Study and Research in Germany

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1 Study and Research in Germany Information Center Islamabad

Content 3 Content Publisher Information Center Islamabad Tel. (51) 26 56 382 www.ic.daad.de/islamabad Welcome to Germany!

de The information contained in this brochure was compiled with greatest possible care. However a guarantee for the correctness of the contents cannot be given.

2 Content 3 Content Publisher Information Center Islamabad Tel. (51) Welcome to Germany! 04 Editor: Ursula Saarbeck On behalf of DAAD Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst German Academic Exchange Service Kennedyallee 50, Bonn (Germany) The information contained in this brochure was compiled with greatest possible care. However a guarantee for the correctness of the contents cannot be given. Layout Loewenstern Padberg GbR, Bonn (Germany) Study in Germany The German university system Getting started - step by step PhD and postdoc research Summer Schools Funding Living in Germany The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Web Links and Contacts 19 Print-run February Copy Deadline: February 2011 for all pictures by DAAD Dörthe Hagenguth (Title page,p. 12,p. 15), Peter Himsel/ David Ausserhofer (p. 10, p. 16 ), Ernst Wrba (p. 5), Eric Lichtenscheidt (p. 7) The pictures are not to be distributed to third parties. This publication was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research

4 Study and Research in Germany Study in Germany 5 Welcome to Germany! Study In Germany Study in Germany A Good Choice So you want to study abroad? Then Germany should be your first choice!

3 4 Study and Research in Germany Study in Germany 5 Welcome to Germany! Study In Germany Study in Germany A Good Choice So you want to study abroad? Then Germany should be your first choice! From the first car to the smartcard - Germany enjoys a long tradition of outstanding research and development. Many of it is owned to the excellence of German universities. Study in Germany means getting in touch with cutting edge research and internationally recognized scientists right from the beginning. German universities offer a wide and diverse range of degree courses at all levels, attracting scores of students and graduates from all over the world. Hundreds of Pakistani academics and executives obtained their Master s or PhD degree from a German university and built their career on it. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the world s largest and most respected intermediary organizations in its field. The DAAD Information Center in Islamabad offers information and guidance to students aiming for a German degree. Find more information at Ten good reasons to study in Germany Q Q Within the last 25 years, 24 Germans were awarded a Nobel Prize. Q Q Germany is one of the leading industrial nations worldwide. Q Q German universities are based on a century long academic tradition. Q Q Degree courses at German universities combine a sound theoretical foundation with practical application. Q Q At German universities, you are instructed by top qualified professors right from the beginning. Q Q German universities offer more than 900 degree courses at all levels with English as language of instruction. Q Q At German universities, you get first class education for amazingly low fees - or even without any. Q Q German cities offer an unrivaled range of cultural venues and events mostly with reduced prices for students! Q Q With a moderate climate and a carefully preserved nature, Germany is the ideal place for outdoor activities all year round. Q Q Foreign graduates of German universities are welcome to start their career in Germany.

6 Study and Research in Germany Study in Germany 7 The German University System Chance and Challenge If you love to challenge yourself, if you do not mind to spend days and sometimes half nights in

The independent work of students as well as the continuous presentation and discussion of students papers in class are perfect opportunities to get familiar with academic standards right from the

4 6 Study and Research in Germany Study in Germany 7 The German University System Chance and Challenge If you love to challenge yourself, if you do not mind to spend days and sometimes half nights in libraries and labs, if you are going for skills and knowledge as much as for the degree then Germany is the place for you to go! The independent work of students as well as the continuous presentation and discussion of students papers in class are perfect opportunities to get familiar with academic standards right from the beginning. Students learn to ask the right questions rather than learning the answers by heart. Which university is best for me? The German higher education system stands out with the wide range of different kinds of higher education institutions: 350 public and nationally accredited universities offer a total of 13,000 degree courses. Apart from specialized universities (like for sports or for arts and music), there are basically two types of higher education institutions:

