Studying in Germany

1. Studying in Germany Welcome to the Land of Ideas!

2. Contents • Facts about Germany • The German Academic Exchange Service • The German university system • Studying in Germany • Doctoral programmes in Germany • More information

3. Facts about Germany German inventions and discoveries • X-rays – Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, 1895 • Aspirin – Bayer, 1897 • Toothpaste – Ottomar Heinsius von Mayenburg, 1907 • Television – Manfred von Ardenne, 1930 • MP3 – Fraunhofer-Institut, Karlheinz Brandenburg, 1995 • Automobile – Karl Benz, Gottlieb Daimler, 1886 • Airbag – Mercedes Benz, 1971

4. Facts about Germany German Nobel Prize winners 25 German Nobel laureates in the last 25 years, including: • Literature: Günter Grass, 1999; Herta Müller, 2009 • Chemistry: Gerhard Ertl, 2007 • Physics: Klaus von Klitzing, 1985; Theodor W. Hänsch, 2005; Peter Grünberg, 2007 • Medicine: Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard, 1995; Harald zur Hausen, 2008 • Economics: Reinhard Selten, 1994

5. Facts about Germany German corporations • Mercedes, BMW, VW • Puma, Adidas • Bayer • Siemens, SAP

6. Facts about Germany Geography Sweden Denmark • Population: 80.5 million, about 7 million foreign citizens • Geographic location: In the heart of Europe, diverse landscapes, mountains, coastal regions, North and Baltic Seas • Climate: Temperate ranging from Mediterranean to Continental climates Baltic Sea North Sea Great Britain Hamburg Netherlands Poland Berlin Cologne Frankfurt a.M. Belgium Czech Republic Luxembourg Munich Austria Switzerland France Italy

7. Facts about Germany Foreign students in Germany • More than 2.6 million students in Germany, nearly12 % foreigners. • Most foreign students come from China and Russia. Source: Statistisches Bundesamt, 2014

8. Facts about Germany Origin of foreign students Origin of foreign-educated students (Bildungsausländer) in Germany Asia 29.1 % Europe 56 % Africa 8.1 % The Americas 6.2 % Other 0.6 % Source: Wissenschaft weltoffen, 2013

9. Facts about Germany Cultural and religious diversity in Germany • Multicultural society • Largest immigrant groups from Turkey, Poland, Italy, Serbia, Croatia, Greece, Romania, Russia • Individual nationalities cultivate their own language and culture at nationally-specific cultural institutions.

10. Facts about Germany Cultural and religious diversity in Germany The German constitution guarantees all citizens the freedom of religion: “Freedom of faith and of conscience, and freedom to profess a religious or philosophical creed, shall be inviolable.“ • Approximately 60 % of the German population are Christians, comprised almost equally of Protestants and Catholics. • Approximately 5 % of the population are Muslims. • Germany is also home to Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and Orthodox Christians. Source: Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung, 2014

11. The German Academic Exchange Service What is the DAAD? • Independent organisation ofGerman institutions of highereducation • Members: 239 universities and research institutes, 122 student bodies • Headquarters in Bonn • 15 foreign-based branch offices and 55 information centres • More than 250 different programmes • About 75,000 scholarship recipients each year

12. Der Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst Goals and tasks of the DAAD Three strategic areas of activity • Grant scholarships for the best • so that the professionals and leaders of tomorrow can gain qualifications at the best locations, prepare for positions of responsibility and cultivate contacts throughout the world. • Structures for internationalisation • so that higher education institutions can improve the quality of research and instruction and address the challenges of the future with strong partners • so that more people can cross borders and achieve success in study and research • so that German remains an important language of culture and scholarship • so that higher education institutions may contribute to development and build bridges to surmount conflicts. • Expertise for academic collaboration • so that academic and political leaders are able to make well-informed policy decisions.

13. DAAD-Budget 2013 Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ): € 40 million = 9 % Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF): € 100 million = 24 % European Union (EU): € 58 million = 14 % BMZ BMBF EU Total: 420 Mio. EUR Federal Foreign Office (AA): € 181 million = 43 % Other funding bodies: € 41 million = 10 % Other AA *Figures: 2013

14. The German Academic Exchange Service Network

15. The German university system University tradition • Humboldt’s vision of education: “Unity and freedom of research and instruction” • Rich diversity of institutions and programmes at a high academic level • About 430 institutions of higher education in Germany, oldest universities: Heidelberg, Cologne, Erfurt • More than 300,000 instructors and researchers at German universities Source: Wissenschaft weltoffen, 2013 Statistisches Bundesamt, 2014

16. The German university system Institutions of higher education • Universities • Technical universities • Universities of applied sciences • Colleges of music, art and film • Private colleges and academies

17. The German university system Universities • Total: 106 • Focus on methodical and theoretical knowledge • Students may choose courses of interest, not all courses are prescribed • Research-based final thesis • Wide range of subjects • Degrees: bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, post doctoral, as well as traditional German degrees (Diplom, Magister and state examination) Source: Statistisches Bundesamt, 2014

18. The German university system Universities of applied sciences • Total: 212 • Highly praxis-oriented with close connection to the professional world • Fixed course groups (“classes”) • Praxis-oriented final thesis • Typical subjects: Engineering, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Design • Degrees: bachelor’s, master’s and the traditional German Diplom (FH) Source: Statistisches Bundesamt, 2014

19. The German university system Colleges of art, music and film • Total: 53 • Highly praxis-oriented • Admission frequently based on the merits of a portfolio and aptitude test • Artistic and design-oriented subjects: Design, Graphic Arts, Music, Voice, Directing, Camera, etc. • Degrees: bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate and traditional German degrees (Diplom and, in some cases, state examination) Source: Statistisches Bundesamt, 2014

