Why studying in Germany? 10 key factors that make Germany an attractive destination for international students

Studying in Germany is known for being a highly attractive for international students for a variety of reasons, ranging from the quality of education to financial considerations and cultural richness. Here are some key factors that contribute to Germany’s appeal:

1 – Quality of Education

Germany is classified to have the fourth best higher education system after USA, UK and Australia, see the table below¹. This because Germany boasts several universities ranked among the best in the world. These institutions offer high-quality education and state-of-the-art research opportunities in a wide range of fields.

2 – No or Low Tuition Fees when studying in Germany

Studying in Germany requiers Zero or very low tuition fees for both undergraduate and graduate students, including international students. This policy makes higher education accessible to a wide range of students from across the globe. This is of particular advantage when comparing it to USA, UK, Australia and Canada, in which a student need at least $10,000, 17,000, 20,000 and 20,000, respectively.

List of the ten best higher education systems in the world ^1,2,3:

#	Country	Tuition (International)	Living Expenses
1	United States	$10,000 – 26,000	$10,000 – 18,000
2	United Kingdom	$17,000-$43,000	$21,700
3	Australia	$20,000 (public)-$45,000 (private)	$16,700/year
4	Germany	Free (Public) to $35,000 (Private)	$14,400/year
5	Canada	$20,000- $45,000	$15,500-$17,800/year
6	France	$3,400	$12,200
7	Netherlands	$9,500 – 18,000 ³	$10,000 – 14,000 ³
8	China	$4,700- $46,000	$14,600
9	South Korea	$16,800	$9,500
10	Japan	$7,200-$16,000	$10,500

List of the ten best higher education systems in the world

Note: Out of the 16 Germany federal states, only one state charges tuitation fees, which is the state of Baden-Württemberg, which began charging moderate tuition fees to non-EU students starting in the winter semester of 2017. There, non-EU students need to pay 1,500 € per semester while studying in Germany.

3 – Variety of Programs in English

While German is the primary language of instruction, studying in Germany can be realized in English, as there are numerous programs, that are offered entirely in English. especially at the postgraduate level. This is a significant draw for students who may not be proficient in German.

According the database for international programmes in Germany 2023/2024 in Germany provided by the DAAD , there are over 1800 study programs that are taught completely in English in Germany, and over 200 are combining both English and German language.

For instance, the university of Duisburg-Essen offers a special program for engineers as Bachelor and Master degree courses, that’s called “International Studies in Engineering (ISE)”. In which lectures offered in German and English language of instruction (50% of the lectures in German, 50% of the lectures in English).

4 – Quality of Life

Germany is known for its high standard of living, efficient public transportation, and strong healthcare system. Germany came at rank 12, according to the Quality of Life Index⁶. For comparison, USA, Australia, UK and France were ranked as 15, 22, 26 and 32, respectively ⁶. Germany’s central location in Europe also makes it an excellent base for exploring other European countries. More about living in Germany should be found in the category Living In Germany.

5 – Financial Support and Work Opportunities for Students During Study

According to the Germany residence law, International students are allowed to work up to 20 h/week while studying in Germany (§ 16 Abs. 3 S. 1 AufenthG). This helps them gain practical experience and manage their living expenses. Normally, this work perimt is issued toether with the residacne permit an no special permit application is needed for that. This should be enough to fund themself while , considering that the minimum wage is 12.41€ per hour⁷ which gives about 1,075€/Month (about 1,150 $/Month).

6 – Prospects for Post-Study Employment

Germany’s strong economy and its need for skilled workers make it an attractive country for international graduates looking for employment opportunities after finishing studying in Germany. There are also visa policies in place that facilitate the transition from student visas to work visas. In Germany, there is a shortage of almost 2 million skilled workers⁸. To overcome this issue, the German government made recently a legislative proposal that is meant to reorganize immigration and, in particular, facilitate the immigration of more foreign specialists⁸.

7 – Opportunities for Research and Innovation

Germany is at the forefront of research, technology, and innovation, making it an ideal place for students interested in these areas. The strong ties between universities and the industrial sector also offer ample opportunities for internships and practical work experience.

8 – Vibrant Student Life

German cities enrich the student experience with a vibrant cultural experience while studying in Germany outside of academia. Home to world-class museums, diverse music events, numerous festivals, and regular sports activities, these urban centers offer a rich tapestry of cultural and recreational opportunities, ensuring a well-rounded lifestyle for students pursuing their studies in Germany.

9 – Cultural and Historical Richness

Germany’s rich history and diverse cultural landscape offer a unique educational context outside the classroom. International students can explore historic sites, partake in traditional festivals, and experience the diversity of the culture while studying in Germany.

10 – Support Services for International Students

Universities in Germany provide a range of support services to help international students adjust to life while studying in Germany. These include orientation programs, German language courses, and assistance with housing and visa issues.

These factors combine to make Germany a highly appealing destination for students from around the world, providing them with a unique opportunity to enhance their education and career prospects in a supportive and dynamic environment.