Study in Germany

Types of higher education institutions
Universität –
institution that offers academic courses on all the three levels
Types of universities:
Technische Universität/Hochschule -
university offering technical courses
Pädagogische Hochschule -
university offering pedagogical courses
Gesamthochschule -
institution associating more types of universities

Fachhochschule - 3-4 years studies in technical and economic courses leading to Diplom (FH). Courses are more specialized and professionaly oriented.

Kunsthochschule - professionaly oriented courses. Graduates become professional artists or teachers of art courses.

Structure of university studies

Academic year in Germany starts in October and ends in July. The language of instructions is German, some postgraduate courses are instructed in English.

1st level - Grundstudium
at least 2 years full-time study leading to Vordiplom
2nd level
- Hauptstudium
2 - 4 years full-time study leading to Diplom (in technical and economic courses) or Magister Artium (M.A. - in humanities)
State examinations (Staatsexamen) are taken in subjects which enable graduates to take positions in the civil service of Germany (teachers, judges) or in state-supervised professions (physicians, lawyers, pharmacists)
3rd level – Aufbaustudium/Ergänzungstudium (available only at universities)
1 - 2 more years full-time study and research leading to Doctorate (Dr. title)

Application procedures
- all foreign students are urged to apply directly to the universities
- admission to certain degree courses is arranged by the Central Admission Office (Zentralstelle für die Vergabe von Studienplätzen); contact the foreign student office at your chosen university to inquire whether your chosen discipline is subject to the central admission procedure
- proof of German proficiency is required
- there are no admission tests for undergraduate studies, students are selected according to their secondary school records; certificate documenting that student has passed university qualification examinations in his home-coutry or Feststellungsprüfung may be required
- students applying for the following courses must take the admission tests: medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine; for these courses students must apply through the Zentralstelle für die Vergabe von Studienplatzen - admission tests (Medic-Test) are held on September 15
- admission tests may be required when applying for some doctoral courses
- deadline for the applications is July 15 for the winter semester and January 15 for the summmer semester
- student who has spent part of his/her studies at a university outside Germany can ask for transfer of credits

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Financing of university studies

- there is no tuition at the German universities
- the living expenses in Germany are about DM 1, 000 - 1, 300 per month
- the student unions charge a membership fee of about DM 30-80 per semester
- the most extensive German scholarship program is that organised by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD); only advanced students may apply for DAAD scholarships

Health insurance

Students must pay for their insurance about DM 400 per semester (DM 600 - 780 if you are older than 30 years). You can contact the compulsory health insurance scheme AOK (Allgemeine Orts-krankenkasse) or another health insurance company. For further information contact the student organization at the university of your choice (Studentenwerk)

Visa

Foreign students need a residence permit visa for educational purposes issued by a diplomatic representation of Germany in the student's country of origin. This regulation does not apply to study applicants and students from EU countries. The so-called study applicant visa (Studienbewerber-Sichtvermerk) allows you a stay of up to three months. This visa can be extended as a residence permit without you first having to leave the country.

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Important addresses
Zentralstelle für die Vergabe von Studienplatzen (ZVS)
Sonnenstrasse
D-44128
Dortmund

DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
Kennedyallee 50
D-53175
Bonn
tel. +49 (228) 882-0
fax. +49 (228) 882-444
e-mail: postmaster@daad.de

Goethe-Institut
Zentralverwaltung
Helene-Weber-Allee 1
Postfach 19 04 19
D-80604 München
Tel.: (089) 15921-0
Telefax: (089) 15921-450
Telex: 522 940

Useful publications
title: Aufbaustudiengänge an Hochschulen in Deutschland
published: DAAD, 1995
title: Leben und Studieren in Deutschland
published: DAAD 1996
title: Studium in Deutschland - Informationen für Ausländer über das Studium an deutschen Universitäten
published: DAAD, 1997
title: Studium in Deutschland - Informationen für Ausländer über das Studium an deutschen Fachhochshulen
published: DAAD 1996
title: Studium und Forschung in Deutschland - Förderungsmöglichkeiten für ausländische Hochschulangehörige
published: DAAD, 1997

Internet addresses
http://www.daad.org/daad.htm - information on education, programes DAAD
http://wooly.postech.ac.kr/www/university/de.html - universities' programes
http://www.goethe.de - Goethe Institut

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