Prep Course for University
The study in Germany website is an excellent
“If you want to study in Germany as a non-EU international student, you must first check if your previous qualification is recognized at German universities. Every school-leaving certificate attained in your country must be compared and translated into German qualification terms otherwise it won’t be recognized. There is a limited list of foreign qualifications assessed to be equivalent to German qualifications.
Many foreign students who have no prior information on the German education system, run out of excitement fearing this marks the end of their dream to study in Germany. However, German universities have a solution for you called Studienkolleg.”
Simply put, Studienkolleg is a prep college in Germany designed to prepare incoming international students who are willing to study in Germany but whose qualifications don’t meet the German education system criteria.
Usually, a Studienkolleg course lasts for two academic semesters or a full academic year. Its intention is to prepare you with the required skills and knowledge on particular subjects related to your favourite university course.
GRE Tests
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test that measures a student’s abilities. Not all German universities require GRE scores. According to Uni-Assist, it is “a test to determine if you are qualified for master’s or PhD courses. This test is similar to its competitor, the GMAT. While the GMAT assesses the qualification for master’s courses in Business Administration, the GRE’s assessment is not bound to a specific subject. Universities which require a GMAT often also accept the GRE.
The Test is owned and administrated by the Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Prometric offers a computer-based exam administered at their testing centres. According to them “GRE Subject Tests are an excellent way for you to demonstrate your knowledge in specific subject areas and to help strengthen your graduate school application. Subject Tests are available in 7 disciplines: Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Literature in English Mathematics Physics Psychology. if you’re majoring in, or have an extensive background in one of these disciplines, you should consider taking a GRE Subject Test in addition to the GRE revised General Test.”
More information about the Test and how to prepare can be found on the ETS Website
The German Education System
Source: https://www.apprenticeship-toolbox.eu/germany/education-system-and-vet-system-in-germany
Related content
Recognition of studies
Recognition of studies Planning to study further, work in a regulated profession, or have your vocational training acknowledged in Germany?You may need your Matric (Grade 12), South African degree, or other qualifications officially recognised, depending on your goals. To check whether your profession is regulated in the EU, explore the official EU database of regulated professions. Recognition of vocational qualifications The official portal of the German government for recognising foreign professional qualifications is the Anerkennung in Deutschland website. They focus on vocational training/skilled workers. Also, have a look at Make it in Germany – who needs recognition? The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, the IHK and the Arbeitsagentur have valuable information about the recognition of foreign vocational qualifications. Another excellent government-funded website is the IQ Integrated through Qualification – service for Immigrants. If you want to apply for a job in Germany in your qualified vocational profession or professional experience, the rule is that you will need to have your qualifications/experience formally recognised; there are, of course, exceptions, for example, in the IT field. Visa for recognition of foreign qualifications You can apply for a visa for the recognition of foreign qualifications. This is related to company training courses, technical training courses, etc.“Have you applied to have your professional qualifications recognised, and the competent authority for the recognition procedure in Germany has determined that your qualifications cannot be fully recognised due to missing qualifications? In such cases, you can attend a qualification program in Germany in order to acquire the missing theoretical and/or practical skills.” Recognition of University degrees Fachhochschule (FH) University of applied sciences. Practical approach to learning Technical Univeristy (TU) Researched based learning. Good for Masters and PhD The Anabin database provides information on the evaluation of foreign educational certificates and supports authorities, employers and private individuals in classifying a foreign qualification in the German education system. It is only available in German. It basically has a list of recognised degrees and institutions. If your qualification and university are listed there, and you are not working in a regulated profession, there is usually no need to have your degree formally recognised, unless asked for. A list of regulated professions in the EU can be found on the European Union database. Examples are doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, educators, and engineers If your degree is not on the Anabin site, please refer to the Central Office for Foreign Education. The Make It in Germany website has a good page on Foreign academic qualifications and the recognition procedure. Another helpful site is Anerkennung in Deutschland, from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. You