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Local Germany
16 hours ago
- Business
- Local Germany
What Americans need to know about studying in Germany
Germany is a popular choice for aspiring learners from abroad – not least because it offers free or low-cost tuition fees to both domestic and international students. In the 2023/2024 winter semester, around 469,485 international students were registered in Germany, according to statistics compiled by the Wissenschaft Weltoffen. The Bundesrepublik is also home to some of the world's top universities. According to an international university ranking for 2025 by Times Higher Education, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) ranked 26th in the world, while Heidelberg University took the 47th spot. Add to that a solid jobs market with opportunities for English speakers, it's no wonder that Americans are hopping over the Atlantic for a few years or longer. This longing to move among some US citizens and residents has intensified since Donald Trump was re-elected as US President. With the crackdown on immigration, turbulent politics and the rising cost of living showing no signs of dampening down, it's no wonder that many Americans are eyeing Germany to continue their education. READ ALSO: 'I will never move back' - How do Americans in Germany feel about Trump win? Here's what any Americans thinking about applying to study in Germany need to know: You don't have to pay tuition fees (in many cases) When deciding on where to study in Germany, you'll no doubt be thinking about the subject you want to specialise in, where you'd like to live and, of course, how much it's going to cost. In the United States, the cost of going to college depends on factors such as whether it's a public or private institution, and where it's situated. Students on average have to shell out around 38,270 US Dollars per year for their tuition, as well as other expenses like books and supplies, according to recent statistics on education. In Germany, you'll be glad to hear that it's a lot less expensive. In fact, at public universities, you don't even have to pay any tuition fees. Keep in mind, though, that students usually have to pay a Semesterbeitrag (semester fee) which covers administrative costs and other services. This could be anywhere from around €100 to €400, and often includes a public transport ticket. Advertisement Many of these also offer courses in English. If you're up to the job, you can also apply for a course in German, although a B2 level German language certificate will likely be required. Note that non-native English speakers will likely need to show proof of their English language skills. Public universities that provide free tuition and programmes in English include: Berlin's Free University, the University of Hamburg, the University of Göttlingen and University of Freiburg among others. A few universities, such as the Technical University of Munich, have different fee rules for international students so make sure you read the small print. READ ALSO: What international students should know about scholarships in Germany The 'best' universities in Germany for 2025 Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Julian Stratenschulte Even private university tuition in Germany is relatively affordable Budding students in the US may find that one of Germany's many accredited private universities are a better choice for them. That could be down to several reasons such as their varied selection of courses or because there are more English-language opportunities. Some private universities include: Bucerius Law School in Hamburg, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management and Bard College Berlin. There are also some private practical and technical schools - often with Hochschule in the name - offering English-language programmes. Fees are set at the discretion of the university but can be anywhere around €5,000-€7,000 per semester which is lower than many other countries (including the US). Advertisement You'll need a student residence permit As an American, you can enjoy visa-free travel to Germany. Citizens of countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Brazil and Japan are allowed to spend 90 days in the EU in every 180 without needing a visa (although bear in mind that you'll have to get familiar with the EU's new Exit and Entry System rules known as EES). However, Americans do need a student residence permit to attend university. After you've arrived in Germany and registered your address, you'll need to get an appointment at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) – and make sure you have your documents ready to go! CHECKLIST: How to move to Germany as an American The most important one for students is your certificate confirming your enrolment to an accredited study programme in Germany. Bring that along with an application form, biometric pictures and a valid passport. You'll also need to meet other requirements such as having health insurance and some money saved (more on that below). Check the requirements of your local authority because you may need other documents such as proof of your rental contract or a letter from your landlord confirming your address. You'll also have to pay the fee for the permit. Some German universities offer support for their students coming from abroad, including helping them prepare residence permit applications. Advertisement Get familiar with key rules Americans coming to Germany – like other internationals – have to prove that they have enough money to support themselves. This often needs to be stored in a so-called 'blocked account' ( Sperrkonto ), which is a a special type of bank account for international students and other visa applicants. According