If you are interested in pursuing a college education outside of the United States, you have as many choices as there are countries. As you research countries and schools, you will find that there is one system that is very different from the others and that would be the educational system of Germany. Since it is so unique, it is worth your time to investigate.
The German system of education consists of about one hundred schools, sixteen of which are colleges. This entire system is controlled by the states and the schools charge little or no tuition. This "cost" is very attractive and for this reason entry is competitive.
There are steps that you can take to gain entry into a German college or university. The traditional way is to take a qualifying examination called an "arbitur" which is actually required to attend a University of Applied Sciences. In the past, the majority of freshmen entered German colleges in this way but in the past few years only one half of the entering students take the arbitur.
Now most applicants who need to show that they can compete with other German college students do so by passing an aptitude test. Since high school diplomas are not valid as evidence of accomplishment for foreign students, you will need to present a minimum score on the SAT or ACT test. Another way that you can be considered for entry is to have previous vocational training, three years of work experience, and a passing grade on a skill specific entry exam.
Most of the applicants in this last category are actually applying to vocational school in the German higher education system. These colleges are attractive alternatives because they guarantee employment on completion by arranging special apprenticeships. This type of training differs from what we know in our country since the vocational training in the German model is not only available in industries like plumbing and carpentry but may also prepare you for entry level jobs in law, medicine, and banking.
Since World War II college enrollment in Germany has tripled but it is still lower than in other European nations. This is partly due to the fact that Germany has a dual system and those in the vocational and apprenticeship programs are not counted. However, these programs remain popular because in order to qualify for jobs like nursing or legal assistant which do not require college, all that is necessary is to pass an exit exam from the vocational school.
All of this may sound too easy or too good to be true but there is a caution. German colleges and universities exist as a non-credit system and it is difficult to move forward because there are no standard majors or curricula. This dilutes the reputation of some colleges but the states are making great strides to bring uniformity and greater accountability to the system.
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