Ranking of German universities. Higher education in Germany

The authority of German technical, humanitarian education in Russia is very high. The main obstacle for Russian citizens is the small number of schools with German as the language of instruction. There are other difficulties in obtaining a university education in Germany.

The German educational system is characterized by three types of higher education. Classic "old" universities are represented by Heidelberg and Berlin universities. The medical, philosophical, and theological faculties remain the leading ones, although modern specialties based on fundamental sciences are being added.

The second type includes universities, academies that have grown out of technical, sectoral institutions. The University of Hannover has passed the stages of a technical school, a technical university. Higher technical schools (Aachen, Darmstadt) are equated with them. Many universities have technical departments (Rostock) and, on the contrary, humanities are taught at technical universities (Braunschweig).

New universities, a few private universities do not compete with traditional ones in terms of a variety of areas, focusing on specific disciplines. These include the Ruhr University (Bochum), the universities of Constanta, Regensburg, Bielefeld.

Top German Universities

The best university in Germany is the University of Berlin. His teachers were Einstein, Planck, Weber. During this period, German scientists were awarded 26 Nobel Prizes (physics, chemistry).

The University of Dortmund has 24,000 students. The best reputable faculties are mathematics, chemistry, chemical engineering, construction, and architecture.

The University of Jena received an imperial university privilege in 1558. A member of the "Coimbra Group" teaches young people at the Faculty of Law, Economics, Philosophy, Social, Mathematics, Physics.

The Technical University of Berlin is the largest in Germany. Among 30 thousand students there are 6 thousand foreigners. The mechanical engineering, transport and architecture faculties have the highest reputation.

Entrance exams, study

In our understanding, there are no entrance examinations in German universities. The main exam for a foreigner is a language test, confirmed by an international certificate. Naturally, the vast majority of universities require knowledge of the German language. Only a few institutions teach in English, at the master's level. There are several test levels, the specific requirements need to be clarified individually.

By the level of payment, Germany belongs to best countries Europe for Russians. Tuition fees are minimal (in the worst case - 500 euros per semester). The university fee may include the cost of a regional pass (city, regional intercity transport). For those who have exceeded the standard term of study (14 semesters), some regions introduce an increased semester fee (up to 800 euros).

Help for students in Germany is provided by several funds, most often regional ones, it is also available to foreigners. Job opportunities are great (up to 120 full days per year), the average salary is 10 euros per hour. For many German students, work provides financial independence, stretching their studies for 10 years. Student canteens also help to save money, where you can dine for 3 euros. Mandatory monthly medical insurance (80 euros). Learning programs do not rush to study - it is customary to take exams when ready, the student chooses the timing himself. Expulsion for poor grades is not practiced.

Prospects for work in Germany, CIS

Most foreign graduates aspire to stay in Germany. A year and a half are allowed to search for work by law (a work visa is guaranteed). The German industry is interested in specialists regardless of nationality, with successful studies, you can get a job even in the last courses.

German education in the fields of electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, construction is highly regarded in the world. Knowledge of German allows you to get a job in six German-speaking countries in Europe, all EU countries.

Engineering specialties are the most interesting for employers in Russia. In German, Austrian, Swiss representations - a German diploma, proficiency in two languages significantly increase the chances.

Germany is the leading economy in Europe and one of the most important players on the geopolitical map of the world. Legends can be made about the successes of German science and industry: modern world would be completely different without the discoveries and inventions of German scientists, engineers and doctors. In addition, Germany boasts a distinguished academic tradition in the philosophical and social sciences, as well as in music and the visual arts. Needless to say, such achievements would have been impossible without an effective higher education system.

Today in Germany there are more than 450 public universities, almost 20 of which are annually included in the prestigious ranking of the best universities in the world according to QS. About 12% of all students at German universities are foreigners, making Germany the most popular non-English speaking country in the world among foreign students.

First of all, German universities come to study natural and technical specialties, as well as engineering, because it is in these disciplines that German graduate School has proven itself especially well. Almost all German universities have excellent technical equipment and modern laboratories, which makes the learning process exciting and productive. In addition, the medical and economic universities in Germany also have an excellent reputation. We draw your attention to the fact that in many German universities it is possible to study in English.

Thousands of students from all over the world dream of enrolling in German universities not only because of the worldwide recognition of diplomas from German universities, but also because of the low tuition fees. The country's universities are funded by the state, which allows them to offer some of the most affordable higher education programs in the world. The cost of living in German cities also remains one of the most affordable in Europe. In addition, Germany allocates huge funds to attract talented students to the country. In particular, the country is known for the world's largest DAAD scholarship program, in which thousands of bright young people come to German universities every year.

