Higher Education in Germany

Higher education in Germany stands for numerous innovations, increasing internationality and strong support for cutting-edge research. Many degree programmes have already been converted into internationally recognised bachelor’s and master’s as part of the Bologna Process, and the trend is continuing. Among them are a large number of joint programmes run in collaboration with universities in other countries, as well as more than 1,000 programmes offered in English that take an international approach and are aimed particularly at international students. And the benefits of German universities don’t stop there: you’ll find quality service, good support and no tuition fees.

Prospective students will find high-quality programmes all over Germany that will cater for their particular interests and needs. There are more than 400 institutes of higher education in Germany, including universities and colleges of applied sciences, fine arts, education, theology and public administration, offering a huge choice of subjects and degree courses. There’s something for everyone in the complete spectrum of disciplines: languages, media studies, cultural studies, law, economics, the social sciences, art, music, theatre, design, medicine, agriculture, forestry, home economics and nutrition science. For every interest, you’ll find a corresponding course.

The following websites provide more information for foreign students, who plan to study in Germany:

Study in Germany
Here you will find helpful information about your stay in Germany and useful insights from international students. Find out how to plan your studies in Germany and learn what life in Germany is all about.

Higher Education in Germany (Hochschulkompass)
Are you trying to find the right degree course and the right place to study? The Higher Education Compass can guide you around more than 20,000 study programmes. It is an information service provided by the HRK, a voluntary association of state and state-recognised universities in Germany. You can find out all about the opportunities for studying at graduate or postgraduate level via this web portal.

My GUIDE
My GUIDE helps you find your way through the richness and diversity of German study programmes. Answer three simple questions to find the degree programme that best meets your expectations. You can directly contact your selected university, too.

The German Education Server
Eduserver is the English language version of the German Education Server. It provides access to documents and background information regarding the German education system and its international context. You can browse and search, subscribe to the newsfeed.

Study Abroad - Studying in Germany
Find more information about studying in Germany - programmes, courses, degrees, universities, university cities and scholarships.

German Rectors' Conference
The German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) is the association of universities in Germany, also called the voice of German universities.

Research in Germany
Germany is a top destination for PhD students, postdocs, and senior scientists. The website “Research in Germany” helps you to find your way to Germany, to seek for PhD positions, research jobs or funding opportunities.

German institutes of Technology TU9
TU9 is the Alliance of leading Universities of Technology in Germany.

Scholarships

When it comes to organising and funding a period of study or research in Germany, one of the most important point of contact is the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The DAAD is the world’s biggest funding organisation for international exchanges among students and academic staff. There is a vast array of funding programmes that can provide the effective, tailored help that prospective exchange candidates need to embark on a stay in Germany. This might be a classic PhD scholarship, a grant for a relatively short research visit or a scholarship for a year, a semester or just a brief stay.

A number of foundations in Germany also award scholarships. Beneficiaries are selected in line with the foundations’ own criteria and specific remits.

Follow the links below for information on German scholarship-awarding organisaition:
Federal Foreign Office Information on scholarships for foreign students (FAQ)
DAAD scholarship databank

Recognition of School Qualifications

Students who wish to study in Germany are advised to consult with their perspective university's External Relations or International Students Office (or similar) regarding the recognition of their school qualifications when obtained outside Germany. For more information about the recognition of school qualifications in Germany, click on the following links:
Information portal of the German government
for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications
Infoportal on Foreign Educational Qualifications (Anabin)