Study in Germany - South Africans in Germany

Studying in Germany

Germany’s higher education landscape is renowned for its academic excellence and affordability. Whether you’re pursuing a degree at a Universität, a Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences), or through a dual study program, you’ll find a learning culture built on precision, independence, and real-world application.

Before applying, it’s essential to understand the admission and recognition process. Many international students apply through uni-assist, a centralized service that evaluates foreign qualifications and forwards approved applications to universities. The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers scholarships, funding options, and guidance on which South African qualifications are recognised for study in Germany.

Studying here isn’t just about earning a degree — it’s about building a future grounded in discipline, innovation, and cultural exchange. If you’re ready to take your education to the next level, Germany offers the structure, support, and standing to make it happen.

Types of learning institutions

Hochschule is the German term for higher education institution. It includes various types of universities and specialized schools that offer academic and professional qualifications beyond secondary school.

Here are the main types you’ll come across:

Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences): Focuses on practical, career-oriented education with strong ties to industry.
Technische Universität (Technical University): Emphasises engineering, technology, and scientific research.
Universität (University): Offers a broad range of academic programs, including doctoral and research degrees.

💡 Note: The word Hochschule does not mean Hoërskool or Secondary School. It refers to tertiary education — what you’d call “university” or “college” in English.

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 organisation 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 organisation 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

Dual Study Program (Duales Studium)

A Dual Study Program (Duales Studium in German) is one of Germany’s most distinctive and practical approaches to higher education — and it’s brilliant, honestly. It combines academic study at a university (or Fachhochschule) with on-the-job training at a company.

Here’s how it works:

🎓 University component: Students attend lectures and complete coursework like in a normal degree program.
💼 Work component: During alternating phases (often every few months), students work for a partner company, gaining real-world experience while being paid.

At the end, graduates earn a recognized university degree and have work experience — often leading to a full-time job offer from the same company.
Typical fields: Engineering, business administration, IT, logistics, and healthcare are especially popular.

Why it’s so popular:

No student debt for accommodation, etc, you earn a salary.
Strong career prospects — companies invest in you from the start.
It blends theory and practice — perfect for people who want structure and hands-on learning.

In short: a Dual Study Program is Germany’s way of saying, “Why choose between studying and working, when you can do both — and get ahead doing it?”

🎓 Tuition Fees

Since 2012, Germany’s public universities have embraced the noble cause of accessible education, offering most bachelor’s and consecutive master’s programs tuition-free to both EU and non-EU students.
However, even in this land of generous scholars, a modest tribute is required. Students must contribute a semester fee, typically ranging from €100 to €350.
This fee covers administrative costs and often includes a public transport pass, ensuring your journey through the academic landscape is both smooth and swift.

Students also have to pay for textbooks, accommodation, living costs, health insurance and possibly transportation

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and other organizations offer scholarships to international students, providing financial support to ease your journey.