to the latest figures, internationals starting university generally need a total of €11,904 per year in their account. This amounts to €992 per month for living expenses. Alternatively, some students lean on parental support to prove their financial stability. In this case, you can skip setting up the blocked account and instead provide a guarantee letter ( Verpflichtungserklärung ) from a guardian in which they confirm that they take full financial responsibility for you. The guarantor will need to provide a bank statement or other proof that they have enough money to do so. It is also a requirement in Germany for everyone, including students coming from abroad, to have health insurance. Depending on your age and other factors, you may qualify for public health insurance. Students over 30 generally have to take out private insurance. On average, the cost of student health insurance in Germany is between €130 and €150 per month, according to estimates from October 2024. READ ALSO: How much money do international students need to study in Germany? Be aware of the semester dates and deadlines If you're applying for university in Germany, you need to know when the semesters run, and the deadlines for joining classes. In Germany the academic year is split into two: The winter semester is from October to March and the summer semester runs from April to September. The semesters include a lecture-free period, known as a Semesterferien , when exams are typically scheduled. The deadlines can vary depending on the institution, but many schools have an application deadline around July 15th for courses starting in the autumn/winter period, and around January 15th for courses starting in the spring/summer period. A woman works on her laptop. Photo: Pixabay You can work part-time Students in Germany regularly find a part-time job to boost their bank account. International students, such as those from the US, are allowed to work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without extra approval from authorities. A simpler way to think about it is that students from non-EU countries are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. During the semester break there are no limits on the number of hours that students can work. READ ALSO: Weimar to Heidelberg - The best German university towns for foreign students Advertisement Many students opt for a minijob, which allows them to earn extra cash without paying full social security contributions. These can be found at bars and cafes, for example. From January 2025, students can earn up to €556 per month in a minijob, working around 43.3 hours per month at the new minimum wage. That works out at around 11 hours per week, which is below the 20 permitted for international students. Alternatively, depending on your industry, there may also be 'working student' ( Werkstudent ) jobs to be found. These jobs can be especially convenient for those on a student residence permit, because they are designed to be aligned with the working time limits mentioned above. They are also intended to let students get their foot in the door and gain some entry-level experience before graduating. Are you an American who has studied in Germany? Share in the comments about how you've found the experience – and any tips.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Are you an AI engineer looking for jobs? Check out these 7 high paying jobs shared by Forbes
India is poised to become the second-best represented nation in the 2026 Times Higher Education rankings, following the US, with 128 universities listed. This growth, attributed to the National Education Policy 2020, reflects India's commitment to enhancing higher education quality and social impact, as universities increasingly engage with global research communities and contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
India set to become 2nd-best represented nation in Times Higher Education rankings
New Delhi, India is set to break new records and become the second-best represented nation in the world, behind only the US, in the 2026 edition of Times Higher Education ranking, according to Times Higher Education's Chief Global Affairs Officer Phil Baty. India set to become 2nd-best represented nation in Times Higher Education rankings The comments were made by Baty in a statement on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the new National Education Policy . "In the 2026 edition of the world rankings, to be published at the World Academic Summit on 8 October this year, India will break new records to become the second best represented nation in the world, behind only the US. So the data is clear that India's universities are increasingly rubbing shoulders with the world's global research elite. "But based on an additional, very different set of performance metrics based on their social and economic impact, India's universities are also starting to really shine," he said. