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Germany is the preferred study destination for many ISHR students. Every year, A large proportion of each graduating class (sometimes up to a half of the students) decide to study, work, or take a gap year in Germany. On this page we have collected a few relevant resources to help you research and plan an academic or professional journey in Germany.
Unlike many other countries, Germany does not have a uniform application process. The admission requirements and the process of applying might differ from university to university, or even from program to program within the same university. Your course selection in the IB, your language ability in German (and sometimes also English), your nationality and the academic interest, are all factors that might influence not only the documents required for admissions, but also the way you would submit your application. Checking directly with the university for specific requirements and deadlines that apply to you, is the best course of action.
Quick video on how to apply:
For more details check: HOW TO APPLY TO STUDY AT A UNIVERSITY IN GERMANY
Student Guides
Study in Germany IB Guide sid_en_2019.pdfCountry recognition statement of the IB
2022_Agreement_on_the_Recognition-of-IB(translation).pdfThe document attached underlines all the necessary academic conditions IB students need to meet in order to qualify for direct entry into a higher education institution in Germany. Information in English about the IB recognition in Germany can also be found on the International Baccalaureate webpage.
Although German proficiency is a requirement for most German university programs, for the IB diploma to be recognized in Germany, it is not necessary to take German as an IB subject.
German Language Proficiency
It is not necessary to have German as an IB Diploma subject to meet the entry requirements for German universities. KMK requires "two languages, at least one of which is a continued foreign language as Language A or Language B HL". Therefore, a Language A course (Self-Taught included), can be accompanied by another language (Spanish for example) as long as they are either Language A, of Language B at HL.
Having said that, German proficiency is absolutely essential to the application process and to your chances of success at a German university. It is likely that a language certificate (for example DSH, TestDaF) will be required in the admissions process. You should think well in advance about registering and preparing for the language test. If you are not sure if you would need a test or not, speak to the academic counselor, and contact the university where you would like to study. The DAAD website provides general information about German language requirements. For specific details it is always best to clarify requirements with the university you are applying to.
Alternative paths to higher education in Germany: Studienkolleg
Under certain circumstances (that can be related to course choices, academic results, or language requirements), students might not meet all the KMK recognition criteria. In such cases, there are a few alternative paths to enter a university program in Germany.
The most typical route would be via the Studienkolleg, a one-year preparatory course (one-semester courses - might sometimes be possible). Studienkolleg graduates will have to successfully pass a final exam - in German "Feststellungsprüfung".
Leibniz University Hannover does offer such a course and the brochure attached is in English. More information about Studienkolleg is also available here:
The successful completion of an academic year at a university abroad would make students eligible to apply - as a first-year student - for a program at a German university.
Always check with the university you would like to study first to make sure that the Studienkolleg you are attending and the Feststellungsprüfung will be recognised for the program you are interested in.
Studienkolleg_Hannover.pdfAlternative paths to higher education in Germany: Foundation Year Programs
Several foundation year programs exist in Germany. While most Studienkollegs programs (given a successful Feststellungsprüfung) will give students eligibility to start an undergraduate degree at many universities in Germany, the foundation year program are more likely to allow the student to continue their studies at that specific university only, or a specific partner universities. There are usually no guarantees that a public university would recognise a private foundation year program.
A few private institutions offer preparatory programs in English:
Freshman Institute FH Aachen (Private foundation program)
Cologne Business School: Prep4University
Jacobs University: Foundation Year Program
Kühne Logistics University: Preparation Program
Karlshochschule International University: International Foundation Year
A selection of foundation courses are also listed under the heading “Prep Course” in the DAAD database.
Studying in English in Germany
Although many public universities offer Master Degrees in English, the number of programs offered fully in English at the undergraduate level is limited. Many English speaking programs are to be found at private institutions.
DAAD INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES IN GERMANY list 110 bachelor programs completely in English
English programs in public universities:
Leibniz Universität Hannover (English Studies: Teacher Studies)
University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences
Hochschule Trier Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld (Sustainable Business and Technology, Environment and Technology)
Hochschule Worms (Aviation Management and International Management)
TUM School of Management (Bachelor in Management & Technology - Renewable Resources)
Göttingen University (Molecular Ecosystem Sciences)
University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt (Animation and Game, Motion Pictures (EN/DE))
Hochschule Bonn-Rhein Sieg (Applied Biology, International Business)
Hochschule Reutlingen (International Business)
Magdeburg University (Management and Economics)
Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (Business Economics)
Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin (International Business)
Technische Hochschule Deggendorf (Health Informatics, Industrial Engineering, International Tourism Management)
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (International Business Studies, International Economic Studies)
Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (Environmental and Resource Management)
Ostbayerischen Technischen Hochschule Amberg-Weiden (International Bussines)
Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences (Electrical Systems Engineering & Mechatronics and Robotics)
University of Hildesheim (Global Information Management - first 2 years in English)
Private Universities offering English programs:
Berlin International - University of Applied Sciences (Design, Business)
EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef
Karlshochschule International University
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - Carl Benz School (Mechanical Engineering)
University of Applied Sciences Europe (Photography, Communication Design, Game Design)
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management (Bachelor in International Business Administration)
Application platforms, university search sites, ranking, and other useful links:
CHE Ranking of German Universities
2019_02Zeit_Germany.pdf2018_01.pdfZeit_2017_HE_Edition.pdfPage updated
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