Internationalization is a big priority for a lot of German universities, so
as well as a warm welcome, you’ll find support groups, programs and events
for
international students in place. Another major consequence of this drive
towards internationalization is a coming into line of the structure of
German higher education with the rest of post-Bologna Declaration Europe.
You’ll find bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs of the same length
and of equivalent weight as you would almost anywhere else.
There are three types of German higher education institution. The first are
known simply as Technical universities or Universitat. These are largely
multi-disciplinary, research – universities of
applied sciences – which are focussed on preparing students for workplaces
that require specific skills and knowledge. Courses at these establishments
will often feature practical elements or internships. The third category,
colleges of arts, film or music, are more inclined towards creative
vocations and often have special admission requirements, such as aptitude
tests.
Though a range of courses are taught in English, particularly at graduate
level,
the
majority are conducted in German. Most universities offer intensive courses,
and
there
are options, such as Goethe institutes and the TestDaF that allow you to
arrive
prepared. Socially, though many Germans speak very good English.
Education is free in Germany.
