Germany is one of the most popular study destinations in the world. When you want to study in Germany it is really important to know how to select German Universities as per your criteria for the summer semester 2022. Over 40 of Germany’s higher education institutions made it into the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021. Germany’s best schools, colleges, and universities are scattered throughout the country. They offer globally recognized courses in the field of law, computer science, medical, engineering, social sciences, and sustainable studies, etc. International students can find a program taught in English. Over 500 courses are offered by Germany’s public schools to English speakers. There are various aspects to be considered when it comes to choosing the right university. One of the most important things is students have to decide what career they have in their mind. So here are some tips to select German Universities as per your criteria.

Choosing a university to study in Germany is similar to choosing a house to buy in a foreign country. Students need to define their goals and requirements first and then move to consider different options. Because if they don’t have a clear idea of what they exactly want, they will not be able to make the right decision.

The first thing students should ask themselves

1. Why do they want to study in Germany?
2. What are their career goals and what kind of education they should do to achieve their career goals?

If students choose universities with the highest proportion of international students they will get a great experience of working in a multicultural environment and if they choose universities with the lowest proportion of international students, they can get the opportunity to learn the German language faster. Since they will be forced to communicate with locals more often, they will improve their foreign language skills.

There are three different types of universities in Germany. Students can choose from depending on their preferences.

Universities of Germany are mainly focused on theoretical knowledge and pay a lot of attention to the research field. Students can find different subjects of study in German universities, including specialized types, for example, technical universities or colleges of education focused mainly on pedagogy. Students may also find universities that are focused on one subject only such as medical universities or universities of sports.

The universities of applied sciences in Germany are mainly focused on the practical-oriented approach to learning. Students can find a variety of fields of study in this type of university, for instance, technology-related programs, media, or economy, among others. Students might get a chance to be part of work placements or largely practice-oriented semesters as students of applied sciences universities.

Colleges of Art and Music are where artists gather to study subjects like music, architecture, design, and fine arts. Admission to these universities can be quite competitive. Many of these universities accept only a small limited number of students. To get admission, students have to give an entrance examination, in which they are expected to show good results. Additionally, proof of talent is also important to get admission.

These types of universities provide a dual study program that combines academic studies with vocational training or practical phases in a company. This may be the best option for the students who prefer to learn practically and start their careers quickly.

There are four-degree programs that are offered by the universities in Germany. They are:

This is the first higher education degree students get. When students get this degree, they will be able to begin their careers by entering the labor market. Students have to complete 6 semesters to get this degree. Students can choose to study one subject, or two subjects (major/minor), depending on their preferences.

A master’s degree program students can get after their completion of a bachelor’s program. Students who want to continue their education in their field of study can pursue a master’s degree. This is known as a second academic qualification. It takes typically 2-4 semesters to complete.

Students may find degree programs that end with a state examination in Germany. This is typically for the students who want to study in the fields of medicine, law, pharmacy, or teaching. When they finish their degree they are required to enter the first state examination. After that, they have to go through a period of practical experience after which they will enter the second and final state examination. This examination is generally organized by a government board.

If a student wants to continue his academic journey, a doctorate degree or Ph.D. is the best option for him. If a student wants to pursue a doctorate degree, he will have to write a scientific paper, which should be thorough and quite complex. After finishing this research paper, he will be awarded a doctorate degree.

Students should consider some things before selecting a university in Germany. Here are some tips:

Students should take time to think about their career aspirations. They should decide their fields of interest. It will be easier for them to find a university in Germany that matches their plans for the future.

Students should check all the major ranking lists online. These ranking lists provide an overview of the university’s qualities. There are also some lists available online which are based on different fields of study.

There are numerous universities in Germany that will catch students’ attention. So students can choose to compare course content. Students can find the courses they like in each university, and inquire about the curriculum, distribution of credits. They can easily find whether everything aligns with their interests.

Before applying, students should check their current qualifications. Students need to have a recognized Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) which means ‘higher education entrance qualification’. A high-school diploma, school-leaving certificate, and university entrance exam results are mandatory for undergraduate students in Germany. Students from non-EU countries have to sit the Feststellungsprüfung entrance examination after attending a preparatory Studienkolleg. Students should also check the language requirements. Most of the courses are taught in the German language so students have to submit proof of proficiency in the German language.There are two main tests for this purpose: the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang and the TestDaF.If the courses are available in the English language, students have to prove their knowledge of the language with a test such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Students should check the contacts of the universities, whether they have close links with the industry. If the networks are well it will help students to understand that the university will provide the best employment opportunities to students. Students can find this type of information on the university’s website.

University that provides accommodation will be the best for international students. Although this should not mandatory when it comes to choosing a university, accommodation is really important for students.

Best websites to find accommodation in Germany: Some helpful websites to find accommodation in Germany are as follows:

1. wg gesuch
2. immobilin scout
3. Campus Wonen
4. L.MR.LODGE

The choice of university defines a student’s career. So make sure that you have considered all possible options and analyzed them very carefully before applying in Germany.