Why study in Germany?
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Updated on: May 2024
TL;DR: Here are the top 10 reasons why you should consider studying in Germany. One of the biggest attractions is the chance to study at a top university without paying tuition fees, along with a low cost of living.
Many students dream of studying in English-speaking countries like the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. However, fewer consider studying in Germany. Even though it might not be as popular, Germany ranks in the top 10 on the “2024 rankings for Top 10 Places in the World to Study Abroad,” and it’s number one in Europe!
So, why study in Germany? Could it be that you’ve been missing out on all the great benefits it offers? Let’s take a look at 10 reasons why you should think about Germany for your higher education.
1. No Tuition Fees
Most public universities in Germany don’t charge tuition fees for international students. Yes, that includes Malaysian students! The only exception is the state of Baden-Württemberg, where non-EU students must pay a €1,500 fee per semester—still a reasonable €3,000 per year.
One additional exception is the Technical University of Munich. The tuition fee per semester will usually be €2,000/€3,000 for Bachelor’s programs and €4,000/€6,000 for Master’s programs.
2. A Popular Study Destination
According to a survey by Study.EU, Germany is one of the most popular countries for international students. Over 16% of students in Germany are from other countries, and in some top universities, that number goes up to 20%!
3. 400+ Higher Education Institutions
Germany has more than 100 universities, 220 universities of applied sciences, and 60 art, film, or music schools, along with other specialized institutions. So, you’ll have lots of choices for your field of study.
4. 21,000 Courses to Choose From
There are about 21,000 different courses available. Some of the most popular programmes are in engineering, natural sciences, business, medicine, and the arts.
5. Education That Prepares You for Your Career
German universities focus on practical skills, so you’ll gain hands-on experience through internships at companies, which will help you build your career while studying.
6. Affordable Cost of Living
Germany offers a great standard of living at a lower cost compared to other popular study destinations. It’s recommended to budget around €992 per month for your living expenses, including food, rent, insurance, and transport.
7. Part-Time Work While Studying
International students from outside the EU can work part-time for up to 120 full days or 240 half-days a year. This is a great way to earn money and cover some of your living expenses while studying.
8. Good Job Opportunities After Graduation
If you graduate from a German university, you’ll have great job prospects. You can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa, which allows you to stay in Germany and look for work. Plus, many German companies like Deutsche Bank, Infineon, and Allianz are international—and some even have offices in Malaysia!
9. At the Heart of Europe
Germany is located in the center of Europe, surrounded by 9 countries, including France, Poland, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. You’ll find it easy and affordable to travel to other European countries by bus, train, or budget airlines.
10. Opportunities for Research and Innovation
German universities receive a lot of funding from both the government and private sectors. This means you’ll have opportunities to work with researchers and be involved in cutting-edge projects.