Study at a German Public University

Pathway programs to access German PUBLIC universities offer a great addition to your portfolio. I will explain the necessary steps and point out the differences to private universities.. Annette Friedl annette@isl-sprachschule.de Germany

Why Germany? Why a public university? 10 reasons Germany is among the top 3 destinations for studying abroad More than 12% of students are non EU students Made in Germany not only for goods, but also for education Germany offers over 18.500 different degree courses No (or very little) tuition fees Germany is a safe country and welcomes people from all parts of the world Living expenses are very low Huge job opportunities You are welcome to stay after your studies You can learn a new language over 185 million people speak German

Number of foreign students in German public universities

A degree taught in German! why? - Higher regocnition in Germany and abroad - No job without really good German - Better integration right from the beginning - Better choice of degree courses - Higher salaries - Advantage over German students because of languages - State university = no fees always!

Why a German taught Degree? Source: EAIE study portals

No tuition fees at public university! why? Decreasing population - universities expect to have 30% less students by 2030 - already now thousands of positions are not filled, currently 46 000 positions in the engineering field - difficulty to keep the economical growth education not seen as product but as an investment. The government has a target of 350 000 foreign students by 2030 (at the moment we are at 325 000)

Rate of success by subject area Source: BAMF 2014

Duration of job search Source: BAMF 2014

Duration of job search Some data: Unemployment rate amongst university graduates: 2.5% Average time to find a job: 3.5 months (all academics) Average salary after graduation: EUR 40.200 per year. Graduates from universities of applied sciences find a job even easier (contact to industry through thesis)

Salary level Source: statista.com

Some facts about public universities in Germany: German universities are recognized worldwide No ranking as known from the US or UK All degrees are equal, the only that counts is the grade Two different types: traditional universities and universities of applied sciences Most of the German universities are public institutions Some of the oldest universities in Germany are well known around the globe: University of Heidelberg Cologne University Freiburg University LMU Munich

Some facts about wanting to study Medicine in Germany: 9000 places for 43000 applicants about 20% get a place 20% of places allocated on school grades only requirement min. 90% in Abitur 20% of places allocated based on waiting time currently 15 semesters 60% of places allocated on grades + personal ability main focus on grades, but chances are there Not possible to join at Master level not a good option in Germany

2 different types of public universities Traditional university Focus on theories and methods why is a method scientifically right or wrong Focus on research Independent learning Suitable for students who want to learn theoretical science scientific career University of applied science Focus on practical education how does a method work and how does one use it Focus on practical work Education in smaller groups, classical teaching Suitable for students who want to apply what they learned mid management

Degrees at German public universities Bachelor Master Diploma State Examination - regular study time: 6 / 7 semesters - regular study time: 3 / 4 semesters - regular study time: 8 semesters old German degree, slightly higher than a Master, lots of universities are going back to this combined degree - government examination for certain professions such as doctors, lawyers or teachers

2 Ways into German public University 12 years school education with certain results*, secondary education plus some time at university no university study in home country OR equivalent to German Abitur, eg. A-levels or IB Language course German language course Exam: B2 Language course German language course Exam: C1 (TestDaf) Studienkolleg (foundation Entry test foundation year 12 months foundation course Exam: Studienkolleg exam + C1 (TestDaf) University No fees 6 to 8 semester Bachelor 3 or 4 semester Master year) University No fees 6 to 8 semester Bachelor 3 or 4 semester Master

Foundation year programs what to look out for public vs. private foundation year programs -> cost / access / places available single letter vs. double letter programs -> restriction to certain institutes FSP the final exam -> not the only requirement, but important. C1 also needed

Foundation year programs different courses T (TI) M W (WW) T course:for all technical/mathematical degrees W course: for all economical/social studies degrees M course: for all medical and biology related subjects (not only Medicine)

European Language Framework Foundation Students require B2 (900 hours) Degree Students require C1 (1100 hours)

Admission Procedure Foundation Program Eligibility: Having 12 Years Qualification General secondary school exam with certain grades and subjects

Admission Procedure Foundation Program Steps: 1. German Course, Exam B2 2. Foundation year appropriate course, Feststellungsprüfung FSP 3. German C1 exam TestDaF / TELC 4. Start Bachelor

Admission Procedure Bachelor Program Eligibility: General secondary school exam plus some time at university in home country OR school certificate equivalent to German Abitur such as A-level, SAT, IB with the right subjects and grades

Admission Procedure Bachelor Program Steps: 1. German course C1 TestDaF 2. Start Bachelor

Admission Procedure Master Program Eligibility: General secondary school exam plus successfully completed Bachelor degree in home country from a recognized university with good grades.

Admission Procedure Master Program Steps: 1. German course C1 TestDaF 2. Have Bachelor transcripts evaluated 3. Re-do some of the missing Bachelor modules 4. Start your Master

Admission Procedure Phd Eligibility: No standard rules. Students need to find a mentor for their desired thesis. Very difficult. Research work expected. Only personal application possible.

Special case Medicine, etc. Problem: no conditional admission available Reason: application only possible after completion of the language course (and foundation year) Background: limited places, no clear cut off point. So the entry criteria changes every semester based on the number of students applying and their academic performance. Solution: If Medicine is the only option -> find another country. If a related subject is a realistic option, then try it. You have nothing to lose!

Types of Visa tourist visa language course visa student applicant visa student visa job search visa work visa permanent residency

Language course visa duration of course = length of visa no big difficulties financial support must be there for time of course health insurance return ticket to leave Germany immediately after course NO option to change this into a different visa after arrival

Student applicant visa duration = duration of language course (initially 1 year) proof of place at university (or sometimes eligibility ) financial support must be there (e.g. blocked account) health insurance proof of language course and accommodation will change into a student visa after registration at university

Documents required for Visa (student applicant visa) * Conditional letter of acceptance from University * Acceptance letter from language school * 2 months confirmed accommodation * Medical insurance for duration of language course * Financial security (blocked account) ALL FEES MUST BE PAID BEFORE ARRIVAL IN GERMANY

Steps check if you are eligible to study apply for conditional admission from university register for language course open blocked account or have a sponsor prepare and inform yourself!!!!! apply for visa / APS

Conditional admission from university Apply directly to the university of your choice most of them have an application deadline of January 15 th and July 15 th of each year. German is necessary before application is accepted. Apply through UNI ASSIST same deadlines. Application can only be done after completing the German course so no option for people who have no German yet. Apply through language school usually possible all year round. German can be learnt afterwards. NOTE: having a conditional admission to a university does not mean you have to go there. You are free to apply to any other university once you are in Germany and have reached a certain language level.

Financial proof Usually blocked account: student opens a special bank account with Deutsche Bank in Germany and deposits EUR 8820 in it. Only the student can then withdraw money (EUR 735 per month once in Germany). If visa is refused, money is refunded. This needs to be topped up each time you extend your visa, unless you have other sources of income (e.g. job) Alternative: Personal guarantee. The person issuing the guarantee has to live in Europe with a permanent residence and must have enough income to support the student. This is checked very carefully. Alternative: scholarship

Pros and Cons NO TUITION FEES quality of education job opportunities low living expenses permanent residency hard visa interview no work allowed during language course new language needed blocked account

Germany welcomes you!!! Questions & Answers Thank you for attending the seminar!