can search by profession. Stuying in Germany If you would like to study in Germany, please refer to these pages.Information about University entrance qualification (“hochschulzugansberechtigung” can be found on Uni-assist and the Study in Germany website Where to find additional information Make it in Germany – who needs recognition KMK – Professional Recognition Anerkennung in Deutschland – Recogniton finder Anerkennung in Deutschland – Higher education qualifications Expatrio – Recognition of Degrees in Germany BAMF – Foreign professional qualifications Handbook Germany – recognition IQ Integrated through Qualification – service for Immigrants The Network ‘Integration through Qualification (IQ)’ is aprogramme funded by the Federal Ministry of Labourand Social Affairs (BMAS) and the European Social Fund (ESF). Shared experiences Shared experience on the process of recognition Vocabulary English German University of applied schience die Hochschule University die Universität Graduation marks die Abschlussnote Bachelor degree der Bachelorabschluss Acedamic high school das Gymnasium Hich School certificate der Schulabschluss Recognition die Anerkennung Translations If it is necessary to have your documents translated, consider one of our recommended translators Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
School Information
The German School system is quite unique and distinguishes itself from the South African models in a number of ways Schulpflicht In Germany, Schulpflicht (compulsory schooling) requires children to attend school, ensuring they receive a structured education. In Germany, there is no unified national school law, and the Grundgesetz (Basic Law) does not explicitly regulate Schulpflicht (compulsory schooling). Instead, each Bundesland (federal state) determines its own rules regarding the duration and starting age of compulsory education. Generally, children must start school at the age of six, but the exact cutoff date varies, meaning some children may begin between the ages of five and seven.Compulsory schooling is typically divided into two phases: full-time compulsory education and part-time (vocational) education. The full-time phase includes Grundschule (primary school) and secondary education (Hauptschule, Realschule, Gesamtschule, or Gymnasium) and lasts between nine and ten years, depending on the state. After this period, students who do not continue in school but start vocational training are required to attend a Berufsschule (vocational school). This part-time schooling obligation usually lasts three years, aligning with the duration of an apprenticeship. As a result, in most federal states, compulsory education extends beyond a student’s 18th birthday, lasting until the end of the school year or the completion of vocational training. Homeschooling is not permitted in Germany, as education laws mandate attendance at an officially recognized school. The legal foundation for Schulpflicht is found in Article 7 of the Basic Law (Grundgesetz) and detailed further in each state’s Schulgesetz (School Law). Parents who fail to comply may face fines or legal consequences. For specific regulations, refer to the Schulgesetze of the respective Bundesland or the German Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK): Types of schools There are different types of schools to choose from in Germany. The main system is Public schooling, but if There are different types of schools to choose from in Germany. The German public school system is renowned for its comprehensive approach to education. Students from all backgrounds have access to free education. Other options are: Montessori Waldorf schools, based on Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophical human studies. They are state-approved or state recognised independent schools. Jenaplan-Schulen The Catholic church also runs many Schools. International schools in most big cities. Finding a school The local Bürgerampt should be able to provide you with information about schools in your region. For international schools, you can use the following links to search Agis-schools (Association of German International Schools) International-schools-germany Germany’s education system Article 7 of the Grundgesetz (Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany) states the following: The entire school system shall be under the supervision of the state. Parents and guardians shall have the right to decide whether children shall receive religious instruction. Religious instruction shall form part of the regular curriculum in state schools, with the exception of non-denominational schools. Without prejudice to the state’s right of supervision, religious instruction shall be given in accordance with the tenets of the religious community concerned. Teachers may not be obliged against their will to give religious instruction. The right to establish private schools shall be guaranteed. Private schools that serve as alternatives to state schools shall require the approval of the state and shall be subject to the laws of the Länder. Such approval shall be given when private schools are not inferior to the state schools in terms of their educational aims, their facilities or the professional training of their teaching staff and when segregation of pupils according to the means of their parents will not be encouraged thereby. Approval shall be withheld if the economic and legal position of the teaching staff is not adequately assured. A private elementary school shall be approved only if the education authority finds that it serves a