Monday, 1 February 2016

A Study Guide for International Students

A Study Guide for International Students
Studying Abroad in Germany for Free is a big chance not only for European people but for students from all over the world. They benefit from a high quality educational system, learn a new language and gain experience from this interesting country. It doesn’t matter if one is spending his whole studies in Germany or is just interested in a term abroad; these pages provide the necessary information about all relevant topics.

 German Education System

The educational system of Germany is underlying to continuous changes and reforms. Main point in the last years was the reorganization of the Gymnasium. The nine year education was changed into an eight year education to get the Abitur. Furthermore, the academic system had changed because of the Bologna reform. The degrees obtained are now called Bachelor and Master.

Free Education in GermanyStudying in Germany requires the graduate degree Abitur or the advanced technical college entrance qualification. International students have to show a similar graduate degree. Until now it was not possible to build a central organization for application and award of university places. Because of this the applications still need to be sent to every university or advanced technical college.

The admission requirements are also defined by the universities. Therefore, they can be different for the same subjects at different universities. In Germany there are three different kinds of advanced colleges or universities. Arts, film or music advanced colleges offer practical education in the artistic subjects. Advanced technical colleges however, cover the scientific and social subjects. They also set value on practical experiences in their education. The third category is the so called university. They offer all different kinds of subjects. Practical experience is an important point as well but the universities are especially famous for their firm theoretical education.

Another differentiation can be made between public and private universities. Public universities are financed by the government and do not charge tuition fees as of October 2014 in the entire country.

Private universities in contrast are financed by the fees paid by students and these can be quite expensive. In Germany can be found much more public universities than there are private ones. German law says that education should be offered to everyone and everyone should be able to afford adequate education. Therefore, German has decided to abolish tuition fees in all public universities in the country. Moreover, there are numerous possibilities to get help from the government, for example Bafög-money.

The studies in Germany are in some aspects more theoretical than in other countries and they consist of many lectures from the professor. In the lecture there are all students of one year and there are just a few exercise lessons in which the theoretical part can be practiced and proofed in reality. At the end of every term the students get grades for their final examination and for speeches, assignments and practical projects. Depending on the subject the composition of these parts can differ. Practical education can also be offered in internships which are an obligation in some subjects.  For some weeks or months the students have to work in a company and use their theoretical knowledge in real life situations to gain experience. This is also a good chance to find a job for the working life after university. The graduate degrees from university are accepted and estimated worldwide. The education at German universities is considered as a good one. The first graduate degree can be obtained after six to eight terms and is called Bachelor.

Afterwards it is followed by the Master degree after another two to four terms. Both degrees require passing the exams and writing a specific graduate thesis. For the subjects medicine, dentistry, law and pharmaceutics as well as the teaching degree another degree is required which is called Staatsexamen. After the Master degree students can also do their graduation to get their doctor’s degree. Academic education in Germany should give firm basic knowledge and theoretical background as well as specific details and practical application. After successful studies the alumni should be able to work successful in every part of the working environment.1. Technische Universität München

TUM, selected the best university many times now, leads a good example and a high standard for other universities to follow in all study programs – Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD.

With over 209 inventions and winners of many acclaimed prizes – 13 Nobel Laureates, 17 Liebniz prizes and many similar awards, it is a very attractive university to attend for students all over the world.

Founded in 1868, TUM evolved very fast, covering a broad range of courses in as many as 13 faculties as well as its own University Clinic established since 1967.

511 world-known professors lecture in TUM, attracting a great number of students, around 37.343 during year 2014/2015. Papers and citations of TUM students get published yearly in notable journals and worldwide publications.

TUM enjoys research collaborations with companies like BMW, Siemens, General Electric, Audi, etc., and agreements with over 1000 leading universities.

2. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg

Heidelberg University also known as Ruperto Carola is the oldest university in Germany, established in 1386 by Ruprecht I.

As one of the strongest research universities in all of Europe, Heidelberg University provides 12 faculties and a total of 30.898 students of whom 17.5% international in Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate and Habilitation programs.

Heidelberg University has played a very important part in the shaping of science and the society of Germany ever since established. Numerous great minds came out of Heidelberg University and have contributed in the developing of sciences for humanity and bringing knowledge a step further.

450 professors out of 5.000 researchers and scientists cover courses in Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Sciences, Liberal Arts, Law, Economics, Social Sciences, Medicine, etc.

3. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Began with four faculties in 1472 to slowly evolve and become one of the strongest research branches in the country.

6.000 employees work to keep this University in the leading category, of which 746 are professors, 3.074 are other academic staff and the rest is non-academic staff. It includes 18 faculties in total and the number of students attending courses in Ludwig-Maximilians University is 50.327, of which 7.367 are international students.

