Best Choice for Undergraduate Tuition

Why you Should Consider Studying in Germany

With the average cost of studying an undergraduate 3 year degree in the UK, including living costs, at an all-time high of £72,000/86,000 EUROS it is not surprising that UK nationals and EU/international students are looking for more economical alternatives. The quality of education is one of the main factors drawing students to study in the UK but leaving university with such an enormous debt is far from ideal.

What is the solution?

Many pre-university students, who are looking for high-quality internationally respected tuition at a more reasonable price are deciding to study for their undergraduate degree in Germany. Based on official figures from the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), the average cost of studying in Germany is just £7,650/9,180 EUROS per year – less than a third the cost of studying in the UK. This breaks down to £390/540 EUROS per year for school fees and £7,260/8,700 EUROS to cover food, transport, accommodation, and other living costs.

Why so cheap?

University education in Germany is primarily funded by the state and is therefore virtually free – and this very low, minimum contribution applies for both domestic and international students. Anyone who decides to study in Germany, providing they meet the entry requirements, can take advantage of this almost-free education.

Low fees, high quality

Germany’s higher education system is world-class and has excelled in both the areas of infrastructure and curricula. Highly qualified and experienced staff, cutting edge facilities, international cooperation, and a focus on innovation are all characteristics that have long been associated with higher education in Germany. In addition, all universities in Germany now operate under the ‘Bologna reform’ which ensures that all the qualifications they award are internationally recognised.

Work and Study

While tuition costs are virtually free students still need to finance their living expenses and support themselves. In Germany there are plenty of job opportunities and for EU students there are no limitations to finding work. Students from non-EU countries are allowed to apply for a work permit and can work for 190 days full time or 240 days part-time. In both cases it is extremely easy for undergraduate students in Germany, who have a good level of German, to support themselves throughout their degree.

Post-study opportunities

Once you have finished your degree you have the opportunity to stay in Germany and find full time employment. International graduates are permitted to stay for an additional 18 months to look for work – and are allowed to stay for longer should work be found.

How do I apply?

Undergraduate degree courses in Germany are generally conducted in the German language, therefore a good command of German is a pre-requisite. The other usual entry requirements apply and will vary according to your choice of subject and choice of institution. German universities will require you to demonstrate your language skills through one of two proficiency tests: DSH and TestDaF. You can take the TestDaf exam anywhere in the world, but you can only sit DSH in Germany. You can get started by checking your German language skills here.

How can I improve my German?

If your level of German is low then your best route into Germany and a Germany university is to take a German language programme which will fully prepare you for the TestDaf. A 9 month, 36 week course of 20 hours per week will allow you to start with General German and then progress to exam preparation, giving you the necessary skills to obtain a B2 CEFR (upper-intermediate) level of German. We offer these courses in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Regensburg and Munster and 9 month courses start from just £3,500.

Your settling in phase

Taking an academic year German course in Germany is the best way to settle into your new country without the pressure of handing in university papers and assignments. It also gives you the opportunity to: find somewhere to live, get a job, make friends, understand the culture and customs, feel at home – all before starting university, which in itself can be a challenging adjustment. This is a great alternative to having a gap year as you will not only experience living in a different country you will also gain fluency in a new language.

Contact Us

To find out more information about any of our courses simply call us on 01273 830 960 or email us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:

Evening language courses: 19 different languages in 15 UK locations
Language holidays: worldwide immersion courses in the country of the language
Private tuition: tailor-made and corporate language training solutions throughout the world
TEFL: teacher training courses for both English and other languages all over the world
Online courses: for teacher training, English and French