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Comparison Between Public and Private Universities in Germany

 

Ultimate Comparison: Public vs. Private Universities in Germany

There are numerous world-class universities in Germany both public and private. There are several educational institutions supported by the government. However, both the number of private universities and the enrolment at those institutions have grown recently. There are certain parallels between private and public institutions in Germany, but there are also areas where there are stark differences. Having the right information about these universities is crucial to shortlist and finalize the right course and university.

Some of the world’s top universities are located in Germany. In Germany, there are two different kinds of universities: public and private. While tuition payments and gifts from alumni and businesses underwrite private institutions, the government pays for public universities. Public and private institutions have certain similarities when it comes to letting students choose their course of study, but there are also big disparities between the two.

Which university is best for you? The distinctions between public and private universities in Germany will be covered in this article, along with topics like cost of studying in Germany, eligibility requirements, application dates, the number of degrees offered, and the teacher-to-student ratio. So let’s get going!

 

1. School Fee

While this is not the case at private universities, tuition payments are frequently eliminated at public institutions with the exception of the semester charge. Private universities charge a fee to ensure that they have the financial means to guarantee the caliber of your education. A master’s degree at a private university is still an option for the majority of international students. German private institutions are substantially less expensive than many well-known study sites, despite having excellent academic rankings.

For instance, your entire degree programme at a private German university may be covered by the normal semester cost in the United States, Canada, Australia, or the United Kingdom. Private university tuition costs begin at 5,000 euros each semester, and Depending on the city and university you apply to, it could reach 7-8-10k Euros or even more. (This indicates that the cost of your master’s programme at a private university will be at least 17–18 lakh rupees and may perhaps be as high as 30–35 lakh rupees.)

Since 2014, the majority of Germany’s public universities have waived their overseas tuition fees. On the other hand, going to a private university will cost money. Private universities rely on private funding, thus in order to maintain their daily operations and fill their budget, they must collect tuition.

However, you shouldn’t worry too much about this. Even though private institutions charge a certain amount for higher education, the cost is manageable. Furthermore, the cost of attendance differs greatly from other well-known study locations across the world. For instance, the cost of an entire course in Germany is less than that of an MBA program in the UK.

 

2. Program Categories

There are two types of programmes in Germany: those taught in English and those taught in German. While state universities offer fewer English-taught programmes and more German-taught programmes, private institutions place a larger emphasis on English-taught programmes for international students. (This is not to suggest that there aren’t any English-taught programmes; it just means that there are fewer of them, and you need strong grades in your bachelor’s and German proficiency to get into a public institution.)

Regardless of whether the institution is public or private, and regardless of whether your programme is taught in German or English, knowing German is necessary for your day-to-day activities and for successfully integrating into German society. Your ability to speak German also benefits you in a variety of other ways, about which we will talk.

 

3. Admission Requirements

Although private universities have grown in reputation in recent years, public universities continue to be more well-known and in demand. As a result, public universities apply many clauses, whereas private universities do not. This means that there is more competition for a limited number of seats, and you must meet all requirements for the admission procedure.

If you don’t, you might not be able to get a seat for an English-taught programme at a public university. As a result, your application will be considered even if your qualifications fall short of meeting all of their precise admission requirements. Let’s take the case when your language skills are subpar.

A private German institution would be called in that situation. In that instance, a private institution in Germany will accept you but will first need that you enroll in a prerequisite course. This technique, however, is uncommon at public universities. As a result, it is easier to get accepted to a private institution than a public one.

However, because private colleges rely largely on the tuition money they get from foreign students, they will nonetheless take into account your application even if your credentials fall short of all of their special entry requirements. For instance, a private institution in Germany will accept you even if your language abilities are below the basic requirements. but will ask you to take a preparatory course in the first place. In contrast, this practice is rare among public universities.

 

4. Job Prospects Following a Master’s

The university you attend won’t have much of an impact on your employment opportunities in Germany. German universities are well-known internationally, and employers are eager to hire their graduates. Nevertheless, certain universities will support your career advancement if you desire to outperform the competitors.

Employers in Germany are more likely to trust applicants from public universities, according to a number of studies that measured this confidence. They think these students possess a higher level of academic and practical knowledge. Private universities, on the other hand, have recently developed a better reputation with employers, and their study programmes can greatly increase your employability.

However, there are some universities that will hasten your job achievement if you want to beat the competition. Employers in Germany appreciate candidates from public universities a little bit more, according to several studies to gauge their level of confidence in recent graduates. These students, according to their evaluation, exhibit a better degree of academic and practical expertise.

Private universities, on the other hand, have recently developed a better image with companies, and their study options can greatly increase your employability. Additionally, private schools in Germany rate higher for graduates’ employability in some specific academic fields. For instance, GISMA Business School is regarded as one of Germany’s top business schools, and as a result, its alumni are highly employable.

In addition to all of the above, businesses now prefer graduates with real-world experience than those with academic credentials.

 

5. Financial Aid/Scholarship

One of the factors contributing to Germany’s present attractiveness as a study destination is the fact that its public universities charge little or no tuition. Furthermore, overseas students have access to a wide variety of scholarships.

In some ways, there are more scholarships available at public colleges than at private ones. Public institutions have a wider choice of scholarship selection criteria, aside from the fact that there are more scholarships available.

Some scholarships are given out based on academic performance, while others are country-specific or can be obtained in a number of other ways. The top pupils only receive scholarships from private universities, on the other hand.

Your academic achievement determines your eligibility for some scholarships, while other awards have country-specific requirements, or you may qualify in other ways. On the other hand, it is possible that only the best students receive scholarships at private colleges.

In conclusion, your chances of receiving a scholarship are higher at public universities.

 

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FAQs

When does the semester start in Germany?

In Germany, the winter semester typically lasts from October to March. Because more courses are offered during the winter semester and there are more students enrolling, it is typically the most popular option.

How many types of programmes are offered by the public and private universities in Germany?

The quantity of programmes is the fourth distinction between public and private universities in Germany. According to the DAAD, there are about 422 higher education institutions in Germany. And public institutions host 90% of all study programmes in the nation.

How do German universities rank among the world renowned universities?

43 German institutions are among the top 500 global universities, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) university rankings. Only two of the 43 are private institutions.

What are the top ranked public universities in Germany?

Technical University of Munich, Heidelberg University, LMU Munich, Humboldt University of Berlin, and University of Tubingen are some of the top-ranked public universities in Germany.

Which is better- public or private university to study in Germany?

It entirely depends on what you are looking for in a university. Irrespective of the university you select, be aware that Germany has one of the best educational systems in Europe and the world. Great employment chances arise from studying in Germany.

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