Universities in Germany

Disadvantages and features of German universities

• High entrance requirements. Even for admission to the preparatory year of study, students are required to confirm their knowledge of the German language at a level not lower than B2. According to the reviews of all applicants, the entrance exam at Studienkolleg is unexpectedly difficult, and, as a result, not everyone succeeds in passing it the first time. This entails the loss of the whole academic year since documents can be submitted again after six months or even after a year if the selected university has only one set of deadlines.
• Assessment of previous education. German universities pay close attention to the subjects passed at the baccalaureate level and their relevance to the master's program. Most of the refusals upon admission occur precisely because of the inconsistency of the previous education of the applicant with the profile of the program.
• Translation and legalization of documents. German universities set strict requirements for accepted translations of application documents, as well as their legalization in different authorities. These rules must be followed in order not to receive a refusal due to technical inaccuracy alone.
• Limited number of English programs. German universities offer an extremely limited number of undergraduate programs in English, thereby creating huge competition for admission.

Requirements for admission to German universities

Students who come from countries where the education system isn’t equivalent to German’s have to attend Studienkolleg before applying to the university. There are two kinds of Studienkollegs: Universitätskollegs prepare students for all types of higher educational institutions, and Fachhochschulkollegs prepare students only for universities of applied sciences.

The official website of the German Center for International Education uni-assist allows prospect students to check the equivalence of their diploma. And here is a list of all Studienkollegs in Germany.

You don’t need to attend Studienkolleg in order to pass the final exam, it is possible through self-preparation (externe Feststellungsprüfung).

The following documents will be needed:

• Document explaining the reason why a student can’t attend Studienkolleg;
• Evidence of high academic performance at school;
• Language certificate;
• Evidence of paid administrative fee (169-226 USD).

A final examination could be taken in Germany or remotely at one of the Goethe Institutes or DAAD centers. Students can find all the details on corresponding websites.

TestAS — is a special examination created for international applicants. It includes a language test, general core, and area-specific modules (business of engineering). Make note that this test doesn’t count as proof of language proficiency. All participants will receive 2 extra points during the admission procedure. Students with high results (100 points or more) will get additional 10 bonus points. Check if your university admits TestAs results before applying.

Public and private universities

Although state universities still make up the majority of German educational institutions, the popularity of private universities is growing every year. If in 2005 only 3% of students were studying in private institutions^[3], now this number has grown to 8%^[4].

Accreditation of private universities in all states (länder) is carried out by the Science counsel (Wissenschaftsrat), which ensures that the programs, structure of education and qualifications of teachers follow German educational standards. Special association — Verband der Privaten Hochschulen — represents the interests of private educational institutions.

The study conducted by the German company Stifterverband in collaboration with McKinsey^[5] suggests dividing private universities into five categories:

• Aufwerter (“upgraders”) offer basic continuing education programs for college or majors. With globalization and technological progress, many professions require extra qualifications related to using new devices or developing soft (social or communicational) skills.
• Flexible (“flexibles”) universities cater to students with time limitations. They offer a variety of online courses and programs with flexible schedules, allowing students to study and work at the same time. A combination of online and offline learning is called blended studies.
• Berufsorientierte (“professionals”) make up the largest of all the groups represented^[6]. Universities in this category work with companies and enterprises. Their programs are practical and often include internships in a partner organization.
• Spezialisten (“specialists”) combine learning with research. Universities of this type often offer international exchange and doctoral programs, allowing students to receive a high-quality academic education. The most popular areas here are economics, law, and sociology. This group includes Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, the Handelshochschule in Leipzig, the European Business School in Oestrich-Winkel, the WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management in Falland and Bucerius Law School in Hamburg.
• Humboldtianer (“humboldtians”) — the fifth group, named after Friedrich von Humboldt — German statesman, diplomat, philosopher and linguist who founded the Humboldt University in Berlin (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin). Throughout his life, he preached the ideal of higher education — the optimal combination of knowledge in several academic and scientific fields. Universities of this group are considered truly elite educational institutions. They provide multidisciplinary training and prepare students for work in business, politics, and education. Three private universities qualify as "Humboldtian": Zeppelin Universität, Jacobs University Bremen and Universität Witten Herdecke^[6].

The main advantages of private universities include fewer students, better funding, more attentive administration, a focus on the labor market and the absence of a numerus clausus system (special quotas mainly for medicine-oriented programs).

The main disadvantage is the tuition fees: undergraduate programs cost on average 588 USD/month, and master's programs — 814 USD/month. Many universities introduce scholarships and special deferred payment schedules to help students.

Groups and associations of universities

Exzellenzinitiative ("best initiative") is a program created by the German Ministry of Education and the German Research Society (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)^[7]. Its goal is to foster advanced research and strengthen international cooperation at universities. As part of this program, the so-called elite universities (Eliteuniversitäten) are regularly selected. They receive additional funding from the state for the development of research work and collaboration. The selection process evaluates existing projects and partnerships. The status of an elite university should be reviewed and reaffirmed every seven years.

U15 is an association of the largest scientific and medical universities in Germany. Its goal is to create a network of the most innovative and elite research educational institutions. 31% of all international students in Germany study at U15 universities in undergraduate and graduate programs, and 43% — in doctoral programs^[9].

TU9 is an association of nine leading German technical universities^[10]. Created in 2003 as an informal association, TU9 officially exists since 2006. The purpose of the association is the cooperation of participating universities and training of qualified engineering personnel.