5 8 Study and Research in Germany Study in Germany 9 Research University ( Universität ) The traditional German university, is strongly research focused and based on the unity of research and teaching. Research universities offer all levels of degrees (Bachelor, Master, PhD). University of Applied Sciences ( Fachhochschule ) A more praxis oriented type of university offering research based training for challenging jobs in industry or the public sector. Universities of Applied Sciences offer graduate courses leading to Bachelor s and Master s degrees. About Ranking: In general, all German research universities and universities of applied sciences all meet a high standard of research and teaching. University ranking is thus not that common in Germany. Ranking is done for single subjects instead. Getting started - step by step How can I find a suitable degree course? German universities offer a total of more than 900 degree courses in English language. Most foreign students go for these courses, since they prefer to cover their course work and write their thesis in English rather than in German language. Of course, foreign students are also welcome to enroll to degree courses in German language. Proof of sufficient knowledge of German is however a precondition in this case. Find your degree course at Which requirements do I have to meet when applying for a degree course? Undergraduate courses The Pakistani HSSC is not considered as equivalent to a German Secondary School Certificate ( Abitur ). As a holder of a HSSC you have to complete two years of university studies in Pakistan before you may apply for an undergraduate course in the same field. Another option is to visit a foundation course in Germany (Studienkolleg) and pass a test ( Feststellungsprüfung ) before you are eligible to apply for an undergraduate course. You need, however, basic knowledge of German when applying for a foundation course. High school graduates holding an A-level may apply directly for an undergraduate course at a German university depending on the number and the field of their A-level subjects. Graduate courses Applicants have to have competed 16 years of education (M.Sc., M.A., B.Eng, BS) before applying for a Master s course in Germany. Last Degree in Pakistan HSSC A-Level B A/ B.Sc M. Sc./ MA / B.Eng./BS M Phil/MS How can I apply? Next Degree in Germany "Studienkolleg" Bachelor Bachelor Bachelor Master PhD If the university you wish to apply to participates in the programme Application Services for International Students (UNI-ASSIST), you have to apply via UNI- ASSIST. With one application submitted to UNI-ASSIST, you can apply to several universities at a time. You will have to pay a fee of 55 Euro for your first application and 15 Euro for all additional universities you want to apply to. (Find more information at If your university is not participating in the UNI-ASSIST programme, you have to apply to the university directly. You will find all information concerning application on the university s website or on the website of the selected degree course. Do I need to know German? For all international degree courses with English as language of instruction the requirements are listed on the website of the programme. In most cases a certain IELTS or TOEFL score is required. When applying for a programme in German language, you have to pass a respective German language exam. But even if you plan to study in English language, it is highly advisable to learn enough German to be able to communicate with people. In Pakistan, German language courses are offered by Goethe Institute Karachi, Annemarie Schimmel Haus Lahore and National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Islamabad and several other providers. Useful links: Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q

