Germany welcomes more than 370,000 international students each year which makes up 13.2% of all university students in the whole country. With free tuition and the opportunity to remain to work for 18 months, its clear why Germany is such a desirable place to study.
1. Quality institutions
As the world’s most popular non-Anglophone study destination it's hardly surprising that Germany is home to some of the most highly ranked universities in Western Europe. This year, the Times Higher Rankings placed LMU Munich at 32nd position, Heidelberg University 47th and Humboldt University of Berlin 67th in the world, while many other institutions featured in the top 100. Resources at many of these institutions are also often unparalleled, as the German state heavily funds research projects, which is particularly appealing for master’s students. In fact, 29.3% of students value the teaching quality provided by professors at German institutions.
2. No tuition fees
Studying in Germany at undergraduate level is FREE. Yes, you heard right! Even as an international student, you won’t have to pay fees in Germany as they are exempt for all nationalities, not just domestic students. In fact, if you complete your undergraduate studies at a German institution, you may even be eligible for a free postgraduate programme too.
Without the burden of having to pay tuition fees, this leaves you with extra money for accommodation, study materials, socialising and exploring nearby places! As you can imagine, no fees mean Germany has become a magnet for international students. While this makes the country all the more appealing, it also makes it competitive.
3. Job opportunities
After graduating, international students are allowed to stay up to 18 months in Germany to look for a job, which is a generous amount of time compared to a lot of other European countries, such as the UK where you can have 3-12 months after graduating to secure a job or Sweden which only offers 6 months.
According to a recent survey, 69.2% of prospective students said that they would pursue full-time employment after graduation, reflecting the appetite and demand for staying on to work. Times Higher Education’s Global Employability University Ranking Results also placed the Technical University of Munich at 6th (the highest non UK or US entry).
4. Popular fields of study
In Germany, the two most popular subject areas are engineering and law, economics and social sciences. Of course, Medicine and Dentistry are also top fields of interest for students in Germany, with five institutions placing in the top 100 global ranking. Chemistry is another subject which Germany is particularly renowned for with a total of eight universities ranking among the top 100 in the world including Technical University of Munich (32nd), Heidelberg University (33rd) and Humboldt University of Berlin (62nd).
5. Quality of life
With strong trading links, a thriving economy and bustling cities like Berlin, Munich and Hamburg, Germany offers a great quality of life. There is something for everyone in major German cities, whether you’re interested in music, science, politics, sports or art. If you're interested in what you can get up to when you're not studying, be sure to check out our article on five things to do in Germany!
6. International environment
Germany is a hub for international students and over 12% of the student population at institutions are international. Many also stay on to pursue a career in the country after graduating. Outside the classroom, you'll find Germany to be a multicultural country that embraces international talent. It’s also located in the heart of Europe allowing for easy access and travel to other European countries, where you can discover new cultures and visit famous sights.
Has this got you excited about the prospect of studying in Germany? Have a look at some of the top institutions on offer in the country right here!
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