Studying at German Universities 2024: Requirements – Costs – Opportunities

Why choose to study at German Universities?

• 100% tuition-free: With the desire to provide equal access to education for all domestic and international students, most universities in Germany waive tuition fees for students. This will alleviate the financial burden for many students, especially international ones, as they only need to cover living expenses.
• Scholarship opportunities: In addition to waiving 100% of tuition fees, there are currently hundreds of scholarship programs applicable at German universities that support students with living expenses during their studies in Germany. The scholarship amount can be €300/month for two semesters or for the entire program.
• High-quality education system: Germany always ranks among the top 3 countries for education, alongside the US and the UK. German universities excel in fields such as medicine and engineering. Moreover, Germany represents a high-quality education system, emphasizing practical, theoretical, and hands-on learning equally.
• Diverse range of study programs: In Germany, students can freely choose a suitable field of study from the diverse range offered by the 421 universities in the country, ranging from engineering, aerospace, to fields related to economics, social sciences, and media.
• Internationally recognized degrees: Students can rest assured as degrees obtained from German universities are recognized worldwide without the need for validation through any other assessment system. Therefore, students will always be highly regarded when applying for jobs after graduating from a German university.

Requirements for studying at German universities in 2023-2024

For high school graduates from 2017 onwards, they only need to meet one of the following conditions

1. High school diploma along with the results of the High School Graduation Exam allowing students to enter the University Preparation Program based on the chosen combination, provided they meet the following conditions:

• In the High School Graduation Exam, students must take independent subjects: Literature, Mathematics, and Foreign Language, along with one chosen combination "Social Sciences" or "Natural Sciences" consisting of three subjects, and
• the average score of these six subjects must be ≥ 6.5 and no subject must be < 4.0.

2. High school diploma along with successful completion of one year of university study allowing students to transfer to the University Preparation Program in the same field or related group of fields studied at a university in Vietnam, when:

• Not meeting the conditions mentioned in section (1.) and
• the one-year university study is based on a regular program in Vietnam.

3. High school diploma along with successful completion of two years of university study allowing students to directly enter the first year of a university in Germany in the same field or related group of fields studied at a university in Vietnam, when:

• The two years of university study are based on a regular program in Vietnam.

4. High school diploma along with successful completion of two years of university study allowing students to enter the University Preparation Program, when:

• Wishing to study a field belonging to a different group of fields than the one studied at a university in Vietnam and
• the two years of university study are based on a regular program in Vietnam.

5. High school diploma along with DSD I or DSD II certificate allowing students to enter the University Preparation Program for any field, when meeting the following conditions:

• In the High School Graduation Exam, students must take independent subjects: Literature, Mathematics, and Foreign Language, along with one chosen combination "Social Sciences" or "Natural Sciences" consisting of three subjects, and
• the average score of these six subjects must be ≥ 6.5 and no subject must be < 4.0,
• holding a DSD I or DSD II certificate issued by KMK and
• confirmation from the DSD coordinator.

What do you need to prepare for studying at German universities in 2024?

German language proficiency

One of the topmost important factors to participate in the German study abroad program is a good foundation in the German language. 100% of the preparatory program and university courses will be taught in German. Therefore, investing in learning German immediately after completing the high school graduation exam or even simultaneously with the high school learning process is a reasonable choice. The time required to reach B1 level at Thien Tan Academy is 6-7 months.

Documentation, necessary procedures

In addition to learning the language, students will also need to prepare documentation and necessary procedures such as:

• Updating the university admission requirements in Germany.
• Researching about universities, preparatory universities, and suitable university majors in Germany.
• Taking the TESTAS test through the DAAD German Academic Exchange Service. You can choose to take the test in English or German.
• Evaluating APS at the German Embassy.
• Submitting application documents for admission.
• Opening a financial proof account.
• Applying for a visa at the Embassy.

Financial aspects

You will need to prove financial capability for the duration of your stay, currently at least €934 per month. You must provide evidence of financial ability for one year, meaning you must prove €11,208. You can choose between opening a blocked account at VietinBank or Deutsche Bank. Or open a sponsorship from a bank for €11,208 annually at a credit institution in Germany. Studying at a German university opens a brighter future for students. However, the university program here is quite rigorous and not everyone is suitable for it. Therefore, before making a decision, students should thoroughly research and may contact Thien Tan Academy for consultation!