It offers abundant research and library centers as well as the University Hospital spread throughout Munich.

Online courses from Ludwig-Maximilians University are offered via Coursera while Summer University is a great possibility for students around the world.

Elected ‘University of Excellence’ in year 2012, it continues to support and prepare students towards great success in the future.

4. Kit, Karlsruher Institut Für Technologie

Karlsruher Institut Für Technologie is a university created in 2009 by the merging of two older institutions of great tradition in research and education – Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, 50 years old and Universtät Karlsruhe, 181 year old.

It employs 9.491 staff-members, of which 6.035 are researchers, 355 professors and 1.002 guest scientists. The total number of students in Karlsruher Institut Für Technologie reaches 24.778, many of whom are Nobel Laureates, honorary senators and awarded researchers.

KIT is very supportive of online course programs and start-up company ideas for the benefit of its students.

5. Freie Universität Berlin

When Freie Universtät was being established in 1948, the idea was to create a university similar to Oxford. The idea came by famous Berlin scholars of the time, like Einstein, Lisa Meitner and others, to create a unified progressive environment for younger and eager students to learn and collaborate.

In the beginning not much was offered by Freie Universität because of the hard conditions. By donations from USA to help in the foundation and construction of building complexes, Freie Universtät grew and extended so much as to now offer 15 departments and central institutes including veterinary studies. It also offers the Dahlem Research Campus, a strong international research campus and one of the best botanical gardens in Germany.

In 2007 Freie Universität was awarded the University of Excellence, a famous and sought-after prize in Germany. Many famous scholars and researches have come out of Freie Universität faculties.

It also has the largest University Clinic in Europe known as Charité – a joint medical department with Humboldt Universität, employing over 4.230 academic and non-academic staff in total.

Comparing to other universities, Freie Universität offers a high degree of autonomy in terms of individual ideas and decision-making. 29.000 students in Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, 15% coming from abroad, attend courses in Freie Universität. English courses and programs are offered for non-German speakers.

6. Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin

Was founded in Berlin in 1810 by the concept of Wilhelm von Humboldt. In the beginning there were only the four well-known classical faculties offered: Law, Medicine, Philosophy and Theology with very few students and academics.Now, as one of Germany’s top 10 universities, all major academic disciplines in the Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Cultural Science, Human Medicine, Agricultural Science, Mathematics and the Natural Sciences are covered in 9 faculties by over 400 professors in research and teaching. The number of students attending these courses is 31.098 excluding the ones in Charité – the collaborative hospital with Freie Universität.

Humboldt Universitat was awarded the ‘University of Excellence’ in 2012, providing 10 collaborative research centers, 13 research training groups, 1.984 academic staff, 29 nobel-prize winners.

7. Universität Freiburg

Universitat Freiburg started a slow development in the classical major disciplines as early as 1457 on the basis of Freiburg Cathedral. Behind the idea of Universität Freiburg was Archduke Albert VI of
Western Austria.

Nowadays, Universität Freiburg offers over 160 fields of study, attracting more than 21.000 students from Germany and abroad by also offering English study programs for non-German speakers.

Chosen as ‘University of Excellence’ in years 2007 and 2009, Universität Freiburg provides an environment rich for research and excellence.

8. Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen

Was established in 1870. It is one of the strongest universities in Germany offering programs in Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees.

There are more than 144 courses of study being taught in Rheinisch-Westfalische Technische Hochschule Aachen’s 10 faculties and 260 institutes, attended by 42.298 students during 2014/2015.

It provides 9 large collaborative centers for research making possible for interested scientists to flourish and share their ideas with the world through many publications in journals worldwide.

The number of people working for the university’s best interest is: 5.230 academic staff, 538 professors, 701 trainees and interns and 2.722 non-academic staff.

9. Georg-August-Universität Göttingen

Is a research university founded in 1737 by King George II of Great Britain. Developed to provide graduate and undergraduate degree programs – with courses also in English for non-German speakers. In the beginning it was more developed in the Humanities courses, while now it stands stronger in research studies.

A university rich in variety, it offers 13 faculties including the Medical Center and as many as 27.556 students including the ones in Medicine.

The total number of staff reaches 15.245, providing with a network of collaborations with well-known research institutes as a great support mechanism for students. It also offers one of the biggest libraries for research and study in Europe.

10. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

As one of the oldest universities in the whole of Europe, beginning in 1477, it offers 7 faculties, with 450 professors and 28.500 students, including internationals.
The number of academic staff reaches 4000, while the non-academic staff is 12.000, including the university’s hospitals – 17 hospitals with 12 specialist centers.