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assess universities' social and economic impact based on their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals . Universities are examined on their teaching, research, community outreach and the stewardship of their resources across hundreds of metrics based on all 17 of the UN SDGs. Baty noted that India's National Education Policy of 2020 was so pioneering and so bold that many said at its launch five years ago that it was simply too ambitious to succeed. "...but exactly five years since the NEP 2020 was formally launched, there is a growing body of independent evidence that, despite the dramatic disruption of the COVID pandemic, the bold vision is rapidly becoming a reality. "Certainly, regarding ambitions to improve higher education quality and to finally embrace the full internationalisation of Indian higher education, Times Higher Education's data is clear the plans are working," he said. In 2019, the year before NEP2020, India had 49 universities in the rankings – a share of around four per cent of all ranked universities. In the 2026 edition, India's representation will have almost tripled to 128 ranked universities, representing nearly six per cent of all ranked universities. "This remarkable achievement reflects a nation-wide commitment from Indian universities to collect better data, to step forward and subject themselves to global data benchmarking, to put themselves on the world stage alongside the top research universities worldwide and most importantly to be a visible and active part of the global academic community, where research collaboration and talent exchange can help them to thrive further. "And it is not just in representation where India is showing exceptional progress. There are improvements in quality too. So the data is clear that India's universities are increasingly rubbing shoulders with the world's global research elite. But based on an additional, very different set of performance metrics based on their social and economic impact, India's universities are also starting to really shine," he said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India set to become 2nd-best represented nation in Times Higher Education rankings
India is set to break new records and become the second-best represented nation in the world, behind only the US, in the 2026 edition of Times Higher Education ranking, according to Times Higher Education's Chief Global Affairs Officer Phil Baty . The comments were made by Baty in a statement on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the new National Education Policy (NEP). Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Public Policy Degree Digital Marketing Management Product Management Technology Finance Operations Management Data Science Others Leadership PGDM Cybersecurity Data Science Project Management others MBA healthcare Design Thinking Healthcare MCA Artificial Intelligence CXO Skills you'll gain: Economics for Public Policy Making Quantitative Techniques Public & Project Finance Law, Health & Urban Development Policy Economics for Public Policy Making Quantitative Techniques Public & Project Finance Law, Health & Urban Development Policy Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate Programme in Public Policy Management Starts on Mar 3, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Economics for Public Policy Making Quantitative Techniques Public & Project Finance Law, Health & Urban Development Policy Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate Programme in Public Policy Management Starts on Mar 3, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Calcutta Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management Starts on undefined Get Details "In the 2026 edition of the world rankings, to be published at the World Academic Summit on 8 October this year, India will break new records to become the second best represented nation in the world, behind only the US. So the data is clear that India's universities are increasingly rubbing shoulders with the world's global research elite . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like My Brows Look Fuller Looking Now [See Results] NULASTIN Learn More Undo "But based on an additional, very different set of performance metrics based on their social and economic impact, India's universities are also starting to really shine," he said. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings (re-launched for 2026 as the Sustainability Impact Ratings) assess universities' social and economic impact based on their contributions to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Universities are examined on their teaching, research, community outreach and the stewardship of their resources across hundreds of metrics based on all 17 of the UN SDGs. Live Events Baty noted that India's National Education Policy of 2020 was so pioneering and so bold that many said at its launch five years ago that it was simply too ambitious to succeed. "...but exactly five years since the NEP 2020 was formally launched, there is a growing body of independent evidence that, despite the dramatic disruption of the COVID pandemic, the bold vision is rapidly becoming a reality. "Certainly, regarding ambitions to improve higher education quality and to finally embrace the full internationalisation of Indian higher education, Times Higher Education's data is clear -- the plans are working," he said. In 2019, the year before NEP2020, India had 49 universities in the rankings - a share of around four per cent of all ranked universities. In the 2026 edition, India's representation will have almost tripled to 128 ranked universities, representing nearly six per cent of all ranked universities. "This remarkable achievement reflects a nation-wide commitment from Indian universities to collect better data, to step forward and subject themselves to global data benchmarking, to put themselves on the world stage alongside the top research universities worldwide -- and most importantly to be a visible and active part of the global academic community , where research collaboration and talent exchange can help them to thrive further. "And it is not just in representation where India is showing exceptional progress. There are improvements in quality too. So the data is clear that India's universities are increasingly rubbing shoulders with the world's global research elite. But based on an additional, very different set of performance metrics based on their social and economic impact, India's universities are also starting to really shine," he said.
