HIGHER EDUCATION IN
GERMANY
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 studues, philosophy and theology).
FACHHOCHSCHULEN
Fachhochschulen are institutions which have the take of providing students with practical training on an acadmic or artistic basic. Degree programmes and teching at Fachhochschulen are strongly oriented toward vocational studies and the partical requirements of working life. Fachhochschulen offer shorter courses than the universitites 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 Musikhochsulen which, as well as the corresponding subject areas in the universities and Gesamthochchulen, provide training in the fine arts and oerforming arts and also in music subjects.
LINIGUISTIC ABILITY
German is the languge 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 it self and is taken before you start your studies. There are vatious language courses avalible through the German cultural institute (the Goethe-institut) in German or abroad, as well as well as couses offered by languge 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 accoommodation when you register with a German university in 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 biarding house or other cheap accommodation until better housing is found. Selection of students for the ralatively few halls of residence takes place six months in advance of the semester so you should apply well in advance.The Akademische Auslands Smter, 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 ohter societies. Your overall interests as a foreign student would be looked after by the Akadmisches Auslandsamt. The advisory service will provide general tips to help you organise your studies when you arrive. Student welfare offices will give assistance, social or medical problems. German and foreign students recive a student card upon register at a higher education institution and can, as a rule, use public transport at reduced prices and eat inexpensive meals in studen 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 services (DAAD) offer scholarship for study and research in German and supplies information on higher education in Germany. Publications avalable 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, Researcheres and students.
COPIES AND FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM DAAD AT:
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdients
Kennedyyalle 50,53175 Bonn
Postfach 20 04 04, 53134 Bonn
Tel (+49 228) 882-0
Fax (+49 228) 882-444
E-Mail: postmaster@daad.de
