While the fall of the Berlin Wall is an event fading to join Germany's rich history, the benefit of the unification is still growing strong with Germany leading the way in the economic and industrial world. Renowned for commitment to quality and a high standard of living, Germany's perseverance to improve the overall quality of life both within her own boundaries and worldwide cannot be overlooked. This is most obvious in the impressive education system that is dedicated to developing the potential of students and maintaining its reputation for excellence.

Universities have been present in Germany since the first was founded in 1386 in Heidelberg. Except for private institutions, Germany's universities are entirely supported by the state and welcome students from all over the world. They are traditionally committed to research into education, science and engineering and have a longer period of study than most other countries. To ensure a high percentage of study places are reserved for applicants from abroad. However, due to the aforementioned competition for places, it is only pertinent for high calibre students to apply.

There are a few regulations regarding entrance and residency that international students should be aware of before deciding to study at a German university. A residence permit visa is required to permit you to study in Germany. Students should also have a passport, certification of their qualifications, proof of their confirmed admission to a university and most importantly, proof of sufficient financial funds as there are strict rules regarding foreign students working without a work permit.

Costs

The cost of living in Germany tends to be higher than other countries due to the high standard of living throughout and students must have sufficient finances to meet the average cost. Students should also be aware that health insurance is compulsory to cover any medical fees, hospital expenses and medicines that may be required during the study period.

Accommodation

Because German universities do not have a campus system with accommodation for students on the university site, students must be prepared to find accommodation themselves. It is usually advisable to travel to Germany before the beginning of the semester to make sure suitable accommodation is found. Help and advice with accommodation is readily available at the foreign students office and youth hostels or private guesthouses offer temporary accommodation while a search for more permanent lodgings continues. Each university town normally has student halls but there are few places available compared to the number of students and can cost from between DM 150 per month to DM 600 depending on the location. The majority of students rent rooms or flats privately to around DM 300 to DM 600 per month, or share a flat with another student to cut all the costs down.

Social Activities

Whilst students are not working there are many activities they can take part in such as groups, clubs and associations, university sports, music and theatre. All of these give students the opportunity to get to know one another and for foreign students in particular to meet with students from Germany itself or other international students.

Welcoming and friendly, German people are well known for their hospitality and readiness to be of help to visitors. Germany is country steeped in tradition and history and its pure size and variation ensures that there will always be something for visiting students to see and do. There can be no doubt that the main benefit of studying at a German institute of higher education is the assurance of gaining an education of the highest standards. All German institutions can ask for in return is for international students willing to develop their potential to become part of the German success story.

Author
Kirsty Anderson
With thanks to Deutscher Akademischer Austaushdienst DAAD

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