Study in Germany

Located in West-central Europe and with a population of 82 million the Federal Republic of Germany offers a wealth of opportunities in higher education over a wide variety of regions and settings. Germany has the largest population of any of the states of the European Union and is home to many migrants, with 19% of the resident population of foreign or partially foreign descent. The currency in Germany is the Euro.

If you are thinking of studying in Germany you will find yourself spoilt for choice. There are 102 universities operating in the country, most of them full universities covering all the traditional areas known to you from the Australian system. The system is well set up to cater to foreign students and in 2006 there were close to 250,000 enrolled there.

Tertiary institutions of varying size and note can be found, from the capital of Berlin to more provincial towns and fee structures for foreign students are comparatively low to in some cases non-existent.

Note that academic and scientific relations between Australia and Germany are particularly intensive at university level, with some 170 cooperation agreements between German and Australian higher-education institutions. The lively exchange between universities and scientists and academics on both sides is promoted by Germany through scholarship programmes, especially those of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The DAAD funds a lectureship and an information centre at the University of Sydney, thus providing a first point of contact for those interested in studying or pursuing research in Germany.

On these pages you will find information relating to the higher education system itself, applying for study, as well as visa requirements and work opportunities, costs of living and making your way as well as links to actual German universities.
English and German

Be aware that while it is possible to study some courses in English in Germany the dominant language of instruction and everyday life is German and you should not assume that you will be able to get by on either the web or in person with no German language skills. This is in contrast to, for example, the Netherlands or parts of Scandinavia where English is widely spoken and often a language of instruction. Language skills are highly valued in Germany and this includes the provision of numerous courses in German for foreign students. The best place to begin inquiries into language courses is the Goethe Institute and note that many universities run summer schools. If your German is poor you may wish to consider one of these courses, accompanied as they will be by your immersion in the culture you should be able to improve your skills rapidly.

Note that being admitted as a foreigner for study in Germany requires passing test in German in Australia. See the entry and visa pages (hyperlink) for details However also be aware that you can normally, with the agreement of your supervisor and university, submit a doctoral thesis in English. In the cases of Master’s and other degrees you should enquire via the institution.