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Education System in Germany for Indian Students

 The quality and quantity of German higher education are well-known abroad. The quality and prestige of Germany's higher education system are famous worldwide. German state universities have zero to low tuition prices, and their reputation for providing world-class technical education has made them a top choice for international students.

Regarding the education system in Germany, schools, universities, research and academic independence are highly valued. Furthermore, the German education system places a premium on technical degrees, making them an integral part of the country's education system. Because of this, Germany's education system consistently performs well in international comparisons.

Learn more about the structure, grading system, prerequisites and everything about the German education system in detail.

Why study in Germany?

  • Germany is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including widely recognised universities.
  • Tuition Costs are Low: Most German institutions do not charge students tuition for education in Germany.
  • International students studying in Germany can work part-time to defray costs and expand their professional networks.
  • Germany's global environment and varied population make it an ideal destination for students seeking to broaden their horizons and immerse themselves in a new culture.
  • Germany's robust and stable economy gives graduates good opportunities to find work in their fields.
  • Germany has a good level of life and a hospitable populace, making it an ideal place to visit.
  • Student Life Is Bustling At German Institutions. There is a wide variety of student organisations and extracurricular activities available.
  • Germany's central position in Europe is an excellent base for students interested in seeing other European nations for education in Germany.

Education System in Germany - Structure

German schools are well-known for their rigid organisation, rigorous curriculum, and focus on hands-on learning. Early Childhood, Primary school (Grundschule), secondary school (Gymnasium, Realschule, or Hauptschule), and university/technical college are the different tiers of the German educational system. 

Early Childhood Education

In the German Federal Territory, children aged 0 to 6 may participate in early childhood education programs at their parents' discretion. They're the ones who issue permits to daycares and preschools in the area.

Preschool education service providers must fulfil the criteria to get an operating license. The correct amount of qualified personnel, clean and safe facilities, an age-appropriate curriculum, and a safe environment for the children are all vital. The primary goal of preschool in Germany (for children under three) is to help them become better communicators. Second, they learn to communicate with others their age and older via these interactions.

Primary Education

In Germany, two distinct approaches to elementary education coexist. There are 188 school days each year in a 5-day-a-week preschool system. There are 208 days of instruction each year in a 6-day school week preschool system if you count education on two Saturdays per month.

Students in grades one through nine are expected to attend 20 to 29 classes per week and 20 to 22 courses each year. Lessons in elementary schools often take 45 minutes at maximum. Six types may be presented in a single day. Learning to interact with others and manage one's emotions are two of the critical goals of elementary education. Students take a standardised test after elementary school to select their next educational step.

Secondary Education

Grades 5/7 through 9/10 comprise the lower secondary education provided to students aged 10 to 15/16. Classes at this level are broader in scope and are meant to get students ready for high school.

Students aged 15–18 who have already completed the first two years of secondary school enter upper secondary education intending to obtain a diploma that will allow them to enter a university or enter the workforce.

Gymnasium, Realschule, and Hauptschule are the three main options for secondary education in Germany. A gymnasium is the most challenging option since it is meant to prepare pupils for higher education. The Abitur test is taken after high school and is essential for entry into university. The 5–6-year Realschule aims to prepare students for further technical education or entry-level careers in the trades. The Hauptschule is the least challenging of the three levels since its primary goal is to prepare students for immediate employment or further vocational education.

Tertiary Education 

Universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) make up Germany's tertiary education system in Germany. The Abitur is required for university entrance, whereas a secondary school diploma and relevant work experience are sufficient for entry to a Fachhochschule. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at both sorts of schools in subjects as diverse as engineering, medicine, law, and the humanities. 

Guide to Study in Germany for Indian Students

If you're an Indian student considering enrolling in a German education system, here's a guide you need to know.

  • Learn about Germany's educational system's primary, secondary, and higher education levels.
  • Most German institutions require students to have a command of German since it is the language of teaching.
  • Do some digging to choose a school and major that fits your needs and goals.
  • Verify application procedures and due dates.
  • Get yourself a student visa.
  • Submit your application for grants and scholarships.
  • Make arrangements for transportation and lodging.
  • Learn the language and attend orientation.
  • Get involved in research and create relationships with lecturers and students to make the most of your college experience.
  • Think about internships and post-graduate employment prospects.

German University Degrees & Grading System

Now that we have a general idea of how education is in German universities, let's examine the various degrees available and how they are graded.

German University Degrees

Traditional German higher education consisted of "long" (one-tier) programs that culminated in a Diploma, Magister Artium, or the Staatsprüfung (State Exam).

Germany, though, has begun implementing a new system, so things are shifting. Except for the fields of law and medicine, many institutions now offer degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels rather than a single, overarching curriculum

Degree

Duration

Doctoral / PhD Program

3-4 years

Masters Program

1-2 Years

Bachelor’s Program

3-4 years

Integrated Program

3-6 years

German Grading System

The grade point average (GPA) system is the one that is used at universities in Germany. The academic success of pupils in Germany is evaluated using a point scale ranging from 1 to 6 (or 5), depending on the school. A performance of 1 is considered highly excellent, while a version of 6 is considered poor.

The Bologna grading system provides letter grades to students pursuing bachelor's degrees. This indicates that students will get a degree with a grade of First Class, Upper Second Class, Lower Second Class, or Third Class.

The Education System in India vs Germany

There are several distinctions between the pedagogical practices in India and Germany.

To begin, in India, the four stages of schooling (primary, secondary, upper secondary, and tertiary) are distinct. Primary school, high school, and university comprise Germany's educational system.

Second, whereas the German educational system emphasises practical skills and vocational training, the Indian educational system is highly impacted by old rote learning techniques. Third, universities in India tend to place more emphasis on theoretical research, whereas those in Germany are well-known for their focus on practical research and engagement with industry.

Thirdly, financial and access differences exist between the two nations' educational systems. While all children in India are required to attend school until they turn 14, not all of them will have access to a high-quality education because of financial constraints. In contrast, higher education in Germany is publicly funded and available for free through graduate school.

Finally, the national government frequently establishes the curriculum in India, whereas, in Germany, the individual states are responsible for doing so. Consequently, there will be more disparities between different parts of Germany's educational system.

While both the German and Indian educational systems have their advantages and disadvantages, Germany stands out from India due to its emphasis on vocational education and training, as well as its public financing and ease of access.

Still unclear about anything? Well, not to worry. Contact AECC and get your queries answered today! AECC is one of the world's leading educational consultancies, with versatile expert professionals ready to help you with any queries you may have. Contact us so we can be of assistance to you in your journey to achieving your dream.

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