Studying in Germany

Studying in Germany

Germany has more than 300 universities today. Many of them can look back to six hundred years of history and academic excellence and many of them are at the forefront of research, discovery and modern high-technology development. Especially for science and engineering subjects but also for inter-disciplinary studies it might be a good idea to study in Germany. There is still a great demand and excellent job opportunities for highly skilled scientists and engineers in Germany. German companies are interested in attracting well-trained graduates from abroad, especially from English-speaking countries. And in many cases, these former students can continue to work for the company as a foreign spokesperson once they return home. At the moment there is also demand for teachers who are – contrary to South Africa – very well paid in Germany.

Academic Requirements
In order to be admitted to study at a German university you need to have A-Levels. You also need to prove proficiency in German language, for example by passing an exam at the Goethe Institute. In case you have a German passport your South African matric will be accepted as “Hochschulzugang” if you have passed six accepted subjects (among them two foreign languages, mathematics, natural science). You also need to pass the German language exam, however do not need A-Levels.

Bursaries
German students are entitled to government funding if their parents do not earn more than a certain amount. This general bursary – called BAFÖG – barely covers the cost of living und usually the students earn extra money to top it up. While the monthly cost of proper living for a student is around 700 Euro, BAFÖG amounts to around 500 Euros (= R4000) per month. One has to be a German citizen to qualify for BAFÖG. If you don’t hold a German passport you will have to apply for a bursary at one the institutions for foreign students. Please contact the DAAD for more information or the nearest Goethe Institute.

Please find more information on these websites:

GERMAN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES
On this website you will find a map of Germany with links to all German universities and colleges.

DEUTSCHER AKADEMISCHER AUSTAUSCHDIENST (DAAD)
The German Academic Exchange Service has many exchange programs, particularly for students and teachers. Extensive information also on the German education system, grants and scholarships.

KONRAD ADENAUER FOUNDATION
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation offers political education, conducts scientific fact-finding research for political projects, grants scholarships to gifted individuals, researches the history of Christian Democracy, and supports and encourages international understanding, and development-policy cooperation.