifications are not equivalent to the German Abitur (the standard university entrance qualification in Germany).

    The National Senior Certificate (NSC) is considered to be equivalent to the German Abitur, based on the authorisation from the ZAB (The Central Office for Foreign Education). Which excludes South Africans from taking part in a Studienkolleg.

    However, despite what the ZAB states. it is to the universities discretion as to whether you need to take part in a Studienkolleg or not. As some universities view and accept international subjects differently.

Types of Universities in Germany.

Universities (Universitäten):

  • Focus on academic and theoretical education.

  • Offer a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.

  • Known for strong research programs, particularly at the master's and PhD levels.

Technical Universities (Technische Universitäten):

  • Specialise in engineering, technology, and natural sciences.

  • Focus on research and innovation, offering high-quality education in STEM fields.

  • Known internationally for their academic excellence.

Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen / Technische Hochschulen / Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften):

  • Emphasise practical and hands-on learning.

  • Ideal for students pursuing careers in engineering, business, social work, or design.

  • Strong ties with industry and businesses, often involving internships or work-study programs.

Colleges of Art, Film, and Music (Kunst- und Musikhochschulen):

  • Cater to creative fields such as fine arts, design, performing arts, and film.

  • Require applicants to pass entrance exams or submit portfolios to demonstrate their talent.

Private Universities:

  • Fee-based institutions offering specialized programs.

  • Typically have smaller class sizes and modern facilities.

  • Popular for business, management, and international programs.

Application and Intake Phases.

In Germany, universities generally have two main intakes for admissions:

Winter Intake (Wintersemester -WS)

  • Starts: September/October

  • Application Deadline: Usually mid-July

    • (for most universities)

Summer Intake (Sommersemester -SS)

  • Starts: March/April

  • Application Deadline: Usually mid-January

Key Points:

  • Winter intake is the main intake with more courses and higher availability.

  • Summer intake has fewer programs but is still an option for many universities.

  • Deadlines can vary by university and program, so it’s best to check the specific university website for exact dates.