5 tips to study in Germany

The Malaysian government have taken an interest in Germany's higher education as it instills important values needed in Malaysia. Here’s a basic guide to start you on the right track towards applying for study in Germany.

1. Learn the language

If a student wishes to study in Germany, it is absolutely essential to learn the language. In Malaysia, one can learn the language through institutions and learning centres. Goethe Institut Malaysia offers the standard German courses for various levels which will provide students with the required proficiency to apply to study in Germany.

• Check out the intensive programmes available at the institution
• Check out the fees for language programmes

There is also the opportunity to study German in Germany with the same institution (Goethe Institut).

There are many other language centres across Malaysia that will aid students to get the proper qualification. Additionally, students may try to learn the language online and will be subjected to assessment for certifications.

Students need to complete a certain level of proficiency in the German language and get at least A1 (level one) to start the application process. Students need to ensure they hold proof of their capabilities and present it to the university they wish to study at and to the embassy, if the embassy schedules students from an interview.

2. Hochschulzugangsberechtigung - German Higher Education Entrance Qualifications

To get into a German university, students need to get the right kind of qualifications, which can be obtained from a German school. For Malaysians, the good news is that STPM and A-Levels qualifications are generally recognised in Germany, according to the information available on the embassy’s official website. However, there are certain requirement unique to the course and level students intent to study that must be fulfilled.

3. Seeking admission at a university

Applying to a German institution is fairly straightforward. Students may approach the international office of a particular institution and obtain the proper documentation, fill in the correct information and submit the documents.

However, the process isn't standardised across all higher learning institutions. Each university may have different requirements and the individuals are required to prepare their documents based on the respective institutions.

Nevertheless, there are essential documents that students need to prepare:

• Certified copies of all qualifications obtained such as STPM, A-Levels or any equivalent qualification recognised by Germany – certification may require the review of the German Embassy
• Translated copies of the qualifications to German
• Passport size photograph
• A copy of the individual's passport (personal information and photo ID)
• A proof of language proficiency

For majority of public universities in Germany, there are two semesters to seek admission:

• Winter Semester: Applications open from May and close in mid-July
• Summer Semester: Applications open from December and closes in mid-January

Students will be notified of their acceptance/rejection within a period not exceeding 2 months from the closing date of application.

Important notes:

• Undergraduate is free, however there is a minimum free for application fees per each semester.
• Postgraduate studies are paid - depending on the course.
• First time application costs 55 Euros
• Subsequent applications cost 15 Euros

4. Official websites:

There are two official websites that aid students apply for German universities:

• Uni-Assist
• German Academic Exchange Services - DAAD

5. The German Embassy

Seek the German Embassy in Kuala Lumpur for comprehensive assistance.

• Study in Germany

Studying in Germany isn’t easy and requires a student with a strong desire to learn and an appetite for hard work and achievement. The higher learning environment is very competitive  and students have to be mentally prepared for the challenges.

Proficiency in English is also a great advantage because institutions in Germany have numerous collaborations with universities around the world and English is a global language.  While the German people are capable of speaking English – especially among the younger generations, they are very proud of their language and view foreigners who speak their language in a respectable manner.