Germany has around 300 institutions of higher education, including 82 universities, 136 applied science universities, and 46 colleges specializing in music and fine arts. Among the 20 million students enrolled, 12% are international students. Of the international students, 90% have completed their education in Germany. Over the past 15 years, the number of foreign students in Germany has doubled.
German University Category:
German universities can be broadly categorized into three types. Firstly, there are the applied science universities, where the emphasis is mainly on job-oriented subjects. Research activities are not the primary focus in these institutions.
Secondly, there are the technical or technological universities, where subjects related to engineering and science are taught, along with extensive research-based projects.
Lastly, there are the traditional universities, known as “UNIs,” where subjects spanning science, arts, and commerce are taught. These universities tend to be larger in size.
Funding Opportunity:
In addition to scholarships for international students pursuing higher education, Germany, along with many European countries, allows the opportunity for self-financed (self-funded) Ph.D. studies. This means that Ph.D. students have the chance to receive scholarships or salaries similar to regular employment. However, these opportunities are more common in the fields of science and engineering.
World class Institutions:
Notable universities in Germany include Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Free University of Berlin, Heidelberg University, Ulm University, and the International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef.
There are several ways to study in Germany. If someone has passed their high school examinations, they can enroll in a German language course. Only a few universities offer undergraduate courses in English, so initially, one can try to get admitted to a subject taught in English. If that is not possible, they can consider enrolling in a bachelor’s program after acquiring basic knowledge of the German language.
Application Guidelines:
First, apply to a relevant university in Bangladesh for admission by demonstrating some basic knowledge of the German language. If accepted, spend the first year studying the remaining German language courses. Another option is to apply directly to a language school in Germany from Bangladesh. If admitted, you will receive a student visa for language studies. After completing the language education, you can then pursue your desired subject at the university. However, this process can be costly.
For admission to a master’s program, start by creating a list of universities from the DAAD (daad.de) website that offer your desired subject. Even if your qualifications (such as results, TOEFL/IELTS) are not perfect, you can still apply.
To directly approach faculties and institutes for your Ph.D. research in Germany, create a list of relevant institutes from the university’s website. Contact the professors directly to inquire about Ph.D. opportunities. If the professor agrees, it indicates that there are sufficient funds available for you. However, please note that having a German or European Master’s degree is not a prerequisite for pursuing a Ph.D. in Germany.
It’s important to clarify a common misconception in Bangladesh that scholarships are only available for university faculty. In the case of Ph.D. studies, scholarships are crucial.
List of Scholarship in Germany:
- DAAD Scholarship: This is a German government scholarship primarily awarded to master’s, PhD, doctoral, or short-course students in specific fields. It is one of the largest scholarships in Germany. Link: https://tinyurl.com/ruoxfac
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: This is the largest scholarship under the European Union. It is not limited to any specific country in Europe. To avail this scholarship, applicants generally need to pursue a joint program offered by universities in 2 to 4 different European countries. Minimum requirement is an undergraduate degree. This scholarship is popular among students coming to Germany. Link: https://tinyurl.com/mhuvqj9
- Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship: Students from Bangladesh who have good grades but have not received any scholarships either from their home country or after coming to Germany can apply for the deutschlandstipendium. Applications can be submitted in any semester, and recipients receive 300 euros per month for 1 or 2 semesters. The application for this scholarship needs to be made through the university after admission. Official link: https://tinyurl.com/wk93qry
- AIESEC: Global Talent Program: This scholarship is mainly for students studying business-related courses. It is offered by AIESEC in the form of a 490 euro scholarship. After coming to Germany, you need to contact them and apply. For more details online (in German), visit the link: https://tinyurl.com/tdace9v
- Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship in Germany. It is specifically for students in the field of science. It is not applicable for computer-related, engineering, business, or humanities disciplines. To apply for this scholarship, you need to have a master’s degree in pure sciences (such as mathematics or physics). However, those who are working as PhD or postdoc researchers primarily receive this scholarship. Their website link: https://tinyurl.com/u9fs7wt
- The Baden-Wüttenberg-Stipendium for University Students: Anyone studying in the German state of Baden-Württemberg can apply for this scholarship. It is the only state in Germany where tuition fees are around 1,500 euros per semester. This scholarship is available for students from bachelor’s to postdoc level. To apply for this scholarship, use this link: https://tinyurl.com/s9ufz2g
- Bayer Science & Education Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is offered by the renowned company Bayer and is specifically for students studying medicine, public health, life sciences, agro science, or biology and chemistry-related courses in Germany. It is also available for those who are interning in the healthcare sector in Germany. Not many Bangladeshis are aware of this scholarship, as it is primarily known among Indians. Therefore, it is advisable for us to consider applying. For detailed information and the application link, visit: https://tinyurl.com/regf527