Germany is becoming a popular destination for international students. One of the reasons for this is the solid reputation of German universities, but additional appeal comes from the fact that access to public higher education institutions in Germany is free for both domestic and international students. Applying to German universities can be confusing, often involving challenging terminology like “Hochschulzugangsberechtigung,”“Zeugnisanerkennungsstelle” and “Numerus Clausus,”particularly when it comes to admission requirements for international applicants. This session provided a short introduction to the Abitur, a discussion on the secondary school credentials required for successful admission (with case studies for IB, American high school diploma and U.K.A-level applicants), a look at the application process, as well as the different post-secondary school options students can explore.
Presenters of the session are:
- Angolwisye Mwakisu, Jacobs University Bremen
- Annette Gambach, Karlsruhe Institute ofTechnology - Carl Benz School of Engineering
- Scott Loeffler, Frankfurt International School
My takeaways.
Key points.
There are 53 Privates universities which are small and offer personalised advising and career services. Around 50 courses in these universities are taught in English
The popular private schools in Germany are Jacob's, Carl Benz School of Engineering, WHU (business), EBS (general management), KIT (STEM) and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management t
~ 13500 Students from India and make up roughly 5% of the international pool.
100 bachelors programs are taught in English both in public and private schools.
Private schools are not subsidised and there is tuition. Cost of attendance at Jacobs is Euro 26000 per annum
KIT 25000 per annum
Living expenses could be approx euro 1000 per month.
Your go to website for information about programs taught in English is Daad International
Admission requirements for traditional public universities in Germany:
School transcripts and school leaving certificate. Use the
Anabin Database to check evaluation document requirements and translation formalities.
The evaluation is focused on the last two years of school. Only junior and senior years transcripts are sent.
IB students must do Math or a Science course at HL
IB students are required to get a minimum of 4 in all subjects. Minimum of 24. One 3 can be balanced by one in same level.
Students must do a second language at SL or HL. Ab ignitio courses don't qualify.
German Arbitur conversion table has 1.0 at the top equivalent to 42-45 IB points. 4.0 is the lowest qualification 24 points.
Proficiency in German is not a requirement.
They don't consider predicted grades and students have to apply with actual scores in July.
For evaluation of other curriculums like AP, A-levels or national curriculum schools check the Anabin database.
The private schools on the other hand have a more holistic process.
Deadlines for winter semester for public schools:
Applications window 1 June to 15 July
Notifications are sent in August or September
International students must apply through www.uni-assist.de
Career opportunities after graduation.
Students have 18 months to look for a job and on a Job Seeking visa. They have unrestricted access to German labor market. PR is granted once you have a job.