3 Tips to Get The Most Out of International Universities in Germany

Germany is, by far, the most popular destination for students worldwide who want to further their skills and mental preparation for the future. However, it's not easy to choose an international university in Germany due to the highly specialized departments that these schools usually offer, so today we have three tips for you to get the most out of international universities in Germany.

Before we jump right in though, we wanted to clarify what the application process actually looks like in Germany. The country has a very efficient bureaucratic system that makes it clear whether you can or cannot apply to a certain school. So, if your dream is to study computer science in Germany, make sure you understand what it takes to be a C.S. student there. Here's how to apply:

• You must check if you meet your chosen university's admission requirements beforehand; you can usually find these on their website or by writing an email.
• If you're not part of the EU zone, you might have to do something called a Feststellungsprufung, an entrance examination followed by a preparatory course.
• Once you're approved and the university has signed your admission requirements, it's not over. Higher-education courses in Germany have a Numerus Clausus (NC), meaning that you'll have to go through a selection process based on various restrictions.
• Finally, don't just apply to one university at once, apply to all that you're interested in.

If you can't speak German, you might need some help, unless you're going to apply for an English-only university or college in Germany, in which case the school will help you get all the documents sorted. If you want to study in Germany, there are quite a few things to be aware of, and we've compiled three tips to get the most out of your experience in this amazing country.

1. You Should Learn German, And Here's Why​ 

you will likely live in Germany for 3 to 6 years, and it'll take a toll on you if you can't communicate with the people around you on a basic level. Sure, your classmates will all speak English, but the people who know the place best won't, so don't take it for granted.

It's important not to ignore German because, one day, if you choose to keep working within Germany (a great place to work), you'll be out of luck. Germans are extremely protective of their language, and for good reason. But don't be fooled! German might sound hard, but it's actually part of the Germanic strain, just like English itself.

That's a big revelation. It means that German isn't as hard as you first thought it would be. Sure, it'll take time to get used to the pronunciation of things, but at least nobody's going to make a fool out of you when you try to put words together since they work exactly the same as English (with a few caveats.) It truly is an opportunity not to be missed.

2. Research Your Area of Study Extensively Before You Apply

Before you apply to international universities in Germany, research your area of study extensively and stick to it. You can't just throw yourself in the mix and hope for the best; Germany is a very competitive landscape, and you need to prove your point if you want to make it in their system. It's not necessarily impossible to get in, but it's not easy either.

What did you study in high school? Is that what you truly want to do in life? Are there any links between your high school education and your preferred field of study? Is your field of study so time consuming that you won't be able to work part time? Do you even want to work part time? All these questions are important, and you should ask all of them.

We suggest entering every international university in Germany you're interested in an Excel sheet, with all the information relevant. Then, from that sheet, we suggest writing a strategy for your application process and how it fits in with your area of study. By that time, you'll have already researched the field and you'll feel confident about your chances.

3. Never Underestimate the Financials of Studying

Never ever underestimate the financials of studying. You don't want to get into school just to come out with debt and other issues related to loans. Sure, taking on loans might be a good idea in some cases, but it doesn't have to be the prime choice. Consider your options first and decide as you go. If you don't have sufficient funds for a school, try another.

International universities in Germany have a great system that allows you to integrate their program with existing German laws, making it easier to manage your finances and benefitting from state-wide freebies such as metro cards, discounts, and more. Students truly have a lot in their favor, and if you take it head first, you'll be just fine.

Try and make a budget of everything you do when you're there. Especially for recurring things such as groceries, subscriptions, and other things you might want to buy, you have to get a general idea of how much you're going to spend. By the end of the month, it'll help clear things up and lift a weight off your shoulders. It's not easy, but it's definitely doable.

These were our three tips to get the most out of your German experience. We hope you enjoyed the article, and we hope it will help you get your foot into the door. Germany is a great place to study, and if you follow all the requirements the way Germans are known for, then you will have no issues studying here. The best international universities in Germany are waiting for you!