No tuition fees are charged for undergraduate degrees at most of the public universities in Germany. Based on official figures from German Academic Exchange Service, the average cost of studying in Germany is just €9,170 per year, breaking down to €470 for semester fees, which includes local transport of the city and subsidized canteen food. The students need €8,700 for 12 months of living – covering food, transport, accommodation, entertainment, course materials and other necessities.

Bear in mind that these figures are averages, and the amount the student pays will fluctuate, depending on the length of the program, level of study, the German federal states (Bundesländer) one lives in and whether the university is private or public.

Studying at a German university could be the first step towards a career in Germany. German companies are looking for university graduates in a variety of sectors – especially in the fields of engineering, medicine, life sciences and information technology. The students are advised to build contacts with suitable companies – for example by means of an internship – during the course of study.

With the German degree, one can score points with internationally operating companies, since by moving to Germany the student has proven that he/she is flexible and keen to learn, and that the student is at ease in an international environment.

Numbering around 400, German universities offer excellent opportunities for learning and research. International students rate German universities highly: in a 2012 survey, a good 85 percent of the international students surveyed, stated that they were satisfied with the quality of the teaching. And more than 90 percent praised the high standard of equipment of German university laboratories.

German universities also offer a large number of Bachelor’s degrees for international students. Depending on the university and availability, students can take these courses in English (few programs available).

Germany is a very safe country, with a high standard of living, a rich cultural history and a very diverse population. If the student studies in Germany, he/she will be in Europe’s most dynamic economy. The country also has an excellent infrastructure at the center of Europe as well as numerous opportunities for recreational activities.

At university the student can do much more than just study: he/she can join a university sports club or theatre group, or engage in social or political activities. One can also go to university parties, music festivals, to the cinema or to night clubs with other students. The students soon make friends and through them get to know the country where they can study even better.

• Title: Technical universities with specialisations (Technische Universität, TU) or Colleges of education (Pädagogische Hochschule, PH) or single subject focus , such as the Hannover Medical School or The German Sport University Cologne
• Approach: Focus on theoretical knowledge and emphasis on research
• Subjects: Their range of subjects comprises specific of a wide range
• Specifications:

• Title: Universities of Applied Sciences
• Approach: Practice-oriented academic approach and focus on professional application
• Subjects: Their range of subjects comprises specific fields such as technology, economics, social work or media
• Specifications: Students need to complete practical phases, like work placements, longer project phases or entire practical semesters, often in businesses

• Title: Colleges of art and music
• Approach: train young artists such as musicians, architects, fine artists and designers
• Subjects: Their range of subjects comprises specific fields such as music, art, fine arts and design
• Specifications: Admission requirements include a specific talent which applicants must demonstrate in an entrance examination.

“Made in Germany” is regarded as a seal of quality all over the world – German engineering is well respected. Career prospects are good.

Those who wish to become a doctor in Germany require good marks and a high level of discipline. A degree course in medicine takes about six years.

Scientists and mathematicians are sought after in all sectors. Logical thinking and mathematical understanding are important in all STEM subjects.

The global economy needs specialists with an international perspective. Trans nationality is the leitmotif of modern work.

When dealing with text and information, linguists and cultural scientists are in demand as experts.

While it is hard to get in, the education is well respected: admission to a German art or music college is dependent on artistic talent and motivation.

The BACHELOR's degree is the first academic degree. It teaches the basics of a subject and is recognised as a fully featured course of academic study that allows you to immediately embark on your career after graduating. The most common Bachelor's degrees are Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng).

• Requirement: High School qualifications
• Standard period of study: generally six semesters, in some topics more
• Additional information: One subject (standard) or two subjects (two major subjects or one major and one minor subject)
• Advantages: short period of study, flexibility in specialising later on

If you want to continue studying after gaining your Bachelor's degree, you can enrol in a MASTER's degree programme as a second academic qualification. A Master's degree is a requirments in some professions.

• Requirement: completed Bachelor’s degree (or comparable degree)
• Standard period of study: between two and four semesters
• Additional information: Serves for example to enhance knowledge from a prior Bachelor's degree or to specialise in a particular area; it prepares students for academic work at higher education institutions
• Advantages: Specialized knowledge, enhanced career prospects and earning potential