Germany’s no-cost university education

Not only due to this worldwide financial crisis, but also because of the relentless competition to gain entrance into a top-notch university, more and more Asians are opting for a free university education in Germany.

The fact that getting into a German university is fairly easy is not the only reason to escape the sometimes titled educational killing fields in Asia. The last couple of high school years, e.g., in Korea, are torturous in regards to time spent at school and cram schools. Some students attend private cram schools from Saturday morning 6:00 until midnight and this repeats itself on Sunday as well. On Monday it is back to regular school (high school lets out at 10:00 p.m. in Korea). With more and more students hoping for a better life in Asia, university entrance is limited to the best students with the highest scores. But considering the current crisis, graduating from college alone will not guarantee an academic position.

Studying overseas and bringing back language skills and cultural know-how might enhance chances to get a job back in Asia. But then again – working life is rather similar to a student’s life. Some business men return home at midnight, take a one-week vacation per year, and the rat race starts all over again…

I have had some inquiries about how to get into a German university. I am not a student counselor; therefore, I can only recommend certain sites for reading. Finding a mentor to help along in the application process would definitely be helpful, be it for language skills or familiarity with German universities and their application process for foreign students.

Only 14% of Germans attend university in a land that is free of tuition – free education might not be highly appreciated by people who take it for granted. While it is not totally free (different states might charge up to €500 per semester), educational costs are only a minor expense. Most German do not realize that a four-year degree in the United States for a foreign student usually runs $200,000, and this is just for tuition. You may add dormitory costs, books, and living allowance on top of that.

Recommended reading material:

List of top Colleges and Universities in Germany by web popularity ranking:
http://www.4icu.org/de/

To get more information on how to apply to Goethe University in Frankfurt:

http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/english/international/students/index.html

(click on the British flag for English)

The Goethe University offers a number of graduate study programs for international students:

http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/english/international/students/studyprograms.html

Again, not many Germans are taking advantage of this free education, partly because decent jobs could be had without it – until now. The German school system is an elite system – requiring only nine compulsory years of education and additional part-time schooling is offered during vocational training and other schooling institutions. But they are not leading up to a valid high school degree which would entitle them to university.

If Germans are not taking advantage of the system, let others get an education.