
In this article, discover all our tips to help you choose your course of study in Germany, from your country of origin! We will review the following key steps:
Vigilant points to properly define your study project
Here are 8 tips that we share with you for choosing the right vocational training in Germany.
The crucial first step is to clarify your study and training goals. This guided definition of your project will make it possible to choose a suitable program in Germany.
Start by identifying exactly what field and specialty you want to study. What discipline are you interested in? What will be the theme of your master's or doctorate for example?
Also specify the level of the diploma in question: bachelor's degree, master's degree, doctorate, specialized school diploma? This precision will have an impact on the type of universities to be targeted.
Also determine the duration of your study project: 6 months, 1 year, 2 years...? Depending on, you will choose different curriculum formats.
Finally, think about your professional goals at the end of the training: sectors of activity, jobs or functions targeted... This will help you to specify your choices.
With these elements, your study project will be well framed to select tailor-made courses in Germany!
When aiming to study in Germany, the question of the required language level is central. Even if more and more courses are taking place in English, a minimum command of German will be essential for your daily life.
Before applying, check the level of German expected by your course. Consult the program description on the university website to find out the language requirements.
If no official certification is required, aim for at least a B2 level in writing and speaking to easily manage your studies and your daily life.
If your level is insufficient, several options are available to you:
Take intensive language training in your country
Ensuring a solid C1 level will open up even more doors for you in your studies and future career.
Once your study plan and your language requirements are well defined, it is time to pre-select suitable German universities.
To do this, use reference sites and rankings listing the best courses in your field. Consult their rating on key criteria: academic excellence, graduate job opportunities, internationalization...
Then check out their offer of courses in your chosen specialty: is there your dream bachelor's, master's or doctorate's degree? Analyze educational programs and content precisely.
Do not hesitate to draw up a short list of ten universities corresponding to your training project and your qualitative criteria.
This preparatory work will allow you to select the 3-4 priority institutions to which you will send your applications.
When you target these universities according to your profile, you will maximize your chances of joining the course of your dreams!
Succeeding in your studies abroad also means living in a city that benefits you. If you prefer peace and quiet, cities like Berlin, Munich, Cologne or Stuttgart are very noisy. To get an idea of which city to choose, consult the platform Germany Travel.
Once you have targeted your German universities, it is essential to analyze in detail the costs associated with your future studies.
In terms of registration fees, check the amounts charged by your selected courses and institutions.
Also, assess your monthly living budget accurately. Housing, food, transport, leisure... Compare the cost of student living in different university cities, it can vary greatly.
Estimate your overall annual budget and make sure that the resources made available to you through your savings, family or student jobs will be enough to meet your needs throughout the study period.
If necessary, plan now to apply for scholarships and additional financial aid.
This rigorous budgetary exercise will avoid unpleasant surprises!
Getting a scholarship is often a real challenge, but it can make a huge difference in funding your studies in Germany.
Thus, from the stage of preparing your study project, take an interest in the various existing programs:
Many scholarships from the German government or the European Union such as Erasmus+ are available to talented foreign students.
To maximize your chances, apply for at least 5-6 different programs at the beginning of the year before you start your studies. Take care of your academic record and your motivation letters!
With perseverance and a good record, getting an excellent scholarship to finance your studies in Germany is entirely possible.
When you already have a clear idea of the institution where you want to study, you can contact the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) directly. This service will provide you with essential information about the various courses available in Germany.
Yes, student housing is one of the factors that can impact your student life. Housing close to your university is always better. You'll always be on time and you'll spend less.