6 10 Study and Research in Germany Study in Germany 11 What will it cost? Am I allowed to earn money while studying? PhD and postdoc research in Germany Depending on the university, tuition fees are 500 Euro per semester or less. Many universities do not charge tuition fees at all apart from a fee ( Euro per semester) that you have to pay for the use of the universities social facilities. This sometimes includes a comprehensive ticket for public transport. Your living expenses can be calculated as follows: Average monthly cost of German students: Rent and utilities: Food and Beverages: Clothing:...50 Learning materials:...30 Q QTransport:...82 Health:...54 Telephone, Internet, TV:...43 Recreation, culture, sport:...62 Total: As a non EU student, you are allowed to work 90 full days or 180 half days per year. This restriction does not apply if you have a job at the university (e.g. in the library or as a student assistant to the professor). These jobs are, however, highly requested by both German and foreign students. Highly developed research landscape Germany enjoys a long tradition of outstanding research and development. These roots begin with Johannes Gutenberg's book printing via Carl Friedrich Benz's automobile and Einstein's Theory of Relativity through to Karlheinz Brandenburg's MP3 format. Moreover, the invention of the refrigerator, the neon lamp, the tram, the glider or the smartcard all go back to the work of German scientists. Around 10% of all the Nobel Prizes ever awarded went to German scientists. In the past 15 years, the work of eight German researchers has been acknowledged in the form of a Nobel Prize. This places Germany third, behind the United States and Britain. Doing a doctorate in Germany A doctorate is a decision for life, an investment in your future but also a time-consuming challenge that needs to be given careful consideration. A doctorate demands a great deal of energy, discipline and perseverance. In Germany some 25,000 graduates successfully complete the doctoral process every year far more than in any other European country. And increasing numbers of up-and-coming international researchers are coming to Germany to write their doctoral dissertations or to complete their doctorates as members of research teams: Since 1997 the number of foreigners registered as doctoral students in Germany has more than doubled to just under 17,000. The traditional way At present the most common path to a doctorate in Germany involves working under the supervision of a professor. Everyone has to decide for themselves which field of research they want to pursue, and which universities and professors are on their short list. The potential doctoral student then has to apply personally to these university professors. It is important to do so in good time, preferably in person (or in writing) and you should be well-prepared with information about your previous background and academic performance and your academic goals. "Well-prepared also means that you should already have a brief synopsis of the doctoral dissertation you are planning to write. Then you have to convince your chosen supervisor to accept you. After all, the relationship between supervisor and doctoral student is supposed to last several years usually three to five and involves a lot of work for both sides. For more information, read the PhD guidelines at

12 Study and Research in Germany Study in Germany 13 Structured PhD Programmes Summer Schools in Germany Funding DAAD Scholarships Recent years have increasingly seen Graduate Schools or PhD

7 12 Study and Research in Germany Study in Germany 13 Structured PhD Programmes Summer Schools in Germany Funding DAAD Scholarships Recent years have increasingly seen Graduate Schools or PhD programmes (also called: International Postgraduate Programmes, Doctoral Colleges, Graduate Centres or Graduate Colleges) develop. These comparably new programmes have been introduced in order to facilitate interdisciplinary research and to guide and assist candidates and recent postdocs in the framework of a structured curriculum Useful links for PhD students: Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q About 300 German Summer Academies provide young scientists and advanced students with an international setting and an excellent opportunity for getting to know about the latest research findings and methods in fields of current interest and relevance. At the same time, these Summer Academies showcase and provide insides into selected German research institutions. Most of these courses take place during the university summer break. Some courses are also offered during the winter months. There are exciting activities catering to almost every taste. The diverse social programmes which are included with many summer courses will make sure that you get to know the country and people of Germany. For all those, who are not yet quite sure whether they want to apply for study or research in Germany, the participation in a summer school is an excellent way to learn more about the university system and the opportunities at certain institution. Check out the DAAD summer school programme. You will probably find something interesting for you. ( DAAD Research Grants for Young Faculty of Pakistani Universities (Phd-students and postdocs) DAAD Graduate Programme: Public Policy / Good Governance DAAD Conflict Studies and Management Programme DAAD Postgraduate Courses for Young Graduates with Relevance for Developing Countries DAAD Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists DAAD Re-Invitation Programme for Former Scholarship Holders Find more information at Other funding options Some graduate schools run their own scholarship programmes. Check out the ERASMUS Mundus Master Courses and the ERASMUS Mundus Joint Doctoral Programmes offered by the European Commission. ( More funding options are listed at

14 Study and Research in Germany Living in Germany 15 Living in Germany Places to stay German universities do not automatically allocate a room when you enroll for a degree course.