German universities - what makes them special?

German universities differ from Russian universities in many ways: firstly, there are not so many of them. Most often, there is one university for the entire city (and not in every city), in big cities like Berlin and Munich - no more than five universities.

AHTUNG! We are talking about universities now; universities of other types, for example, Academies, Institutes (higher schools are not considered in this article). Therefore, it is impossible to get confused with the names, in most cases universities bear the names of the cities in which they are located: University of Hamburg, University of Potsdam (in German, the colloquial abbreviation of the word "university" is also adopted - "uni", therefore uni Hamburg, uni Potsdam).

Due to the small number of German universities, a second difference from the Russian ones can be distinguished: they are large. And the campuses themselves (in small cities, the student campus sometimes occupies the entire city, and therefore is called the student city, for example, Hildesheim, Bielefeld), and the buildings, and the number of students, in big cities - and even more.

Nevertheless, the difference between huge international universities, where many foreign students study and 500 people sit at lectures, and universities, rather small cities, where teachers know most of their students personally and can provide an individual approach to everyone, remains. Each type of institution has its own advantages and disadvantages - in this case, rely on your own preferences.

With regard to the faculties offered by universities, universities in Germany do not differ from Russian ones: there are both "thematic" universities dedicated to a specific field of science, and mixed universities with a wide range of sciences.

There are naturally more universities of the second type, and they are in every city where there is a university. If a university is dedicated to a specific field of science, this is usually indicated in the name of the university: Technical University of Munich, University of the Arts Berlin, etc.

If technical universities in Germany are still more or less common in Germany as separate educational institutions, then looking for, for example, architectural, economic or legal universities in Germany is much more difficult. The most that can be found are higher schools (Hochschulen) according to these sciences. It would be much better to find a university with a strong, recognized faculty of the science you are interested in: economics, jurisprudence, etc.

Mister "Bachelor", Lady "Master" and simply Doctor of Science

In short, in the scientific world There are three levels of "steepness" in Germany, i.e. scientific degrees, which are achieved, of course, only in order:

Bachelor.
Master / Diploma.
Ph.D.

But you're probably interested in details? And even more, for sure, the correspondence of these scientific degrees to Russian academic titles? More on this below.

Bachelor (Bachelor)- This is the first scientific degree obtained after studying at a university (or academy) after 3 years of study. As we already wrote about the life of a German student, 3 years is only the norm (it can be decreased or increased at your own discretion). Typically, the bachelor's degree program is divided into two parts:

Grundstudium (first 2 years, or 4 semesters)
Aufbaustudium (5th and 6th semesters), in the 6th semester a bachelor's thesis is written. From university to university, the rules differ in the volume of work, and in the timing of its writing, and even in the need to protect it.

After successful completion of the bachelor's degree, a certificate with a bachelor's degree is issued, which, depending on the main subject (what is the main subject, can be formulated in different ways). For example, B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) the most common type of bachelor's degree - applies to all humanities and social sciences (except for jurisprudence). B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) is intended for natural, economic and engineering sciences.

The next step in the system of scientific degrees is Master or Diploma... These are not synonyms to each other, these are two different kinds the same scientific degree.

Master is a logical continuation of the bachelor's degree, an in-depth study of a specific industry. This academic degree can be obtained with a bachelor's degree certificate and having studied, as a rule, four semesters in the same direction in which the bachelor's degree was received, having written and defended a master's work (which has a fairly large volume and elements of its own innovative research).

Diploma- This is a second-stage academic degree (like the Master), but it combines a bachelor's and a master's. Those. Diploma training usually lasts for both bachelor's and master's degrees combined, and is structured in a similar way. The initial stage (or Grundstudium) is similar to the bachelor's degree, followed by the basic training (Hauptstudium), ending with the state. exams and writing a thesis.

For the Master, the same abbreviations are used as for the bachelor - for example, M.A. (Master of Arts), M.Sc. (Master of Science). The designations for the Diploma look different, for example, Dipl.Ing (Diplom Ingeneur / in), Dipl. Komm.wirt (Diplom Kommunikationswirtschaft) etc. Both Master and Diploma degrees give access to the third academic stage - postgraduate studies.

