Degree programmes in Germany

You have set your mind on studies in Germany. The only remaining question concerns the "What?", because German universities offer a vaste variety of different subjects and courses. 

In recent years the academic programmes at German universities have undergone major reform as mandated by the Bologna Process. Meanwhile, the new bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes have all but replaced the traditional German Diplom and Magister Artium programmes at most universities.

Overview of all degrees possible at German universities:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.Sc., Bachelor of Engineering, etc.): This is the first-level of academic degree recognised on the international job market. Bachelor’s degree programmes teach students the fundamentals of their subject of study in six to eight semesters. Once you have received your bachelor’s, you can enter professional life or continue studying for the second-level academic qualification – the master’s degree.

Master’s degree (M.A., M.Sc., Master of Engineering, etc.): This is the second-level of academic qualification you can receive from a German university. If you wish to enter a master’s degree programme, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent academic qualification). Master’s degree programmes last two to four semesters and allow you to deepen and expand your knowledge in a certain subject. After you receive your master’s degree, you can enter professional life or continue studying for the next academic qualification – the doctoral degree.

Doctoral degree: A doctoral programme, which involves the completion of a research paper (dissertation), concludes with the conferral of a doctoral degree. The duration of doctoral programmes depends on the candidate’s particular area of research. However, most programmes generally take two to five years to complete.  Detailed Informationen on Ph.D. programmes in Germany.

State examination: The state examination is not an academic degree, but rather a state qualification. This means that the examination regulations are stipulated by the German states, not by the university. Another difference is that the examinations are administered by state invigilators. Those who wish to work as a doctor, lawyer, pharmacist or teacher in Germany have to pass a state examination. Students are permitted to take the first state examination after successfully completing their studies in Medicine, Law, Pharmaceutics or Teacher Education. Afterwards, they can begin a professionally oriented, practical training phase to prepare themselves for the second state examination and/or enter a doctoral programme. Passing the state examination, however, does not guarantee the candidate a job. If you wish to attain this qualification, you should enquire whether the German state examination is recognised in your home country.

Knowing, what fits

It is not that easy to find the right course at the right university. If you are uncertain and can not make a decision, the following free online tests might be of some help for you:

To test your suitability for studies at a German university: http://www.testas.de/
For technical subjects try: http://www.self-assessment.tu9.de/

Linktips:
The Admission data base can tell you, whether your school-leaving certificate is recognized for university admission.
The data base for International Programmes contains of more than 800 different Bachelor, Master and Ph.D-programmes taught in English.
On the website of the DAAD you can find detailed information on  admission to studies.