Given the strengths of German education, many friends have told me they want to study in Germany. But how do you actually find the right school, university, or a specific university?
As mentioned before, each of Germany’s federal states is responsible for its own school system and university affairs. There have been some changes over time, since the federal government has taken a strong interest in funding top universities. State governments also want their own regions to have many excellent universities, since these help bring in large numbers of young people and businesses.
German universities are of very high quality. But compared with the United States and other European countries, annual tuition at German universities is far cheaper, and most public universities charge no tuition at all.
English-language programs are now common at German universities, and it is possible to take exams in English. Almost every field of study can be found at a German university. Each university has its own admission requirements and its own areas of specialization — for example, Munich and Berlin specialize in medicine, Aachen in mining and technology, Düsseldorf in economics, and so on.
If students can find the right city and university in Germany, university life can be very comfortable. University cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Heidelberg and Munich are the top choice for many students, thanks to good infrastructure and a rich cultural life. On the other hand, student housing in these cities is very scarce and considerably more expensive than in other cities, and everyday living costs are much higher too.
Studying in a smaller city, or at a somewhat less well-known university, can be more appealing and cheaper. German universities are keen to recruit international students, and university towns still have their own typical student culture. For example, universities in Greifswald, Münster, Düsseldorf or Leipzig are also very appealing, and daily living costs in these cities are lower without giving up much of the city’s character.
Student apartments, dormitories or youth hostels are quite scarce in every German city. There are always plenty of tenants each year, which fits well with Germany being a tenant’s country. Investing in an apartment, a residential property or another rental building is therefore worthwhile and can generate good returns. Living costs in every German university town tend to be considerably cheaper than in Hong Kong, and roughly comparable to living costs in mainland China. Renting to students or other tenants is generally a safe bet for landlords, and after 10 years a property can be sold free of capital gains tax. Foreign investors face no restrictions and enjoy the same clear legal protection as German citizens. The land registry guarantees an owner’s title to the property.
Finally, here is a useful tip for finding the right university: check www.hochschulkompass.de, where you can find a description of every university, music academy and other specialist school, along with its admission requirements. You can also find addresses and the entry requirements you need to meet. This is very helpful for initial planning.
Have a question about this guide? Leave a comment below, or ask Zagdim directly.
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