Germany is one of the reputed countries around the globe. Public universities, speaking in the literal sense, are higher education institutions to which the government provides funding for a successful run of the institution's business. These institutions survive at a state or national level and since the control is in the hands of the government, the body looks for enough standard quality and accountability to be maintained.

All about Germany’s public education system with top 10 public colleges/universities: requirements and eligibilities in detail

In a country like Germany, public institutions work with a diverse range of programs with raised academic standards and affordable tuition fees for their students. The system and umbrella of education landscape and culture is broadened by these institutions making it a huge student hub. The opportunities are exquisite with practical hands-on experience in the required fields.

The education system in Germany is well structured and efficient in its role to play along with the vocational training benefit that it provides to the students. The education system in the country is broadly divided into four main categories –

• Early childhood (kindergarten) – kindergarten is the primary school of learning for every child. Although it is not compulsory to take part in it, but is eventually helpful in a lot of aspects. This stage is helpful and responsible for the early developmental years of the child including physical, emotional, and communication areas.
• Primary education (Grund Schule) – the primary education system refers to the area where the basics of education start for a child and therefore the child learns to solve riddles, and puzzles, and learn language and social skills. This and the schools after are compulsory for every child to take part in for their smooth, functional, and continuous development. Students typically have this area for about four years but it can also last up to six years.
• Secondary Education (Weiterführende Schulen) – the secondary school education system in Germany is divided into these systems:

Hauptschule is for four years responsible for the vocational training of the student. Realschule which is for six years preparing the students for further education

The gymnasium prepares the students for their high school and university education over the course period of eight years.

• Tertiary Education (Hochschule) – this is the education system at the university level where the career development years start for an individual.

Top 10 public universities in Germany:

1. Technical University of Munich (TUM) comes under the area of research in medicine, engineering, and natural sciences field.
2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) follows a strong reputation with comprehensive study approaches in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
3. Heidelberg University follows the tradition of law, natural sciences, and medicine.
4. Humboldt University of Berlin has a strong focus on humanities and social sciences with broadening prospects. The university is renowned for its liberal outlook.
5. Freie Universität Berlin is known for its committed structure towards democracy and academic freedom.
6. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) follows a close pattern of engineering and social sciences.
7. RWTH Aachen University structures its design in innovative teaching programs in the engineering, social sciences, and medicine fields.
8. Technische Universität Berlin has a focused study plan in engineering, natural sciences, and planning.
9. Technische Universität Dresden is a well-reputed university with a majority of its focus on microelectronics, renewable energy, and nanotechnology.
10. The University of Freiburg follows the lead of a beautiful atmospheric location with an academic focus on natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Requirements and Eligibility: 

Some general requirements and guidelines that are supposed to be followed in Germany to gain admission to public universities are:

• Higher education entrance qualification: It is compulsory to have a recognized higher education entrance qualification which refers to the school leaving certificate that allows you to take part in the university background after completion of your school studies.
• Language proficiency: In most universities, language proficiency and credibility for the German language are required.
• Recognition of previous education (high school): Before being admitted to the university, an individual must have a proper marks sheet/degree certificate to indicate that this person has completed, passed, and therefore can now be admitted for further studies.
• Application process: The university application form and process is mandatory to enter.
• Financial proof: There is a specific amount of financial proof that the parents/guardian/the student herself/himself has to show as proof that they will be able to comply and submit the fee for the institution within time without any delay.

Cost and fee structure: according to the recent data in 2022, the basic overview of cost and fee structure for public universities in Germany is as follows covering the majority of the needs and fulfillments that are required to survive in any foreign land as an international student:

• Tuition fees: Most of the undergraduate programs of the universities existing in Germany, do not charge tuition fees, however, some states have developed this criterion of a certain amount for certain programs but they are still low as compared to the fee structure of other countries.

Some programs require fees where the person is continuing the program non-consequently whereas the programs which are continuous and have no break in between are often free of cost.

Programs related to doctoral or medical fields are often tuition-free.

1. Semester contribution – When the students are not able to pay large amounts together or when they have a smaller fee structure in total, they are supposed to contribute for each semester to make things smooth.
2. Living expenses – This includes the student budget related to requirements such as food, clothing, rental, transportation, study material, daily other household stuff, etc which approximately rounds off to 800 to 1000 Euros per month.
3. Health insurance – It is important for individuals studying to get health insurance where there are two options for public and private health insurance policies (public being much cheaper).

Does Germany offer a post-study work Permit?

This question itself is a very important deal cracker for any student who is willing to come and study in the country. Therefore to answer the question, Yes.

Germany does allow its international students and the students living in the country itself to have a work visa once they have completed their course of studies during the specified required time where they have learned, gained experience, and are aware of the country's system. Once the studies are complete, people can apply for the work permit and look for their desired job opportunities as Germany provides a wide range of work stuff with different qualities and demands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What are the benefits of engaging in education courses in Germany?

ans. Germany provides you with one of the finest-designed courses to get your hands on and allows you to have an added advantage.

2. Will there be practical exposure too for my course?

ans. The courses in the public universities are designed in a manner where they are structured in a manner to provide theoretical knowledge along with practical experience.

3. Are the courses too expensive?

ans. Each course is designed extensively yet there are universities providing them at minimal or no cost at all

4. Along with the education, will it be difficult to manage the living expenses?

ans. As a country, Germany offers one of the most reasonable courses in public universities as compared to other countries and their institutions.

Conclusion: 

The German education system lets you explore features from very early stages of your life giving you the benefit of the doubt based on academic performance. Still, the education system is criticized for students who are not overachievers. Besides this known fact, Germany offers great opportunities in the traditional culture of vocational training and has been highly appreciated in the workplace areas. Government funding has made the financial aspect much easier and lowered the load on parents' shoulders who were consistently worried about providing quality education to their children.

Overall, the country is known for its outstanding reputation for its academic excellence all around the globe.

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