Education in Germany for foreigners still remains one of the most affordable in Europe
English or German?
Every year, more and more young people prefer to obtain higher education not in their home country but abroad. Nearly two million applicants go for knowledge to Europe, the USA, Canada, etc. Of these, 10% prefer studying in Germany. Not all applicants are proficient in German. After all, the most widely spoken language in the world is English. So it is not surprising that it has become a worthy alternative in German higher education institutions.
For the first time in Germany, the teaching of economics was fully transferred to English in 1997 at Magdeburg University. As university representatives explain, this was done to overcome the language barrier between foreign students and teachers.
Traditionally, to enter a German university, it is necessary to pass a German language exam (DSH) or provide other confirmation of language knowledge – for example, a DAF 4.5 certificate. If a student does not know German sufficiently, they must either learn it in their home country or undergo training in Germany, or better yet, take courses at the university.
Opportunities for Applicants
The innovation in German higher education institutions will allow graduates to find work in international organizations. The requirements for admission to an English-language faculty are almost the same as for admission to a regular German university. It is necessary to confirm one's knowledge of English, which must meet international standards.
English-speaking students are accepted not only for study but also for professional development courses. For example, at the University of Karlsruhe, there is a business school that invites experienced specialists to improve their qualifications. Later, they can take leading positions in their companies.
What Attracts German Universities?
But why is Germany so attractive to students? The main reasons are the absence of entrance exams and, also important, cheap education. In some universities, until recently, it was possible to study for free. Now, of course, you have to pay a certain amount, but compared to other European countries, a very small one. For example, in Lower Saxony, tuition fees were introduced only four years ago, ranging from 500 euros per semester.
How Advantageous?
But let us return to educational institutions where teaching is in English. If no language has been learned yet and only the process of planning foreign study is underway, it is worth thinking carefully. And, first of all, determine how correct the decision to enter a university in Germany where teaching is in English will be.
Yes, English is universal, almost half the world speaks it. And spending precious time on learning German may seem not too reasonable a decision.
But there is also a downside to this situation. Apart from the faculty, no one in Germany will speak English, except in exceptional cases. However, the education you receive will quite give you the opportunity to find work in English-speaking countries.
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