The high standard of education and affordable fees in most German universities makes it an option for international students. International students comprise 13% of the total population of students in the country. German universities also seek to attract more international students and they are increasing courses and programs taught in English.
German higher education
The Higher education institutions in Germany are split into three streams and they are:
Universities (Universitaten)
These are specialized in research and theoretical teaching in-depth.
Universities of applied science (Hochschulen)
They are focused on the application of learning and practical work experience primarily.
Colleges of art and music (Musik – und – Kunsthochschulen)
They are specialized in training budding artists, designers, musicians, and actors.
Qualifications and degrees in Germany
Higher institutions in Germany offer both universally recognized and Germany-specific higher education qualifications and degrees and they include:
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- PhDs
- Postdoctoral Research
Acceptance evaluation
Staatsexamen (state examination to acquire a specific degree program, the standard is set by the state instead of the individual universities, and it is a qualifying examination for professions such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, and pharmacists).
The system used to access the students are ECTS, (meaning European Credit Transfer System), which represents the workload of a course and the time an average student needs to achieve the objective of that program.
Best universities in Germany
Here are the best universities to consider when considering a postgraduate study as an international student:
Technical University of Munich (Technische Universitat Munchen)
It is one of the best universities in Europe, known for excellence in research, teaching, and talent promotion. It has 15 faculties, 42,705 students within all degree programs of which 32% are international students, and 566 professors on staff to deliver high-quality teaching to students. The slogan of the institution is “we invest in talent; knowledge is our gain.”
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Ludwig-Maximilians-universitat Munchen
This is one of the leading research institutes in Europe, located in the heart of the continent; LMU offers high-standard teaching and research, hosting international students of up to 15% of an entire population of around 7,000.
Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg (Ruprecht-karl-universitat Heidelberg)
The school is renowned for its long tradition of being internationally oriented in research and teaching and the institution offers a variety of disciplines. With a welcoming and comfortable environment, the school provides quality teaching to its students to broaden their knowledge and skills.
Humboldt University of Berlin (Humboldt-Uiversitat zu Berlin
The school is highly regarded, enrolling over 6,000 international students in its degree program out of its 35,475 students. The university’s reputation is well known for its teaching and research capacity with around 420 professors and more than 1,900 assistants. The institution ensures its graduates are skilled enough to enter the job market with confidence.
KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
The institute of technology is involved in research and education to help society, industry, and the environment solves their biggest challenges. The institution is renowned for its international research project and cultural diversity. KIT emphasize the development perspectives of its student, through an early integration into interdisciplinary research projects and international teams.
Free University of Berlin (Freie Universitaet Berlin)
The university is one of the leading institutions in science and education with 11 departments including medicine. 13% of its 33,000 students are internationals enrolled in its bachelor’s degree program and 27% are involved in Master’s studies. The university ensures they provide the students with the needed skills to overcome the challenges that society faces today.
RWTH Aachen University (Rheinisch-Westfalische Technische Hochshule Aachen)
The university is internationally recognized for its quality in teaching and research. Ranked as one of the top 10 universities in Germany, the university offers innovative solutions are offered to solve global challenges. Through the university’s close connection with the industry, students get opportunities to acquire all knowledge and skills to succeed in the global labor markets. Over 11,280 international students are enrolled in the university.
Berlin Institute of Technology (Technische Universitat Berlin (TU Berlin)
The university is best known for its sharp profile and wide range of qualitative degree programs. The students are provided with the qualifications they need to achieve their dream careers. The university ensures excellence and quality in research and teaching, ensuring the student receives a comfortable and diverse environment while enrolled in the institution.
Eberhard Karls University of Tubingen (Eberhard karls universitat Tubingen)
The university has an outstanding record in research and teaching. The degree programs are innovative and its international courses attract over 3,779 students from abroad. The student gets access to a welcoming environment, modern facilities, and an elaborate degree program.
Albert Ludwig University of Freibutg (Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat Freiburg)
The university offers a diverse range of degree programs that are ideal for innovative interdisciplinary studies. The university is open-minded, plural, and welcomes international exchange. The institution also offers the best conditions for research, teaching, administration, and continuing education in a welcoming and equal environment.
