Why Study in Germany

Why Study in Germany?

The highest-ranked country in Europe and the third most popular destination in the world for international study, Germany is home to well over 300,000 international students each year. With one of the most varied and troubled histories, the country has spent the better half of a century rebuilding itself to become a global player in business, economics, and education.

With hundreds of thousands of international students, not to mention another 230,000 expatriates living in the country, Germany is undeniably one of the best countries to take your studies. If it’s not already on your list of top destinations, here are 5 reasons we think you should add it:

High Quality of Education

Germany is widely known for the quality of its educational programs, its graduates, and its degrees. With a higher education system divided between private and public institutions, the country’s courses are built on a variety of factors, not least of which is the world-class infrastructure providing students with state-of-the-art facilities in which to conduct their research and undertake their studies. The fact that 11 institutions in the country rank within the world’s top 200, according to QS Rankings.

Operating under the Bologna Process, which ensures students earn a degree that will be recognized on an international scale, Germany provides its students with programs that prepare them for careers in any industry or continued degree with any focus located in any country. Universities across the country are multilingual, offering courses in German, as well as many other languages (most notably English) for students lacking German language skills.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees in Germany have been the center of international academic news ever since all 16 states within the country agreed to eliminate them in 2014. For both domestic and international students, higher education in Germany is almost completely free - save for the cost of textbooks, housing, and day-to-day living expenses [link to Cost of Living in Germany].

However, in 2017, the cost of study [link to Cost of Study in Germany] rose from nil when universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg re-introduced tuition fees for non-EU international students. However, these are set prices which clock in at merely 3000 EUR, annually, still making education in the region among of the most affordable in the world.

Work Opportunities

Germany, despite its low or free tuition costs, is still a country in western Europe, meaning it has a higher cost of living than many destinations around the world. The good news? Students from both within and outside the EU are permitted to work in the country during their studies [link to Work/Study in Germany] in order to make a little extra money on the side or earn experience to add to their resumes.

Even for students who have graduated and fallen in love with the country, work opportunities abound - both from the booming market place and the ease with which international students can live in the country post-graduation. Those who have attended and completed their courses at a German university are allowed to stay in the country for up to 18 months while seeking a job, and can discuss visa options with employers once they have been hired.

Cultural Hub

Germany has a complex history and a rich culture, both of which attract curious and passionate students from around the world to study and live in the country. Its involvement in World War I and II, as well as its playing a central and antagonistic role in both, have created a beautiful culture that has risen from the ashes of its past decisions. Boasting some of the most modern infrastructure and progressive social programs, the country is still home to historical sites and artifacts that remind all of the country’s past and how far it has come.

Additionally, with over 500,000 international guests living in the country full-time as expatriates or students, it is nearly impossible for Germany not to experience a broadening of its culture as it accommodates new visitors, communities, and guests. Students in the country are large contributors to this cultural expansion.

Location, Location, Location

Germany has a central location on the European continent, with top-notch transportation systems giving its citizens and residents easy access to all that Europe has to offer. Bordered by seven countries on all sides and two seas on its northern coast, the country is a hub for travel, business, education, and more. Students can take quick weekend trips to countries all across Europe and even North Africa from Germany's major cities.

Within the country, there is no shortage of history, culture, sites, nature, beauty, and activity both within and outside of major metropolitan hubs like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. Take a bus or a train south toward the alps, north toward the beach, west toward France, or east toward Central Europe and experience a wealth of different landscapes and scenery along the way.