In Germany there are at present some 312 state and state-recognised higher education institutions divided into three types. There are two semesters each academic year. The standard study period in which a degree programme can be completed is at least eight to ten semesters at universities and at Fachhochschulen six semesters, or eight semesters for degree programmes with integrated practical semesters.

These comprise universities and equivalent higher education institutions such as technical universities, comprehensive universities (Gesamthochschulen) and specialised institutions at university level (eg. for medicine, sport, administrative studies, philosophy and theology).

Only universities and equivalent institutions are entitled to confer doctorates.

Fachhochschulen

Fachhochschulen are institutions which have the task of providing students with practical training on an academic or artistic basis. Degree programmes and teaching at Fachhochschulen are strongly oriented towards vocational studies and the practical requirements of working life.

Fachhochschulen offer shorter courses than the universities and arts and music colleges, particularly in the engineering disciplines, in business administration, social work and creative arts.

Colleges of art and music

A second strand of higher education establishment is the Kunst-und Musikhochschulen which, as well as the corresponding subject areas in the universities and Gesamthochschulen, provide training in the fine arts and performing arts and also in music subjects.

Linguistic ability

German is the language of instruction for all lectures, classes and seminars and you will be required to pass a German language test to be admitted to, or registered with, a higher education institution. This is usually administered by the institution itself and is taken before you start your studies. There are various language courses available through the German cultural institute (the Goethe-Institut) in Germany or abroad, as well as courses offered by language schools and higher education institutions in Germany; these include summer holiday courses, pre-study courses and courses accompanying regular study.

Accommodation

You are not assured of accommodation when you register with a German university or Fachhochschule. There are halls of residence but most German and foreign students have to find their own accommodation.

You should go to Germany well in advance of the beginning of the semester to arrange a place to live. Initially you may have to stay in a youth hostel, boarding house or other cheap accommodation until better housing is found. Selection of students for the relatively few halls of residence takes place six months in advance of the semester so you should apply well in advance. The Akademische AuslandsŠmter, Studentenwerke and other university services will give you assistance.

Student organisations and services

In most German states, you would automatically become a member of the Studentenschaft (student body) when you register - an organisation established to help students look after their own interests. You could also join one of the political groups or other societies. Your overall interests as a foreign student would be looked after by the Akademisches Auslandsamt. The advisory service will provide general tips to help you organise your studies when you arrive. Student welfare offices will give you assistance with economic, social or medical problems. German and foreign students receive a student card upon registration at a higher education institution and can, as a rule, use public transport at reduced prices and eat inexpensive meals in student canteens.

Student from Birmingham who studied in Kiel highlighted:
"the fact that my language ability was vastly improved, without realising it. Towards the end of my stay I was complimented on my German when someone said I didn’t sound English, as I had a good German accent."

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offer scholarships for study and research in Germany and supplies information on higher education in Germany. Publications available from DAAD include:

• ‘Studying in Germany - Information for Foreign Students on Universities’ (separate editions are available for the Fachhochschulen and for the Colleges of Art and Music),

• ‘Postgraduate Courses in the Federal Republic of Germany’, and

• ‘Scholarships and Funding for Study and Research in Germany for British Academic Staff, Researchers and Students’

Copies and further information may be obtained from DAAD at:

Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst
Kennedyallee 50, 53175 Bonn
Postfach 20 04 04, 53134 Bonn
Tel. (+49 228) 882-0
Fax (+49 228) 882-444
E-Mail: postmaster@daad.de

DAAD also have offices in many major cities of the World or alternatively you may contact your German Embassy

This article first appeared in Studying Abroad magazine 1999