German Education System

Educational opportunities in Germany are diverse, easily accessible, and excellent. Public schools are free, teachers highly qualified, and student qualifications internationally recognized. At the secondary level, different types of schools are available to meet a child’s individual abilities and interests (such as music, natural sciences, languages, and sports).

More than 400 universities and colleges help make Germany a global leader in research. To learn German, universities, night schools, and adult education centers offer convenient and affordable alternatives to private language schools as well as a wide range of continuing-education and special interest courses.

Attending a state-run school is free of charge, and it is compulsory for children from the age of six onwards. State school standards are very high. For the first four to six years (according to federal state), children usually attend a local primary school (Grundschule).

At the end of primary school, parents can choose between various types of secondary schools, ranging from lower secondary school (Hauptschule, Realschule) to higher secondary school (Gymnasium) depending on their child’s interests and abilities.

Students who gain a qualification from a Gymnasium can attend university. Students who gain a qualification from a technical or specialized secondary school can attend a university of applied science where the courses are more practically oriented.

Many schools have developed their own profiles focusing on specific areas. There are, for example, schools focusing on natural sciences, languages, music, and sports.

There are also an increasing number of private schools in most metropolitan areas in Germany. Over 70 international schools teach courses in Asian and European languages. The German Education Server provides lists for private, state, European, and international schools in Germany. Most national and international schools offer officially recognized diplomas that qualify for university programs worldwide.

Around 60 percent of all young people learn a profession within the dual system of vocational education and training. The system is called “dual” because vocational training takes place both in the company and in part-time vocational school. In the company, the apprentice receives practical training which is supplemented by theoretical instruction in the vocational school.

There are around 350 state recognized training occupations. The period of training is usually two to three years and is concluded by a state examination. During this time, the apprentice is financially remunerated. Access to this training is not formally linked to a specific school certificate.

However, most employers expect secondary school graduation at least. The level of the degree depends on the requirements of the specific occupation. The system is based on statutory training regulations and administered by the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK).

Germany is home to a number of different types of higher education institutions catering different programs of study. University education traditionally has a very high standing in Germany. The characteristic feature of German universities lies in their pronounced focus on academic teaching and research.

The majority of German universities are state-run. The government provides the main funds for universities. However, since 2007, many universities have introduced minimal tuition fees of up to EUR 500 per semester.

Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) are responsible for providing practice-oriented training to prepare students for occupations which require the application of academic knowledge and methods or practical artistic creativity.

Colleges of art and music (academies, schools, conservatories, etc.) and the corresponding departments at some universities provide training in the fine arts, design, performing arts, and music.

Traditional German university degrees are the “Diplom” in the natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences; and the “Magister” in languages and cultural studies. These degrees are equivalent to an international Master’s degree, as they require around four to five years of study.

In 1999, the members of the European Union agreed to standardize and harmonize university degrees. Since then, German universities have been in the process of restructuring their degree programs, and have introduced a number of new Bachelor and Master programs. The online “Studienwahl” information service provides a list of universities and degrees available.

Foreign students can benefit from a multitude of partnership agreements between German and foreign universities. For courses of study that only permit a limited number of students (numerus clausus), foreign students have a privileged university place quota.

Information on universities in Germany and the acceptance conditions for non-German students is available from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).