2025 Changes Every Student in Germany Should Know
Understanding the Education System in Germany
The German education system emphasizes creativity and innovation, making it an excellent place for students to learn. It consists of three types of schools:
1. Public Schools: Free and mandatory for children aged six to 16, funded by the state. 2. Private Schools: Not mandatory, but offer enhanced educational opportunities and come with tuition fees. 3. Vocational Schools: Alternative to university, often funded by employers, loans, or scholarships.
Classes are taught in both German and English. Public universities are government-funded and usually do not charge tuition fees, except for a small administration fee each year. In contrast, private universities rely on student fees, which can be quite high. Germany prioritizes accessible education for everyone, ensuring that quality education is affordable.
What Students in Germany Need to Know for 2025
1. Blocked Account Requirement Increases to €11,904
From September 1, 2024, the amount you need in a blocked account will rise to €11,904 per year (or €992 per month), up from €11,208. This account remains the easiest way to prove you can cover living expenses while studying in Germany.
2. Minimum Wage Set to Reach €12.82 per Hour
Starting January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Germany will increase to €12.82 per hour, raising the minimum monthly gross salary for full-time workers to €2,222. This follows an earlier rise to €12.41 on January 1, 2024.
3. Mini-Job Salary Threshold to Be €556 per Month
From January 1, 2025, the limit for mini-jobs will increase to €556 per month. With the new minimum wage, this allows you to work about 43.3 hours per month. International students can legally work up to 20 hours per week.
4. TU Munich Introduces Fees for Non-EU Students
Starting in the winter semester 2024/25, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) will charge tuition fees for non-EU international students, ranging from €2,000 to €3,000 for bachelor’s programs and €4,000 to €6,000 for master’s programs. However, this fee does not apply to students enrolled before this change.
5. German Universities Receive €220 Million for Erasmus+ Program
German universities will receive approximately €220 million over the next two years to support international mobility through the Erasmus+ Program. This includes funding for student exchanges and international visits to Germany, benefiting around 58,000 participants.
6. International Students to Enjoy More Employment Freedom
Beginning March 1, 2024, international students can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or 20 hours per week. Additionally, prospective students can work while applying to universities, and the age limit for vocational training applicants has been raised to 35.
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7. BAf?G Increases Requirement Rates and Allowances
Changes to the BAf?G program include increased requirement rates, housing allowances, and higher income thresholds for parents. Students can also receive additional funding for a semester longer and one-time start-up aid of €1,000 for low-income households.
8. New Nationwide DeutschlandTicket for Students Launched in 2024
From the summer semester of 2024, a new nationwide student ticket will be available for €29.40 per month, allowing students to travel locally across Germany. This ticket is 40% cheaper than the regular price and covers most local transport.
9. Five German Universities in Top 100 in 2025 QS Rankings
In the 2025 QS Rankings, five German universities are in the top 100, with the Technical University of Munich ranked 28th. Other top contenders include Ludwig-Maximilians University and the University of Heidelberg.
10. Inflation Projected to Ease and GDP to Expand in 2025
Germany’s GDP is expected to grow by 1.0% in 2025, with inflation projected to drop to 2.0%. The labor market remains stable, with low unemployment around 3.1%.
Top Courses in Germany
Germany offers a variety of programs for students, particularly excelling in engineering, often regarded as a top destination for this field. The country’s technical universities are among the best for engineering studies globally. Popular programs in Germany include:
Why do international students choose to study in Germany?
1. Free Higher Education for International Students Most public universities in Germany are free for all students, attracting many international students. However, admission is competitive, and you usually need to speak German. On the other hand, private universities offer English-taught programs that are easier to get into but have higher fees.
2. Variety of Study Programs Germany’s education system offers different programs based on fields of study, helping students find clear career paths through specialized training.
3. Great for Tech, Engineering, Arts, and Humanities German universities are well-known for their strong programs in Engineering and Technology, thanks to a solid industrial base. Additionally, they excel in humanities, with famous thinkers like Kant and Hegel shaping these subjects.
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2 个月Good article, but giving credit to the source would make it so much better. Just saying! ?? https://www.studying-in-germany.org/must-know-changes-for-students-in-germany-in-2025/