Germany

Education is the responsibility of the federal states, so the names of the stages, their length and the rules differ slightly from region to region. The general scheme: optional kindergarten, primary school (Grundschule, 4 years), secondary school and higher education.

Pre-school education is not compulsory and is mostly private. Primary school provides basic preparation, after which — on teachers’ recommendations — children are streamed into different types of secondary school.

There are several types of secondary school. The Gymnasium is the academic route, 8–9 years, leading to the Abitur exam and the right to enter university. The Realschule prepares for technical and specialist vocational colleges. The Hauptschule provides basic education aimed at a manual trade. The Gesamtschule combines all three tracks.

From a Realschule, with good grades, you can move into the upper years of a Gymnasium and still reach the Abitur.

Universities are divided into classic universities (research, a wide choice of faculties), universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule, practical focus) and technical universities. Degrees follow the common European scheme: bachelor’s 3–3.5 years, master’s 1.5–2, doctorate 3–5.

At public universities there is almost no tuition — a student pays only a small semester fee (usually including a transport pass and student services). The exception is Baden-Württemberg, where non-EU students are charged around €1,500 per semester.

A distinctive feature of the country is dual education: theory at an institution alternates with paid work at a partner company, and the graduate enters the job market with experience.

German-taught programmes require B2–C1 level and a TestDaF or DSH certificate. The number of master’s programmes fully in English is growing quickly, especially in technical fields.

A Russian school certificate is usually not enough for direct entry to a bachelor’s: you need a year of university at home or a Studienkolleg programme with a final Feststellungsprüfung exam.

Applications go either through the uni-assist service or directly to the university. A visa requires proof of funds — a blocked account roughly equal to a student’s annual cost of living.

Students may work 120 full or 240 half days per year. After graduation you get 18 months to look for work in your field, with the right to stay in the country.

The largest scholarship organisation is the DAAD; grants are also offered by foundations linked to political parties and churches. The cost of living is average for Europe, highest in Munich and Frankfurt.