8 14 Study and Research in Germany Living in Germany 15 Living in Germany Places to stay German universities do not automatically allocate a room when you enroll for a degree course. Instead, students have to find their own accommodation. There are following options: Living in a student hall In every university town you will find a number of student halls offering accommodation at moderate costs ( Euros per month). Students mostly live in fully furnished single rooms, often with an attached private bathroom. Students of one floor usually share a kitchen and other facilities like TV room and washing machine. For foreign students, a student hall is the perfect place to get started since you can book a room in advance, you need not buy furniture and you will easily make contacts with other students from all over the world. But bear in mind that rooms in student halls are highly requested. So you should contact the international office at your university well in advance. Living in a shared flat Private shared flats (called Wohngemeinschaften in German, or just WG) are probably the most popular form of accommodation. Several students look for a flat together and each has their own room, while sharing kitchen and bathroom. The occupants also share the rent. Depending on where you study, you should reckon with 150 to 350 euros per month. Living in Germany as a Muslim Germany is the home of a growing Muslim population. Thus you will find a mosque, Muslim grocery stores, bakeries and butcheries in every town. Frequently asked questions Will I be allowed to bring my family? Your family can apply for a visa, if the provided funds for their living are sufficient. PhD students on a DAAD research grant may apply for a family allowance. Is it secure for a single woman? Gender segregation is not known in Germany. Any harassment or molestation of women is, however, strictly taboo. Do all people in Germany speak English? At university, most people speak English. People on the street often don t. Thus, you should learn at least enough German to communicate with them. How cold is it in winter? Temperatures may drop well below freezing point, but all rooms come with central heating. Am I allowed to work in Germany after my university graduation? Foreign graduates of German universities may apply for a work permit if they manage to find an appropriate position within one year after graduation.

16 Study and Research in Germany The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) 17 The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a joint organization of

9 16 Study and Research in Germany The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) 17 The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a joint organization of German universities and student bodies. Our aim is to promote academic cooperation world wide, especially through the exchange of students, scholars, academics, and scientists. The DAAD is the largest funding organization in the world supporting the international exchange of students and scholars. Scores of students, teachers, researchers and scientists supported by the DAAD have been able to gain valuable experience abroad. The DAAD runs over 250 programmes, through which it funds more than 67,000 German and foreign scholars worldwide per annum. These programmes range from semesters abroad for undergraduates to doctoral programmes, from internships to visiting lectureships, and from informationgathering visits to assisting with the establishment of new universities abroad. It supports the international activities of German institutions of higher education through marketing services, publications, the staging of events and training courses. Roles and Goals The DAAD s programmes have the following five strategic goals: To encourage outstanding young students and academics from abroad. To come to Germany for study and research visits and, if possible, to maintain contact with them as partners life-long. To qualify young German researchers and professionals at the very best institutions around the world in a spirit of tolerance and openness. To promote the internationality of Germany s institutions of higher education. To support German language, literature and cultural studies at foreign universities. To assist developing countries in the southern hemisphere and reforming countries in the former Eastern Bloc in the establishment of effective higher education systems. The DAAD in Pakistan The DAAD Info Center (IC) in Islamabad was established in March 2010 in order to promote the academic exchange between Germany and Pakistan. The DAAD IC provides information about study and research in Germany and administers the DAAD funding programmes. At the same time, the DAAD team in Pakistan supports the teaching of German language and German Studies at Pakistani universities, organizes academic seminars and orientation sessions, keeps contact to alumni of German universities and acts as a long-standing partner of the Pakistani Higher Education Commission. Our website is a gateway to study and research in Germany.

10 18 Study and Research in Germany Web Links and Contacts 19 Web Links Information on Higher Education in Germany Summer Schools All about Germany Research in Germany Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q German Embassy Islamabad Q Q Important information about visas as well as the relevant application forms are available here under > Welcome to Germany > Coming to or staying in Germany. Language Contact Us DAAD Information Center Islamabad Address: F -7/4, Street 55, House 23 Tel.: ++92 (0) info@daad.org.pk Web: Consultation: Tuesday, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Before visiting, please make an appointment

Bologna Process. Creating a European Higher Education Area

Bologna Process. Creating a European Higher Education Area What is DAAD? German national agency for international academic cooperation and exchange Independent association of universities DAAD provides: Scholarships and grants Information and counseling about