The Growing Popularity of International Study in Germany
Being a front-runner in the fields of arts and science, Germany has created many milestones in world’s history. Often referred as higher education paradise, this small country is an inseparable part of world’s greatest achievements, whether it is in automobiles, electronics or arts. Hosting many worldwide ranked universities and countless courses, Germany has always been promoting the scientific temper and research possibilities among its youth. Today, by imparting the most advanced knowledge among students and serving their zeal to explore the different realms of studies, the German colleges and universities is one of the most preferred study destinations by both nationals and internationals.
Higher education in Germany is mainly funded by the state, which means it is literally free of charge for domestic and international students alike. A decision which came into power in October 2014, stated that all international students attending a public university in Germany would be free from paying normal tuition fees. Foreign students will only have to pay few administrative costs like student contribution, student union fee and a public transport ticket which account to around €250 per semester altogether. And in the case of private institutions, a minimal amount is being charged, which is still a very lesser amount compared to other countries.
Excelled in infrastructure and curricula, universities and colleges in Germany are bound to promote innovation, research-based learning culture and practice-oriented studies. Some of them are consistently ranked among the world’s best universities. Students are showered with plenty of opportunities in terms of Visa application and employability in global job market. Saranya Babu T, who is the on-going BSc. International Business student at Hochschule Bonn Rhein Seig, Germany says, “As a student in Germany, I enjoy free but quality education, scholarships and individual freedom regardless the fact that I’m a woman. With German Visa one can travel to all the Schengen States. Recently I went to Mexico; I didn’t have to apply for separate Visa. Apart from this, there are numerous opportunities for international students, if you are ready to put a bit of effort and learn German.”
The latest statistics from German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD reveals that international student numbers for the 2016 academic year reached 358,895. The new report from the DAAD specifies the 5.5% increase means that 18,000 more international students came to study in Germany’s higher education system in 2017. International students now compose 13% of all university students in Germany, and nearly a quarter (23%) of first-year students. The increasing number of international student enrolments indicates how students across the globe value German colleges and universities for the quality of education, hands-on industry experiences, opportunities to improve academically during and after studies and most importantly, the safe and friendly environment.