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assisting in the realization of civil and social rights
Studying in Germany. How to get a higher education
Ways to obtain education in Germany
Those who wish to study in Germany have a wide choice: more than 300 higher educational institutions and more than 11 thousand study programs.
Higher education in Germany
In most German universities, education is free (not counting student fees), both for Germans and foreigners. Private educational institutions charge tuition fees, with the cost of a full course ranging from €16,000. An applicant can submit an unlimited number of applications to German educational institutions and, after the application period, choose any university that has approved the application.
You can study in Germany in German or English. But note that mainly English-language programs are available at private universities. They are usually related to economics, business, and international relations.
All German universities are divided into two groups: universities (Universität) and higher schools of applied sciences (Hochschule). Their difference lies in the teaching methodology. The university provides theoretical and academic knowledge (lectures are held in large auditoriums), and if you plan to engage in science, this is your option. Higher schools are more practice-oriented (classes are organized in small groups), they are suitable for those who plan to pursue a career. Diplomas from higher schools and universities have equal value.
Here are some well-known and prestigious universities in Germany:
Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich
Heidelberg University
Technical University of Munich
Humboldt University of Berlin
Technical University of Munich
Humboldt University of Berlin
Attention! Each higher educational institution in Germany has its own peculiarities of admitting international applicants. We offer a preliminary list. It is necessary to clarify the information on the university's website. So, usually, to enter a German university, Belarusians are required:
- Educational documents. To enter the first year of a German university, an applicant must have studied for at least 12 years (how Belarusians, who study for 11 classes, should proceed, read on).
- Knowledge of German or English at a sufficient level. Be prepared that when applying, you may be required to provide a confirming certificate: TestDaF (German language), IELTS or TOEFL (English language).
- Completed application form (issued by the student office).
- Certificate of graduation from school (if necessary, translated and notarized) or a certificate of admission to study, issued by the International Relations Department.
- Academic transcript or diploma from the university where the applicant studied in their home country.
- Health insurance policy.
- A document confirming your financial status or a document from a sponsor on the German side (for housing rental and food during your studies). Please note that you will be required to open a "frozen" account in a German bank, from which you can withdraw a fixed amount of money.
- Some German universities require applicants to submit a resume, a motivation letter, and proof of internship or work experience.
Attention: you should never submit original documents! Copies of German documents can be certified at the city administration for a small fee. Before going there to certify copies of foreign documents, it is best to call and find out if this is possible. In some cases, in Germany, a translator with a state certificate has the right to certify the translation he has made. Often, you can certify a copy at the consulate of the state that issued the document.
Belarusians can get into a German university in several ways. Let's look at each option in more detail.
Enrollment in bachelor's programs at German universities
Education in German schools lasts 12-13 years, so it is not possible to enroll in a German university immediately after graduating from a Belarusian school. Where to study for the missing year or two? There are several options:
- After graduating from school in Belarus, enroll in a boarding school in Germany;
- After graduating from school, go to a preparatory department at a German university — Studienkolleg (studienkolleg);
- Complete 1-2 courses at a Belarusian university in your field of interest and enroll in the same one (or a very similar one) at a German university (the level of German language proficiency in this case should be at least B2-C1);
- Complete 1-2 courses at a Belarusian university and enroll in a preparatory department at a German university (studienkolleg) in another field (the level of German language proficiency should be at least B1);
- Complete 1-2 courses at a Belarusian university, enroll in a paid German language course in Germany, get a certificate upon completion, and then apply to a studienkolleg or a German university.
Studienkollegs offer a number of programs. G-Kurs is for future art historians and linguists. M-Kurs is for those who want to become biologists, chemists, doctors, agronomists, athletes, pharmacists, veterinarians, etc. T-Kurs is for future architects, brewers, physicists, geographers, mineralogists, mathematicians, etc. W-Kurs is for those wishing to study in the field of management, economics, sociology, finance, etc. S-Kurs is for language learning.
Applying to a Master's program at a German university
Belarusians can apply to a German university for the second stage of higher education — a Master's program. To do this, it is necessary to graduate from a university in their home country. There are also different options:
- graduate from a university in Belarus and apply for the same or a related specialty at a German university (you need to know German or English at least at the C1 level);
- graduate from a university in Belarus, complete a paid German language course in Germany, get a certificate of the appropriate language level and apply for a Master's degree in the same specialty; you can also apply for another specialty, but only for a bachelor's degree.
German universities recruit students twice a year, in summer and winter. However, each educational institution has its own admission requirements and conditions for submitting documents, as each state has its own laws.
Advantages of studying at German universities
Among the advantages of studying in Germany, not only free and high-quality education. Students of German universities have the opportunity to travel freely within the Schengen zone, work while studying, intern and do internships at German companies, improve their German and English. After graduation, it is possible to successfully find a job in Germany or another European country: a German diploma from a university is highly regarded in other countries.
Working while studying
Finding a job in Germany is complicated by the fact that German labor legislation imposes certain restrictions on non-EU foreign students. According to the law, international students at German universities have the right to work 90 full or 180 part-time days a year. In practice, this means about 10 working hours a week.
However, it is most advantageous for an international student to look for part-time work at their home "alma mater". If anything, because it is not subject to the 90 and 180-day limit. In this case, the job has the official title of "research assistant", but in practice it involves working as a secretary, laboratory assistant, or library assistant. Such work must be officially reported to the Labor Office (Arbeitsamt) and the Foreigners' Office (Ausländeramt). If the authorities give their approval, then you can safely go to work.
Obtaining a visa
A student visa (marked "gültig zum Studium") is issued for three weeks. Upon arrival in Germany and final enrollment (matriculation), it can be converted into a residence permit at the Foreigners' Office. Obtaining a long-term visa takes an average of three months (they are sent to Germany - to the Foreigners' Office of the state where the chosen educational institution is located).
To study in Germany, you need a "student" visa ("Visum zu Studienzwecken")
There are three types of "student" visas for international students and applicants:
- A visa to attend German language courses ("Sprachkursvisum"). It cannot be converted into a proper "student" visa without returning home;
- An "applicant" visa ("Studienbewerbervisum"), issued for a period of three months if the applicant does not have a certificate of admission to study at the university ("Zulassungsbescheid"). This visa can be converted into a proper "student" visa at the Foreigners' Office. To do this, you must present a certificate of admission to study ("Zulassungsbescheid");
- A "student" visa ("Visum zu Studienzwecken"), issued for a period of one year. To obtain this visa, you must present a certificate issued by a German university admitting you to study ("Zulassungsbescheid"), as well as a document confirming the availability of funds for staying and studying in Germany.
- a valid passport;
- passport photos;
- a certificate of completion of secondary school, giving the right to enroll in a German university (this must be a certificate equivalent to the German "Abiturzeugnis");
- academic records;
- guarantees that the stay for the purpose of studying in Germany for a period of one year is fully provided for financially;
- travel health insurance valid until the conclusion of a student health insurance contract in Germany (which you must present upon enrollment in a higher education institution). The minimum coverage must be €30,000.
Visa for parents
Issued on the basis of an invitation from the student and supporting documents confirming enrollment at a German university. The full list of documents can be obtained at the embassies and consulates of Germany.
Information about studying in Germany can be obtained on the website: https://adukar.by/news/besplatnoe-obuchenie-v-germanii-dlya-belorusov
Useful information about Germany:
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