Barnama
21-07-2025
- Science
- Barnama
- Teaching Matters Too: Rethinking What Makes A Great University
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. But as universities chase the 'prestige' of these rankings by making a stronger push for research output, is the importance of teaching being neglected? Is student education being sidelined in favour of research publications? This is because a university's ranking is heavily influenced by its research performance. University rankings are a highly visible indicator of a university's status. Due to the increased visibility among the general public and perceived importance of these global rankings, universities around the world have slowly been focusing more on increasing their research output. Two two major university rankings are used globally – the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. For the QS rankings, 'Research and Discovery' make up 50% of the total score for a university (30% for academic reputation and 20% for citations per faculty), while 'Research Environment' (29%) and 'Research Quality' (30%) collectively contribute 59% to the overall score of THE's ranking system. Despite their differences, one similarity is that both rankings place a greater emphasis on research, as research-related indicators contribute more towards a university's score than other indicators. These two ranking systems utilise slightly different methods and indicators for quantifying university performance, encompassing factors such as student and faculty ratios, income, reputation, employability, and of course, research performance. With research contributing immensely to a university's ranking, it's no surprise why these institutions are channelling more resources and effort towards their research endeavours. Need for healthy balance between research and teaching priorities However, if a healthy balance between research and teaching priorities is compromised, universities may risk alienating their students. The student body is not only the largest population in a university, it's arguably also the most important. And by deprioritising teaching, we may inadvertently be sending the wrong message to students. Our students are future professionals and will one day take on the responsibilities of running the nation. Should their education not be prioritised at least as much as research output? Shifting institutional priorities will also affect the motivations of academic staff. Despite what some people may think, teaching is not easy. Academic staff revise curriculums, prepare for lectures, find reading material, design and mark exam questions, and this is all in addition to going for classes, tutorials, and group discussions with students. How much time and effort could academic staff afford to put into their teaching responsibilities if institutional policies require them to increase their research output? How many academic staff would resort to doing the bare minimum for the education of their students if they feel pressured to perform more research to align with university goals? In the end, educators may feel demotivated to innovate and improve their teaching methods which will lead to stagnation and an eventual decline in teaching quality. Long-term consequences An imbalance between research and teaching efforts could have long-term consequences to both universities and their students. If academic staff are not able to provide an engaging and stimulating learning environment, students may struggle and be forced through a poor learning experience. And if this continues throughout the students' entire study programme, we may end up with graduates who lack the necessary skills and competencies expected of a university graduate. This will not only affect our graduates' employability and their abilities to contribute meaningfully to the nation, but also the reputation of universities, as employers may form unfavourable opinions of universities based on the quality of their graduates. While global ranking systems are unlikely to change any time soon, universities can implement their own internal benchmarks which value and reward teaching excellence. Teaching equally important as research This is an important step to show that universities recognise teaching as equally important as research, even if it may not be reflected in global ranking systems. Universities can utilise teaching-related indicators for reward systems or promotion criteria. This could potentially encourage academic staff to invest their time and effort into teaching innovations and improvements, ultimately leading to an improved learning experience for students as well. Universities have existed for hundreds of years. Yet these global rankings were only introduced in the early 2000s. Universities should not make rankings the be-all and end-all of higher education. Institutes of higher learning existed long before the invention of these rankings, and they can stand on their own. Research is invaluable to the progress of mankind, there's no doubt about that. But a university graduate should be just as valuable to a university as a research publication. I strongly urge universities to give equal importance to teaching quality and to not neglect it in favour of increasing research output. The true prestige of a university should not lie in its ranking or number of publications, but in the quality of graduates it produces. -- BERNAMA Dr Jazli Aziz is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya.