In graduate school- at the third and last stage - training usually does not last long. Two semesters of active study, and you can start writing a dissertation, after the successful defense of which the scientific degree of Doctor (Dr.) is awarded. The Doctor's degree as an order sets you apart from all other mortals and inspires respect. It is also written before the surname, and this title is always mentioned in official addresses. For example, Frau / Herr Doktor Mustermann.

And what about the Russian system? Specialists who have 5 years of higher education behind them, who are they according to the German (more precisely, the European) system? But what about Russian masters, which are a logical continuation of bachelors (according to the new system)? But what about candidates and doctors of sciences, where are they counted, being in Germany?

Move on. As for the new system of academic degrees in Russia - bachelor's (4 years) and master's (+ 2 years), it fully corresponds in its content to the European one, only, unfortunately, they have other names, which create confusion. In Germany there is an academic Master's degree, but it, since the time of the Bologna reform, was gradually removed from universities and is no longer implemented!

So, Russian bachelors are the same bachelors in Europe, Russian masters are German masters. We remember and do not confuse!

As for the old system, which includes specialists (5 years) - in Germany a specialist diploma is equivalent to a bachelor's degree! We reread the last sentence again and remember it. This, unfortunately, is the biggest confusion: many Russian students believe that having 5 years of study at a university in Russia behind them are equated with German masters (after all, they also have a total of 5 years of study behind their backs: 3 years for a bachelor's degree and 2 years for the master), but everyone forgets that the first two years of our high school with the Germans is also the level of school (to be precise: gymnasium)! So, Russian specialists, let's not hang our noses - you can go to Germany for a Master's degree!

What about candidates and doctors of sciences? Since in Germany there is only one higher academic degree - Doctor - then Russians and candidates and doctors of sciences are doctors in Germany. In the case of the title of Doctor, everything is clear, but Russian candidates of sciences have a significant advantage in Germany: in their homeland there are candidates, in Germany there are already doctors!

So what's the takeaway?

With the transition of Russia to a new system of academic degrees, their "transfer" to the European system is simplified, but confusion remains in the names.
Candidates of science in general in the most advantageous variant - running to Germany for the title of Doctor!
Most importantly, a Russian specialist is the first scientific degree in the European system. With a specialist diploma in Germany, you can continue studying for a master in the same direction that was studied in Russia, or you can start a new one from scratch.

We enroll over 100 students at German studienkollegs and universities every year. Our experience is your key to success

The best German universities or which university to apply to?

If you are not interested in any particular science, but you want to study at a prestigious university in Germany, whose diploma will be appreciated everywhere, regardless of the chosen subject, then you need to study the list of elite universities in Germany.

The best universities in Germany are selected every 5 years as part of the Excellent Uni initiative. This is a federal program aimed at identifying the most scientifically-oriented and promising universities in Germany, which will receive ("not sickly") funds from the state treasury for scientific research over the next 5 years.

Thus, the universities listed below are leading in the field of science, have eminent professors and the best equipped libraries and laboratories, and promising young people come out of the doors of these universities with diplomas enviable for any employer.

This program exists recently - in 2007 the first list was announced top universities, in 2012, this list was rebuilt: some universities lost their titles, others were admitted to the list. We publish here an up-to-date list of elite

Germany is the leading economy in Europe and one of the most important players on the geopolitical map of the world. Legends can be made about the successes of German science and industry: the modern world would be completely different without the discoveries and inventions of German scientists, engineers and doctors. In addition, Germany boasts a distinguished academic tradition in the philosophical and social sciences, as well as in music and the visual arts. Needless to say, such achievements would have been impossible without an effective higher education system.

Today, there are more than 450 public universities in Germany, almost 20 of which are annually included in the prestigious ranking of the best universities in the world according to QS. About 12% of all students at German universities are foreigners, making Germany the most popular non-English-speaking country in the world among foreign students.

First of all, people come to universities in Germany to study natural and technical specialties, as well as engineering, because it is in these disciplines that German higher education has proven itself especially well. Almost all German universities have excellent technical equipment and modern laboratories, which makes the learning process exciting and productive. In addition, the medical and economic universities in Germany also have an excellent reputation. We draw your attention to the fact that in many German universities it is possible to study in English.

The richest country in the European Union has been famous for its education system since the early Middle Ages, and today the higher education received in is rightly considered one of the most prestigious in Europe. More than 370 universities, technical and art universities and 16,000 different specialties are open in Germany. If we add to this a sufficiently and not too complicated procedure for preparing for admission to German universities for foreigners, then the dream of getting a higher education in Germany can become a reality.