special educational interest or if, on the application of parents or guardians, it is to be established as a denominational or interdenominational school or as a school based on a particular philosophy and no state elementary school of that type exists in the municipality. Preparatory schools shall remain abolished. Education is primarily the responsibility of the individual Federal States (Bundesländer). Each state has its own Ministry of Education which are responsible for the education policies and legislation. This includes the curriculum and teacher qualification requirements. The School Stages The German education system has 5 Stages. The Secondary School Stage In Germany, the schools system sorts children into educational paths very early on and children have to make their future education choices at a young age. One major decision that parents and students will face is choosing the right secondary school. This choice will have a significant impact on a student’s academic and career opportunities, as well as their personal and social development. In Germany, there are several types of secondary schools to consider, each with different focuses and strengths. It is important to research and understand the curriculum, graduation requirements, and admission processes for each school in order to make an informed decision. Each type of school caters to students with different academic abilities and career aspirations. The German school system also places a strong emphasis on vocational education and training. This ensures that students who prefer hands-on learning have plenty of opportunities to further their careers. A South African Grade 12 could be equal to a German Abitur, depending on your subjects and marks (Note) and possibly the Bundesland. At a minimum, it should be equivalent to a Realschulabschluss/mittlere Reife. To find out if your South African qualification allows you to study at a German University, enter your details on the Anabin Website Pupils are graded based on 6 marks: very good good satisfactory level adequate poor very poor. Fun Facts On a child’s first day of school, they take along “Schultüte”, which is a decorated paper cone filled with sweets and small presents Depending on the Federal State, most children start school in August/September of the year that they turn 6 years old For young school children, having a trendy backpack is more important than the clothes they wear Every
Study in Germany
Types of learning institutions Hochschule is the name for higher education. Under this, you can get the following institutions. Fachhochschule – University of applied sciences. Technische University – Technical University University – for academics. They offer doctoral and research programs Hochschule does not mean “Hoërskool” or “Secondary School” Where to start Dreaming of studying in Germany or looking for a Master’s degree in English? You’ll find oodles of valuable information and resources on the highly informative Study in Germany website. Hochschulkompass A great website to search for degree programs is the Hochschulkompass website. They also offer the option to choose the course language in the search function.It is also a good source of information about Doctoral Studies. Online Univeristies Deutsch Uni Online – Online University in Munich Uni-Assist Uni-Assist is an organization in Germany that assists international students with their applications to German universities. They are associated with around 170 Universities. Its primary functions include: Application Processing: Uni-Assist receives and processes application documents for its member universities. It ensures that applications are complete and meet the universities’ formal requirements. Qualification Assessment: The organization evaluates the academic qualifications of international students to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria for admission to German universities. Document Verification: Uni-Assist verifies the authenticity of academic documents and certificates submitted by applicants. Pre-Check of Requirements: It pre-checks whether the applicant meets the general and specific requirements for the chosen course of study. Forwarding Applications: After processing and verifying the documents, Uni-Assist forwards the application to the respective universities for further evaluation and decision-making. Support and Guidance: Uni-Assist provides guidance and support to applicants throughout the application process, including answering questions and offering advice on required documents and procedures. Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), or German Academic Exchange Service, is a prominent organization dedicated to promoting international academic exchange and cooperation. Here are its primary functions and roles: Scholarships and Funding: DAAD provides a wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international students, researchers, and academics to study or conduct research in Germany. It also supports German students and researchers in their endeavors abroad. Information and Advising: The organization offers comprehensive information and advising services about studying and researching in Germany. This includes guidance on available programs, application procedures, and living conditions. Programs and Projects: DAAD funds and supports various educational programs and research projects. This includes partnerships and collaborative projects between German institutions and international counterparts. Promoting German Higher Education: DAAD actively promotes German higher education institutions globally, showcasing the quality and diversity of study and research opportunities available in Germany. Language Programs: DAAD supports German language learning through various programs and scholarships aimed at enhancing German language skills among international students and researchers. Policy Advocacy: The organization engages in policy advocacy to improve the framework conditions for international academic mobility and cooperation. The German Education system Attached is a pdf file for the Practical Guide for International Students (7th Edition) Source: https://www.apprenticeship-toolbox.eu/germany/education-system-and-vet-system-in-german Alumni Alumniportal Deutschland Related content
