THE ADVANTAGE OF STUDYING IN GERMANY
While the world continues to reel from the blows inflicted by COVID 19, a few countries are leading the way forward to a more secure future post the health scare posed by the Coronavirus. With a highly robust health care system, Germany stands tall among the list of nations that has dealt with the situation with a firm hand yet highly caring attitude towards not only its citizens but also with international students. Most universities like TU Munchen and Aachen suspended classes for the current students, and shifted to online instruction mode. In universities such as Anhalt University, almost 70 % of all the international students chose to stay back and continue their courses, which is indicative of the high quality of the care provided by the university and the health system that covers all students, domestic and international.
After transitioning to teaching via the On-Line mode within a week of the pandemic, classes have now resumed as per the normal in person teaching in most universities, after ensuring that the seating arrangement of having a 1.50-meter gap is maintained, as per the social distancing norm. This has ensured that classes are now running at almost 50% strength, but it is a tribute to the German Health System and the efficiency of the universities that classes have resumed. This is one of the reasons that there are almost 21,000 Indian students studying in Germany (four times the global average) and are now the second largest group of international students. Not surprisingly, almost70% of these students chose to study Engineering with the other choices being Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Law and Social Studies among others.
For students from India, Germany is the ideal country to study abroad. There are around 400 institutions of higher educations in Germany, many of which offer English-taught study programmes - about 1,000 in total. In addition to having many leading universities in the world, and a very rich and research driven course structure, many universities offer English-language study options, especially at the postgraduate level. The majority of higher education institutions in Germany are financed by the state and there are generally no fees for Bachelor's courses or most Master's courses at state higher education institutions. Private higher education institutions may demand substantially higher fees for their degree programmes. And the living cost usually does not go beyond 10,000 Euros per year and one can do a part time job to fund some part of this cost.
Thus, Germany has multiple other advantages that ensure it remains the cynosure of all eyes in terms of attracting the best talent to its shores. With a geriatric population, Germany needs immigrants more than ever before. There are over 1 million jobs vacant in the country and workers in the Mathematics, Engineering, Science and Technology (MINT) category are among the most prized individuals. This is especially true since a McKinsey’s Future Skills Study shows that 700,000 additional tech specialists will be needed over the next five years. In fact, the demand for skilled workers in areas such as IT, Engineering, is unprecedented, with an expectation of there being a shortfall of over 3 million workers by 2030.
It is no surprise that with a well-established education system, Germany is now home to some of the best researchers in the world and is the ‘Third’ biggest contributor to research investigations and is a leading country that offers tremendous opportunities to International Scientists to study postdoctoral courses. Universities such as LMU Munich, TU Munich, Berlin Institute of Technology, Heidelberg University, Anhalt University etc., lead the world of education in a vast array of courses such as Automotive Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Data Sciences, Chemistry, Physics and Medical Engineering. Of course, Germans believe that their country is one of poets and thinkers. No wonder therefore, that some of the most popular courses are History and Philosophy!
To study in Germany, there are two pathways.
One is in which a student goes to a University which uses English as the medium of instruction. While the obvious advantage of learning in English is a great attraction, one must keep in mind the following factors:
1) Universities which use English as a medium of instruction are costlier than other universities and
2) There is a lesser chance of getting employment in Germany because a good working knowledge of the German language is considered essential for employment.
The second pathway is by learning German language either in Germany or at the home country itself before leaving for Germany. The medium of instruction will be in German. There are universities like Anhalt University which offer students a one year course in German and upon successful completion of the course they are allowed to proceed to their main degree which can be an undergraduate degree or a graduate degree. The advantage of going through this pathway is that education is free and fully subsidised by the State. A student pays only for the language course and rest of the course is free. On successful completion of the course, the chances of getting a job are very high as by then the student will be fully versed with the German language.
To enter into these world ranked programs one needs the following:
1 A strong academic record. Some high ranking Public universities shall require a CGPA of almost 9 + on 10 or an ‘A+’ in your undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree, especially those which offer English as the medium of instruction.
2 Again Universities like Anhalt require a CGPA of 7.5 as a minimum score to qualify for admission.
3 An IELTS score of 7+ bands on 9 bands. IELTS is required only for those Universities which offer English as a medium of instruction.
4 Strong profile, which will include internships/ project work/ research work.
5 Your performance on the Entrance Exams/ Aptitude Tests that may be administered by colleges and universities.
6 Your performance in the interviews that some of these institutions may conduct
7 It is always advisable to ask the International Admissions Officer of the university you apply to, whether you are eligible to apply to that university.
A few universities have indicated that for the coming Fall intake, international incoming students may yet be able to come on the planned dates in Autumn. TU Munich has offered that the deferment will be considered in case of delays in the process, though the students will probably need to resubmit all documentation online as new application, for the Winter semester, whereas the admission remains confirmed. TU Stuttgart has given permission to submit copies of certificates electronically online, and the same can be sent at a later date when it is possible due to the COVID lockdown.
To succeed as an international student, it is imperative that one has well-honed soft skills. Thus, it is highly advisable to build your profile by being a part of group oriented activities that will allow you to develop communication and leadership skills, and team work and motivational abilities. This shall be further buttressed by your learning the German language. While a lot of students endeavor to get admitted into the English teaching programs of German universities, this author believes that it shall do your career wonders of you were to complete Level A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1 and C2 and complete your education in German language.
The supreme advantage of such courses shall be that you will adjust well to the culture and society in Germany. Importantly, completing your higher studies in German language shall be of great benefit since it is the best way to get a placement in Germany. And learning German shall prove to be advantageous in so many other ways too. It is among the 10 most spoken languages in the world and can be the key to open the lock to a great future in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Central and Eastern Europe. In fact, German is the official language of the European Union.
Get your bags packed and get your passport ready for the stamp to study in Germany and establish the foundations of a great career. With changed circumstances, you shall have to be on the top of your game to ensure a fulfilling career. With each new challenge that is thrown at the human race, the need for higher learning shall emerge and thus Study Abroad is now the new normal. Go as voyagers of knowledge, acquire the wisdom and acumen you so richly deserve, work for a few years in your adopted country before coming back to India and employing the benefits of all your experiences, academic and work. So be a migratory bird, fly the world and come back home!
Gute Reise!
K. P. Singh
CEO – IMFS