Country Facts: 
The Federal Republic of Germany: “Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit”
Beside being a significant international trading partner and key political and economic force, Germany is highly respected for it’s world standard education system. With over 300 recognized universities offering more than 15,000 degree programmes taught in German and English Languages at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Germany continues to attract a high number of students from far and near, making it the fourth most popular destination among international students in the world.
Germany’s growing population of international students lies not only in her top quality education, practice-oriented programmes and recognition of her degrees by employers worldwide; there are other amazing factors you should know.
- Free Tuition Education in Most Universities: Generally, Germans believe that free access to higher education ensures economic growth and welfare for the greater population, and at such, education should not be treated as a commercial product. Likewise, the German government declared free education in public universities for both domestic and international students. However, private universities charge affordable tuition fees.
Students admitted into tuition free universities basically pay “semester fees” or “administrative fees” of 250-400 euros which cover student contribution, student union fee and a public transport ticket. International students are also required to have a certain amount deposited in their “block accounts” to cover up their living expenses.
- Residence Permit: at the end of studies, non-EU graduates have the opportunity to apply for residence permit or EU Blue Card to stay back and work in Germany. Upon securing a job, you are allowed to apply for permanent residence permit and stay unlimited. The residence permit obtained in Germany allows you to travel visa-free in the whole Schengen Area.
- Top 10 in Quality of Life: US news & World Report in partnership with BAV Group and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania ranks Germany 10 for Best Countries for Quality of Life, 2019 ranking. This was done in consideration of nine attributes- affordability, a good job market, economically stable, family friendly, income equality, politically stable, safe, well-developed public education system and well-developed public health system.
- World’s Fourth Biggest Economy: not only is Germany European Union’s largest economy, based on data from the International Monetary Fund 2018, Germany is the world’s fourth biggest economy with a GDP of $4.2 trillion. As a key economic player, Germany belongs to major international organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, Group of 20, NATO and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Notably, Germany is the 3rd largest producer of cars in the world. 5.65million cars were produced in 2017.
Need I mention that Germany is no. 2 in the world for Best Countries for Entrepreneurship? It became no. 2 after three years of being at the top.
Being one of the world’s industrialized leading countries and major power in European and global affairs, there are numerous reasons why you should study and live in Germany.
