Studying in Germany: What international students should know | Germany In A Nutshell

German universities are among the most popular in the world. One reason for this is the low costs for students, but also the many opportunities Germany offers. Our reporter Hannah Hummel came here herself on a study program – so she decided to take a deeper look at what studying in Germany is like. How's life as a student here? How much money do you actually need? What are the highs and lows? And what on Earth is an 'Ersti'???

00:00 Intro
00:22 Uni 101
01:54 Deep Dive: Tips for international students
03:03 Ein bisschen Deutsch
03:44 Very Brief History
04:22 Inside Stories: What is student life in Germany like?
05:27 Outro

#Studying #Germany #University
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CREDITS
Report: Hannah Hummel, Shaheen Welling
Camera & Edit: Neven Hillebrands

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[dweuromaxx]

Additional info: Non-EU/EEA international students must prove they have €11, 208 to cover living expenses when applying for a visa to study in Germany.

[toonlyrics]

As a foreigner who actually studied in Germany, I would say this report is sugar-coated. Expect more chaos and less support than this video suggests. If you have no other financial support than what you earn from jobs, expect your studies to last longer. Information about requirements was inaccurate and contradictory in my time, and as I hear from students today, functional websites and good communication are not the forte of German universities. If you get quality instructors, count yourself lucky. You will have to overcome a language handicap. About the last point: If you have no interest in learning the German language and culture, and are only looking for cheap higher education, you will probably throw in the towel at some point. Don't let me discourage you, but don't rely on the rose-colored lense of this video either.

[agalva]

I think it is important to clarify that those fees students pay at the beginning of the semester could be higher for international students, depending on the program/university. Do check all the requirements and costs associated with every program in every state when applying from abroad.

Also, as a foreigner you may or may not be allowed to have an additional job depending on the specifics of your visa/resident permit. This will depend on many things, the type program, whether or not you have a scholarship, the type of scholarship, etc. Reach out to other international students or associations from the place you intend to go to and ask. Or check well in advance with admissions.

[osoloco]

Education one of the principal pilars to build a first world country!! I admire Germany!

[elegypoppies]

Despite the low cost of education, it's a double-edged sword when you have to show a bank account with 11K euros to get a student visa and renew every year with the same amount even with scholarships. Especially considering conversion rates coming from countries in South East Asia. I come from an upper middle class family despite that it will still be too costly to study in Germany than being enrolled in a top private university in my country with rent and daily expenses. It's easier if you're coming from an EU country or maybe places like Australia and Japan because their wages is at par with Euros.

Though, I do love travelling in Germany, we decided to visit again this summer, and I can't wait.

[folie]

Would really like to see the research on the "lots of support, even for international students." Ive worked in the german uni system for 6 years, and no one has ever said anything remotely similar.

[bababoey]

Hey guys, the first "German" university is actually in Prague 😉 although it's nowadays in the Czech Republic, culturally it was a German institution 😊

It's probably also worth mentioning that many programmes have a cap on the number of students able to begin studying in any given year, and as a result there is the _Numerus Clausus_ system which awards points to those who have higher marks, speak German or come from certain backgrounds. That's why there are many German students who study in Austria instead. I plan on applying to unis in both countries for my master's programme - and not just because I absolutely adore Vienna!

[marcelovienna]

Great video, well done Hanna and DW. I'm Brazilian, have 3 kids, and 2 had their higher education in Germany. They currently live in Germany. One important information for non-German students: you must complete the Studienkollege before applying for University or College. It is a one year program to level basic knowledge of your chosen field (Technical, Arts, Human Sciences or Medical related courses) and command of Germany as a foreign language. It is the equivalent of the Abitur that German students have to do (an extra year after High School) to get into Universities or Colleges. Many Universities offer the Studienkollege, and with you final exam grades you then apply for University or College. Great country, lots of opportunities!

[Wtfwhatisthis]

As an American with 60K in student debt, this was very helpful (and painful) to watch.

[shimadabr]

I feel this separation of "vocations" (research-focused vs trade-focused) in the German higher education is much more transparent and well known than in my country. I see so many people frustrated in my country (Brazil) dealing with university while they would be happier in a polytechnic institution. It's curious because while talking to a lot of people i get the impression most don't know the actual differences between a polytechnic and an university.
Historically attending a federal university is a big reason for pride and people give a lot of respect, so many students end up neglecting the other options.

[incompetentotter]

I love how all the shots were filmed at the HU - with exception of the Mensa. As a TU Alum I can admit that we've got the less photogenic campus, but our Mensa is top notch :D

[burtleboeuf]

Promotional, almost fact free video. I learnt far more in the comments section than I did in this video. :-)

[goynukk]

Great intro to study in Germany Hannah!

[noellewest]

What they do not tell you in this video is that German universities do not have a lot of student support, even if you are international. They will often have outdated and user un-friendly websites, which is where you must deal with the bureaucracy involved in being a student, and it's quite rare that you can get a straightforward answer about how to navigate all of this. They don't have the most practical administrative systems here. That said, if you come to Germany without the expectation that that German universities should behave like universities in North America, Australia or other English countries, I would say the advantages of studying here outweigh the irritations. But those problems can be quite substantial and really should have been mentioned in this video too.

[sbxvuim]

Seems like a fantastic place to study, learn, educate yourself, and meet great people.

[omarsaif]

Awesome. Only need to wait 19 months for a visa appointment at the embassy.

[avifrancis]

As a foreigner who is studying in Germany, I would say that the quality of the class largely depends on the quality of the student. Unlike back home where Professors get defensive on questioning, I found the Germans actually enjoying a difficult problem. So to get the best out of them, you should always come prepared by gathering questions to ask in the class. I see some German students doing that and it's quite easy that way.

[Immortal-Daiki]

I've been studying in Japanese uni for nearly four years. I'm actually planning to study in Germany for my graduate degree.
As a mixed Japanese, I hope there are Little Tokyos or the like in the country hehe

[patrickfitzgerald]

Well done Hannah! A year studying in Germany (or elsewhere abroad) is a must do for young Americans in my view. The world is an amazing and diverse place . . . get out there and discover it for yourself!