Every tenth student in Germany is a foreigner
TUITION FEES
German public universities no longer charge tuition fees for the first higher education degree. Bachelor's programs, programs with the "Staatsexamen" form of study (e.g., for future doctors, teachers, or lawyers), and most full-time master's programs can be attended free of charge. For students from post-Soviet republics who have already completed a university degree in their home country, studying in Germany in the same or a new field is also considered a first higher education degree.
At some universities, fees are charged to those who significantly exceed the university's allowed study period – such delays can cost 400-500 euros per semester (Langzeitstudium). Some universities offer paid bachelor's and master's programs for those who want to study while working. Fees also apply to MBA programs and distance learning.
COMPETITION OF CERTIFICATES
Becoming a student in Germany is generally possible without entrance exams. In general, subjects are divided into two types: those that admit all applicants and those with restricted admission (pharmacology, medicine, law, and other subjects marked Numerus Clausus). Admission to such subjects is based on a competition of certificates. The cutoff grade changes from year to year, depending on the number of applications and the academic performance level of candidates.
For graduates from countries of the former Soviet Union, there is a separate competition of certificates. The average grade is composed of the grade from the final exam at a German college of pre-university preparation or grades obtained at a university in their home country, to which the arithmetic mean of grades from their school certificate is added.
In recent years, more and more subjects have been placed under NC restrictions. The number of applications from prospective students is growing; to ensure the quality of education, universities are forced to resort to increasingly strict selection.
SEMESTER CONTRIBUTION
The only condition for starting and continuing studies is payment of the semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag). In the summer semester of 2017, its amount ranged from 60 to 300 euros depending on the university.
This amount includes the cost of a student travel pass, which allows use of public transport within the city, region, and even the entire federal state. Among other things, the semester contribution covers the university's expenses for organizing free language courses, sports sections, and student service offices.
LIVING EXPENSES
Overall, while studying and living in Germany, one should budget for 700-800 euros per month. Rent is the largest expense. A room in a dormitory is the cheapest (approximately 240 euros per month). The most expensive is a private apartment, and housing prices vary greatly between cities.
Monthly, about 70 euros go to mandatory insurance (for illness and for care needs). According to student surveys, about 70 euros are paid for additional insurance, doctor visits, and medications, 30 euros for study materials, and another 30 euros for phone calls and internet. Food costs an average of 170 euros per month. Transport expenses (if not covered by the student pass) amount to over 80 euros. And about 70 euros are spent on leisure and entertainment.
Those who want to receive a scholarship should arrange it in advance. Universities themselves do not provide scholarships. The only exception is the "Germany Scholarship" (Deutschlandstipendium) program. But it is not available at all universities, and not everyone can obtain it. For financial support, one should primarily apply to scholarship foundations.
ATTITUDE TOWARD FOREIGNERS
German universities have long pursued a policy of internationalizing education. Every tenth student is a foreigner. For international students, there are special service offices (International Office), and they also organize language courses, excursions, and other events to help them settle in and understand local culture.
Students from former Soviet Union countries are one of the largest groups. The most Russians and Ukrainians are in North Rhine-Westphalia. The most popular cities there are Bochum, Cologne, Duisburg, Essen, Münster, Aachen, and Bonn. The study programs of the FernUniversität in Hagen are also in demand. Among the top five federal states with the highest number of our students are also Bavaria, Berlin, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. And the university with the highest concentration of students from our countries is Humboldt University of Berlin.