Now it is a great pleasure not only to teach, but also to attract foreign applicants, including Russians, to study. Graduates receive the right after graduation to get a job in Germany and stay there forever.

The best German universities are selected once every 5 years as part of the Federal ExcellentUni program. It has existed since 2007 and is aimed at showing the most promising universities that will receive grants for scientific research from the country's budget over the next 5 years. These universities also have the most famous professors, modern libraries and laboratories, well-equipped campuses. Graduates of these universities work in the largest corporations around the planet.

University of Tubing (Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen)

It is one of the oldest universities in Germany. He is internationally recognized in the fields of medicine, natural sciences and social sciences. He is widely known for his enormous contributions to liberal Christian theology. It is a recognized center for research in history and archeology. The university is famous for its practical scientific research in medicine and biology.

There are 10 laureates among graduates and professors of natural sciences Nobel Prize in chemistry, physics and medicine.

The university is located in the city of Tübingen, near Stuttgart, and stands out for its unique atmosphere. Tubingen is one of the five "student" cities in Germany. In it, the majority of the townspeople are students - there are about 25,000 people. It is the youngest city in Germany, but its standard of living is the highest.

Heidelberg University (Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg)

It is the oldest and most famous university in Germany, opened in 1386 with the assistance of the Pope. First theological, and then philosophical and legal. The first rector was Marsilius von Ingen, and the teachers came from Prague and Paris.

Heidelberg students composed the well-known student anthem Gaudeamus. Now 25 thousand people study at the university, which is almost 20% of the city's population. 15% of them are foreigners. More than 2.5 thousand students came to study from Europe and 900 from Asia. The students are citizens of 129 countries.

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München)

This is the oldest prestigious university and at the same time a large modern research center. A diploma from the University of Munich in science and technology is especially appreciated. It was founded in 1472 by Duke Ludwig IX the Rich. The university was of great importance in the formation of German humanism, in the 20th century it became a major world research center in the field of nuclear physics.

Now more than 50 thousand students study in it, more than 7.5 are foreign students.

Technical University of Munich (Technische Universität München, TU München, TUM)

Founded in 1868. It is the only technical university in Bavaria to have, among other high achievements, six Nobel laureates.

On a huge territory (the university has about 300 buildings in Munich and the surrounding area), 13 faculties are located, where 132 specialties are trained. The university has 23,000 students, 20% of them are foreigners.

In addition to the usual faculties of technical and natural sciences for a technical university, the faculties of economics, sports and medicine operate here. Some of them are taught in both German and English.

Free University of Berlin (Freie Universitat Berlin, FU Berlin)

It was founded on December 4, 1948 by progressive teachers and students who were repressed by the command of the Soviet regime for criticizing the authorities in the eastern zone of Berlin. The new university immediately received strong business support and stable funding from organizations around the world, and students and professors moved to the West, under the patronage of the American administration.

Freedom of thought and international character have been the essence of the university from the moment of its foundation to the present day. The ideology of the Free University is demonstrated in its motto: "Truth, Justice, Freedom". The university was created as an American classical university, it is considered a symbol of free Germany. Culture Minister Friedrich Althoff called the University "German Oxford".

He has partnerships with the best universities America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Russia. Now 28.5 thousand students study at the university. Of these, about 17% of foreigners study at bachelor's degree, 20% receive a master's degree, and every fourth student is involved in postgraduate studies.

Along with these universities, the top ten includes:

	1. Technical University of Dresden (Technische Universität Dresden) is one of the oldest universities in technology in Germany and the largest in Saxony. It offers 16 faculties for international students.
	2. Rhine-Westphalian Technical University Aachen (RWTH Aachen) is one of the five elite technical universities in Germany, which includes 10 faculties and 260 departments (410 professors). It trains 30,000 students in 75 specialties. At the same time, 5000 students enter the first year, 800 receive doctoral degrees. Today 5200 students are foreigners who came from 132 countries of the world.
	3. University of Constance (Universität Konstanz) - this is one of the young and most prestigious universities in Germany, one of the ten best. It began operations in 1966 as a new type of university. Now it has earned a brilliant reputation as a Research and Development Center. Training takes place at the faculties: Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Humanities, Politics, Law and Economics.
	4. Berlin University named after Humboldt (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin) is the oldest Berlin university. It was founded in August 1809 with the assistance of von Humboldt. Now it has more than 30,000 students, 5,000 of them are foreigners. The University provides training in one of 261 specialties at 11 faculties.
	5. University of Bremen (Universität Bremen) is the largest university in the world