Learning German
Master the Language. Embrace the Culture. Embarking on the journey to learn German can be approached in various ways to suit your lifestyle and goals. Online platforms offer the convenience of flexible language courses, while mobile apps make learning easy wherever you are. For a more interactive experience, attending in-person classes can provide practical lessons and opportunities to practice with others. European Language Framework In Germany, the European Language Framework (CEFR) is widely used to assess language proficiency. This framework helps learners understand their current skill level, identify areas for improvement, and work towards internationally recognized certifications. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, there’s a path to mastering German that fits your needs. Level Group Level Description ABasic user A1Breakthrough or beginner Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know and things they have. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. A2Waystage or elementary Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. BIndependent user B1Threshold or intermediate Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. B2Vantage or upper intermediate Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. CProficient user C1Effective operational proficiency or advanced Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. C2Mastery or proficiency Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. Online Courses Online German courses are becoming increasingly popular among students and professionals who wish to improve their language skills. If you are considering taking a German course online, you may be pleased to know that several institutions offer high-quality language instruction. These courses typically cover a range of language competencies, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. VHS-lernportal is free to use Goethe Deutsche Welle DW.com – Nicos Weg www.deutsch-uni.com www.alumniportal-deutschland.org Lingoda LerneDeutsch For small school going children – Scoyo Udemy offers thousands of courses for learning German. The following were recommended to us: A.1.1, A1.2, A2.1, A2.2 Kevin Gründel – Udemy Native German Language teacher Learn German in South Africa The following institutions offer traditional classroom courses which provide face-to-face interactions with instructors and peers. You will have the opportunity to learn German in a supportive and structured environment, with experienced instructors who will guide you through every step of the process. Goethe Institute Johannesburg The German Language & Cultural Institute Study German in Germany The best way to learn any language is by attending classes and practising it in a real-life setting. Not only do these classes enhance your language skills, but they also expose you to German culture and open doors to new friendships and experiences. Local Volkshochschule – VHS Berlitz Language school Integration course If you received your residence permit after January 1, 2005, and cannot communicate at a basic or adequate level in German, you may be required to attend an integration course. This requirement is determined by the immigration office when your residence permit is issued. If you are receiving citizens’ benefits and are instructed by the relevant office to participate in an integration course, attendance is mandatory. Cost Exemptions and Reimbursements Exemptions from Costs:If you receive citizens’ benefits, unemployment benefits, or assistance to cover living expenses, you can apply for an exemption from course fees. Additionally, those facing financial or personal hardships may also qualify for an exemption. Reimbursement of Costs:If you pass the final test of the integration course within two years (or three years for special target groups) from the date your Eligibility Certificate (Teilnahmeberechtigung) was issued, you may be eligible to have half your course fees reimbursed. This requires completing and submitting an application to the appropriate branch office. For detailed information, visit the BAMF website or the BAMF NAvI website. Where to register and write the exams To be recognised for German integration courses, permanent residency, or citizenship, your B1 or B2 language exam must be from a provider that is officially recognised by the BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge) and accepted by your local Ausländerbehörde. Here’s where you can take such exams: Volkshochschule (VHS) Your local adult education centre Offers telc and Goethe exams Also offers preparation courses and integration courses Learn More Goethe-Institut Offers Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and B2 Widely accepted for citizenship and residency Locations: Across Germany and worldwide Learn More telc gGmbH Offers
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