Study in Germany: Guide for SPM and IGCSE Leavers
Just finished SPM or IGCSE? Here’s how you can study in Germany or Austria.
Options for SPM and IGCSE leavers
Why Germany and Austria?
| Germany | Austria | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | €0 | ~€700/sem |
| Monthly Living Costs | RM5,000 | RM5,500 |
| Part-time Work Allowed | 20 hours/week | 20 hours/week |
| Stay-Back Option | 18 months | 12 months |
| Pathway to PR | Yes | Yes |
Find Your Best Fit Programme
Because your qualification is not directly recognised by German or Austrian universities, here are the official routes to get in.
Option 1: Recognised Pre-University First (A-Level / STPM / Australian Year 12)
Take a pre-university programme that Germany and Austria accept. Example A-Level, STPM, Australian Year 12 and IB Diploma. After that, apply to tuition-free or low-fee public universities in Germany or Austria. There are 2 variations to this option. You can learn German while doing your A Level (A Level German Pathway) or focus on doing well for pre-u, then focus on learning German after completing your pre-u (University Preparation Programme).
✅ Best for: Students who want to enter top-ranked degree programmes
✅ Timeline: 1.5–2 years pre-u → 3 years Bachelor’s degree
Option 2: Study in Austria Preparation Programme (Direct Pathway)
Not ready for STPM or A Level? We’ve got a faster route. With our Study in Austria Preparation Programme, you can move to Austria after an intensive German language and university preparation programme. After that, enter a Bachelor’s degree at a public university of applied science in Austria
✅ No need for A Level or STPM
✅ English or German-taught degree options
✅ Get to university faster
✅ Very low tuition
Option 3: Learn on-the-job via the Dual Vocational Training (Ausbildung)
Prefer to learn on-the-job? Then the Dual Vocational Training is the programme for you. Choose from technical, culinary, hospitality and nursing positions.
✅ No need for A Level or STPM
✅ Receive generous allowance
✅ High chance to stay in Germany after graduating
✅ Zero tuition
A Level German Pathway
- Learn German in parallel to A Level
- Start uni. 1 semester earlier compared to UPP students
University Preparation Programme
- Learn German after completing pre-u
Austria Preparation Programme
- Fastest pathway after SPM and IGCSE
- Tuition fee in Austria as low as €700 per year
- English-taught courses
- Small class sizes. Students get attention from their professors
Dual Vocational Training Prep Prog
- Be job ready by graduation
- Tuition-free
- €1000 average monthly allowance
Common Questions from SPM and IGCSE Students
Should I learn German in parallel to A Level or only start after completing my A Level?
A popular option among our students is the A Level German Pathway at MCKL. You can join the A Level German Pathway in Kuala Lumpur or Penang. Some advantages of this option is that students can start their studies in Germany one semester earlier compared to students who only start German after their A Level.
What’s the fastest option to start my Bachelor’s degree?
Consider the Austria Preparation Programme. It takes only 1 year to complete and it’s also recognised by the Deggendorf Institute of Technology in Germany.
I don’t like exams. Can I still study in Germany?
The Dual Vocational Training will be a good fit for you. You can choose from Culinary, Hospitality, Nursing and Technical. Not only are you getting a qualification which is recognised in Germany and other European countries, you will also get an average of €1000 monthly allowance.
Can I study in English?
Unlike other European countries, you can still enjoy tuition-free education in Germany and Austria if you choose to study in English.
We do strongly recommend that you be fluent in German to maximise your opportunities – more university options, more part-time job options, and much better chance to get a full-time job after you graduate.
Is it too expensive for my family?
For students with a budget of RM50,000, consider the Dual Vocational Training as it’s not only tuition-free, you’ll receive an allowance of about €1000 monthly, which is sufficient to cover your monthly allowance.
If your budget is between RM150,000 to RM300,000, both Germany and Austria will be a good study destination for you. Speak to our team to learn how to reduce your expenses.
If budget is not a consideration, you will not be restricted by the cost of living in bigger cities like Munich or Berlin.
Find your best fit with German Educare
For each of the above considerations, we have a suitable preparation programme you can enrol to. Speak with us so that we can help you find the best fit option for you to study in Germany or Austria. There should be something suitable to you!
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