Winner of the ‘University of Excellence’ prize and many other similar prizes throughout the years, Eberhard Karls Universität Tüblingen houses 173 buildings, 45 departmental libraries with more than 6.3 million books allowing for a great number of students to become Nobel Laureates and winners of many other prestigious awards in Germany and abroad.

And the rest are top 11-43 universities:
11. Technische Universität Berlin – also ranked the 178th in the world.
12. Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn – also ranked the 210th in the world.
13. Universität Hamburg – also ranked the 219th in the world.
14. Technische Universität Dresden – also ranked the 227th in the world.
15. Universität Frankfurt Am Main – also ranked the 243rd in the world.
16. Technische Universität Darmstadt – also ranked the 246th in the world.
17. Universität Stuttgart – also ranked the 251st in the world.
18. Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster – also ranked the 256th in the world.
19. Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg – also ranked the 292nd in the world.
20. Universität Konstanz – also ranked the 319th in the world.
21. Universität Köln – also ranked the 331st in the world.
22. Universität Ulm – also ranked the 338th in the world.
23. Universität Bremen – also ranked the 351st in the world.
24. Leibniz Universität Hannover – also ranked the 366th in the world.
25. Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz – also ranked the 375th in the world.
26. Universität Jena – also ranked the 381st in the world.
27. Universität Leipzig – also ranked the 384th in the world.
28. Universität Mannheim – also ranked the 394th in the world.
29. Christian-Albrechts-Universität Zu Kiel – also ranked the 401-410 in the world.
30. Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg – also ranked the 401-410 in the world.
31. Ruhr-Universität Bochum – also ranked the 421-430 in the world.
32. Universität Bayreuth – also ranked the 451-460 in the world.
33. Universität Regensburg – also ranked the 461-470 in the world.
34. Philipps-Universität Marburg – also ranked the 491-500 in the world.
35. Technische Universität Dortmund – also ranked the 491-500 in the world.
36. Universität Bielefeld – also ranked the 501-550 in the world.
37. Technische Universität Braunschweig – also ranked the 501-550 in the world.
38. Universität Des Saarlandes – also ranked the 501-550 in the world.
39. Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg – also ranked the 551-600 in the world.
40. Universität Duisburg-Essen – also ranked the 551-600 in the world.
41. Universität Düsseldorf – also ranked the 551-600 in the world.
42. Universität Rostock – also ranked the 551-600 in the world.
43. Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen – also ranked the 601-650 in the world.5 Most Expensive Cities to Live in Germany

5 Most Expensive Cities to Live in GermanyGermany is not the most expensive country – consecutively studying in Germany is more affordable and convenient. Besides, it overflows culturally, historically, of beautiful nature, extracurricular activities, top universities and lecturers providing exceptionally useful skills and knowledge.

The list has been extracted from the data from numbeo.com and the ranking is based on renting and utilities’ prices as the major factors to determine expenses! Referring to the determining factor: the simple reason why rent is the basis is that there are many discounts for students as far as tickets for entertainment and recreational events, clothing, food (Mensas), health insurance and others.

As far as public transportation, a monthly ticket payment is included in university’s semester payment which is symbolic, either way!

*Note: The outrageous deal breaker of renting on your own is the acquired deposition in case of damages done; its value depends on the city you are staying in.

Five most expensive cities in Germany
Munich
Hamburg
Frankfurt am Main
Düsseldorf
Bonn
1. Munich
Munich is the 3rd largest city in Germany, and also one of the most expensive cities to live in. It is of great contrast, both a city-like and a provincial feel are incorporated, making it very interesting for students! Apart from its superb universities, another great attraction is the Oktoberfest, gathering millions of visitors from around the world to get enjoy German beer and celebrations!

2. Frankfurt am Main
Frankfurt am Main is the 5th largest state in Germany. It is the most metropolis-like city in Germany and a center for business fairs as the German financial capital and one of the world’s most important financial centers! Frankfurt’s world-known universities attract a great number of students from all parts of the world!

3. Hamburg
Hamburg is the largest German city in size and being surrounded by water, makes for a perfect study place. It is not the cheapest city in Germany, but nevertheless, very attractive, specifically its recognized and awarded universities!
4. Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is known as the ‘fashion capital’ because of its exuberant fashion industry and art scene! Art is very important and highly appreciated throughout the city. Düsseldorf has also become the location for advertising agencies and the second banking center, right after Frankfurt.

5. Bonn
Former capital of Germany, Bonn strides in becoming a center for information-technology and medical research. Known as the birthplace of the prodigy – Beethoven – his house, turned into a museum is a very attractive spot to visit!

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