20. Das deutsche Hochschulsystem Private colleges and academies • Total: 113 • Mostly universities of applied sciences • Small study groups • Closely linked to the economy • Strong international orientation • Degrees: bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate • Partly high tuition fees • Important: Make sure the private university is officially recognised! Quelle: Hochschulkompass 2014

21. The German university system Degree programmes • Bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees • Traditional German degrees: Diplom, Magister

22. The German university system German language skills German is the language of instruction for most degree programmes at German universities. Depending on your university and degree programme, a certificate of German language proficiency may be required for admission: • Abitur from a German-language school • Kleines or Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom from the Goethe-Institut • Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung from the Goethe-Institut • Deutsches Sprachdiplom (Stufe II) from the Kultusministerkonferenz • TestDaF • DSH

23. The German university system German language skills • The Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF) is offered up to six times a year in Germany and over 90 other countries around the world. For more info, visit www.testdaf.de • The German Language University Entrance Examination (DSH) is only administered at universities in Germany. For more information, contact the International Office at the university of your choice. Addresses at: www.daad.de/aaa Candidates must pay an examination fee before taking these tests. Fees may vary depending on the administering institution.

24. The German university system International programmes There are over 1,600 international degree programmes throughout Germany. • Bachelor’s, master’s, and structured doctoral programmes • Internationally recognized degree • Language of instruction is generally English, frequently supplemented by German language courses • Intensive academic advising for international students For more info, visit our database: www.daad.de/international-programmes Source: DAAD, 2014

25. Studying in Germany Schedule • Novembergather information • Januaryobtain application of admission • Marchupdate passport (if necessary), submit application of admission • Juneapply for entry visa (if applicable) • Septembersemester begins, take out health insurance policy, find accommodation • Novemberextend visa (if applicable)

26. Studying in Germany Application Depending on the institution and your country of origin, there are various ways to apply for admission to a German university: • Direct application to the university • uni-assist enables students to simultaneously apply at several universities www.uni-assist.de • For subjects with a centralnumerusclausus (NC) (= a centrally regulated admissions policy that applies to the whole of Germany) application via www.hochschulstart.de

27. Studying in Germany Admission and visa As an international student, you may require a visa depending on where you come from and how long you intend to stay in Germany. Please inquire about visa requirements at the German embassy in your country. What do I need for a visa? • Passport • Notification of admission from the German university (in some cases) • Proof of financial support • Confirmation of health insurance coverage • Visa application • 2 passport photos

28. Studying in Germany Tuition fees • As a rule no general tuition fees are incurred at state universities • Semester contribution of up to € 200 per semester (administrative costs, student union contribution for student dining, sports, cultural events and a semester ticket) • Inquire about the exact cost of tuition fees at the university in question

29. Studying in Germany Scholarships Many organisations in Germany offer scholarships. In addition to those awarded by the DAAD, students can apply for a wide range of grants and scholarships from other institutions, such as: Look for a scholarship suited to your major, country of origin and academic level: www.funding-guide.de • Politically-affiliated foundations • Business-affiliated foundations • German federal states • Social institutions and churches • Research institutes • Student organisations

30. Studying in Germany Part-time work • Many students in Germany take a part-time job to supplement their parental allowance, financial aid or scholarships. • EU citizens are allowed to work as much as German students and have free access to the job market. • Students from non-EU countries are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days without a work permit. University tutors or research assistants may work longer. The Aliens’ Registration Office must always be informed of such work contracts.

31. Studieren in Deutschland Job and career after studying • Blue Card Germany makes the German job market especially appealing to international graduates • Students from non-EU countries are allowed to remain in Germany for the purpose of looking for employment for a maximum of 18 months after graduating. • While looking for permanent full-time employment, you are allowed to work as much as you like. • The website www.make-it-in-germany.cominforms about job perspectives, working permits, moving and settling in and gives tips if your family is also living in Germany.

32. Doctoral programmes in Germany Individual doctoral programmes • Supervised by a university professor (Doktorvater or Doktormutter) • Find out in advance which professor would be best suited to supervise your research project • Doctoral candidates work independently • Requires good organisational skills and a high degree of self-discipline • Provides candidates the freedom to explore their research interests in more depth

33. Doctoral programmes in Germany Structured doctoral programmes • Candidates are integrated into a programme with a fixed structure similar to other degree programmes • Candidates participate in a research training group, graduate school or international doctoral programme • Intensive support from a group of academic staff. • Structured doctoral programmes often have a strong international orientation with English as the team language.

34. Doctoral programmes in Germany Research organisations and research funding • Max Planck Society: Non-profit research organisation, oversees 82 Max Planck Institutes, focuses on research in the natural and social sciences and the humanities, closely cooperates with universities. www.mpg.de • Fraunhofer Society: Organisation for applied research and development services, oversees more than 60 research facilities. www.fraunhofer.de • German Research Foundation (DFG): Largest research funding organisation in Europe. www.dfg.de • Alexander von Humboldt Foundation: Non-profit foundation funded by the German federal government and dedicated to supporting international research cooperation. www.avh.de Last update: April 2014

35. More information Links • Studying in Germany, study opportunities, scholarships: www.study-in.de/en • Universities, study opportunities, contact addresses: www.hochschulkompass.de/en • International Offices at universities throughout Germany: www.daad.de/aaa • Scholarship database: www.funding-guide.de • International programmes: www.daad.de/international-programmes • Summer courses (preparatory language and specialist courses): www.daad.de/sommerkurse • Social, financial and organisational aspects:www.international-students.de/en

36. Summary Five good reasons to study in Germany • First-class service for international students • Diverse range of study opportunities • Excellence in research and instruction • Close link between theory and practice • Strong international focus

37. Danke und auf Wiedersehen!