Exams for studying in Germany | A handy guide

Germany is one of the top study-abroad destinations among international students. With diverse programs, world-class education, and employment opportunities, Germany is the perfect destination for anyone looking to pursue higher education. Here are some reasons why studying in Germany is a great choice-

• World-class education: The country has 13 universities that are ranked among the top 200 universities in the world.
• Wide range of programs: German universities offer various courses in fields such as engineering, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
• Low tuition fees: Most universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, which makes it a more affordable option than other study destinations.
• Scholarships: Numerous scholarships are available to international students who wish to study in Germany, including the prestigious DAAD scholarship.
• Employment opportunities: Germany has a strong economy with great employment opportunities, as many companies offer internships and job opportunities to students.

Language requirements for studying in Germany: TestDaF, DSH, and others

One of the most important requirements for those who want to study in Germany is meeting the language requirements. German is the language of instruction at many universities in Germany, and therefore, students must prove their proficiency in the language. Here are some of the language exams for studying in Germany-

TestDAF

All German universities recognize TestDaF as the most commonly accepted language test for admission. It measures the language skills of non-native speakers of German, wishing to get into German universities.

DSH

The Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) is another exam that assesses the language skills of students who wish to enroll in a German university. It is one of the elementary exams for studying in Germany. Individual universities administer the test, and all German institutions recognize it.

Other language tests

Other language tests that German universities recognize include the Goethe-Institut exams and the telc exams. English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS and TOEFL, are not mandatory for admission into German institutions, although certain universities may require them for certain courses.

Academic requirements for studying in Germany: The entrance qualification

The entrance qualification is the most crucial educational requirement for admission to a German university. The entrance qualification is a certificate that shows that you have completed your primary and secondary education and are eligible to pursue higher education at a university. Here are some exams for studying in Germany-

Abitur

The Abitur is one of the most common entrance exams for studying in Germany. The gymnasium awards it to students who have finished their secondary education.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is one of the most recognized entrance exams for studying in Germany. German schools award it to students who have finished their IB Diploma program.

Other qualifications

Other exams for studying in Germany include the European Baccalaureate and the British A-levels.

It is important to note that German universities do not typically have entrance qualification exams specifically for international students. German higher education institutions only require international applicants to provide their secondary school or university transcripts, which demonstrate the completion of a recognized qualification equivalent to the German higher education entrance qualification (Abitur).

Applying for German universities: The Uni-Assist application process

The Uni-Assist application process is a centralized application platform that allows international students to apply to most universities in Germany. The application process for studying in German can be overwhelming, but Uni-Assist simplifies the process by handling the application process for most universities. Here is a step-by-step guide on applying to universities through Uni-Assist:

• Create an uni-assist account: The first step is to create an account on the Uni-Assist website.
• Choose universities and programs: Next, choose the universities and programs you wish to apply for.
• Submit documents: After selecting the universities and programs, submit the required documents, such as transcripts, diplomas, and language certificates.
• Pay the application fee: Uni-Assist charges an application fee for processing your application. The fee often differs depending on the number of universities you apply to.
• Wait for confirmation: Once you’ve finished submitting your application and documents, Uni-Assist will review them and forward them to the universities you have applied to. You will receive confirmation of receipt from Uni-Assist and updates from the universities.

Scholarships for studying in Germany: DAAD and other opportunities

Germany offers a variety of scholarships for international students who hope to study in the country. The German Academic Exchange Service, commonly known as DAAD, is the most popular scholarship provider in Germany, which offers numerous scholarships to international students. Here are some other scholarship opportunities for students who wish to study in Germany:

• Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students who would like to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in Germany. The scholarship supports students with excellent academic records committed to environmental and social justice.
• Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship: This scholarship is also given to international students who wish to pursue a postgraduate or doctoral degree in Germany. The scholarship supports students with excellent academic records committed to democracy, freedom, and human rights.
• Deutschlandstipendium: The Deutschlandstipendium is a scholarship offered to students with outstanding academic records committed to social engagement and well-being.

Key takeaways

• German universities have high academic standards. Hence international students must give a few exams to study in Germany.
• Uni-Assist is a centralized application platform that simplifies the application process for most universities in Germany.
• Some universities may require standardized tests such as the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, or SAT for admission to postgraduate or undergraduate programs.
• Scholarships are available for international students who hope to study in Germany, including those offered by DAAD.
• Preparing for exams requires careful planning and preparation, practice, and seeking help when needed.

Giving exams for studying in Germany is an excellent opportunity for international students to learn. By meeting the language and academic requirements, applying through Uni-Assist, and taking advantage of scholarships and other opportunities, you can make studying in Germany a reality. Preparing and taking exams requires careful planning and preparation, but you can succeed with the right mindset and resources. Good luck on your journey to studying in Germany!

If you need assistance with your study abroad entrance exams or the application process, reach out to us!

Liked this blog? Learn more about studying in Germany here!

FAQs

Q1: What are some mandatory exams for studying in Germany?

Answer: The most commonly accepted language test for admission to German universities is the TestDaF. German universities may also require standardized tests such as the GRE, GMAT, or SAT for admission to specific programs.

Q: Can I study in Germany if I don’t speak German?

Answer: Yes, it is possible to study in Germany even if you don’t speak German. Many universities offer a wide range of English-taught programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. However, it’s important to note that having knowledge of the German language can be advantageous for everyday life and can open up more study options.

Q: Are there part-time job opportunities for international students in Germany?

Answer: Yes, international students in Germany are allowed to work part-time while studying. They are permitted to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. There are various part-time job opportunities available, such as working as a student assistant, tutor, or in the service industry. These jobs can help cover living expenses and provide valuable work experience.

Q4: Is IELTS compulsory to study in Germany?

Answer: IELTS is not compulsory to study in Germany, but many universities accept it as proof of English language proficiency. However, German language proficiency is required for most courses.