Germany has become an attractive education destination for students worldwide due to its high-quality education, prestigious, and tuition-free universities. Various scholarship opportunities, support for international students, and a high standard of living make studying in Germany a preferred choice for many students.
There are different alternatives for Turkish citizens to gain admission to universities in Germany. In this article, we detail available options, covering topics such as diploma equivalency, language proficiency, and preparatory programs.
Educational Requirements and Diploma Equivalency
Turkish students wishing to study at a German university must have their high school diploma from Turkey recognized in Germany. To achieve equivalency, students must follow these steps:
Determining Equivalency: You can use the Anabin Database to check whether your Turkish high school diploma is recognized by German universities. This database evaluates educational systems and diplomas from different countries.
As of 2024, the requirements outlined in the Anabin Database are as follows:
- Graduates from 12-Year General High Schools: Students who can document that they scored over 180.000 in one of the score types (SAY, SÖZ, EA, or DIL) of the university entrance exam in Turkey between 2018-2023 and were placed in a higher education program may be admitted directly to university education in the field they were placed in or a similar field.
- Graduates from Associate Degree Programs: Those who have successfully completed a 2-year higher education program and obtained an associate degree can be admitted directly to university education in the field they studied or a similar field.
- Open(Açıköğretim) University Students: Graduates from general or vocational high schools who have qualified to study at an Open University can be admitted directly to university education in the field they studied or a similar field if they document two years of successful higher education.
Studienkolleg: If your Turkish diploma is not directly accepted, you may need to attend a preparatory program called Studienkolleg. This program prepares you for university education in Germany. After successfully completing Studienkolleg, you can apply to universities.
Direct Admission: If you hold diplomas such as Abitur or internationally recognized programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or GIB (Gemischtsprachiges Internationales Baccalaureate), you can apply directly to universities. However, each university may have its own admission requirements, so it is important to check the university’s website for detailed information.
Language Proficiency
Since the language of instruction in Germany is typically German, you must demonstrate proficiency in the language. This can be proven through the following:
German Language Certificates: Certificates from TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe-Institut can be used to demonstrate your proficiency in German. Generally, a B2 or C1 level of language knowledge is required.
English Programs: There are also programs in Germany that are taught in English. To apply for these programs, you will need sufficient scores from tests like TOEFL or IELTS. These programs may not require knowledge of German, but you must prove your proficiency in English.
Application Process
Applications can be submitted directly to universities or through Uni-Assist. Since the admission requirements vary by university and department, it is important to check the university’s website for detailed information before applying.
Visa and Residence Permit
Students who are not citizens of an EU country need a student visa and a residence permit to study in Germany. Visa applications are made through the German embassies or consulates in Turkey.
Financial Requirements
As of 2023, students in Germany must prove they have financial resources of €934 per month (€11,208 per year) to cover their living and education expenses. This financial requirement can be met through various means, such as a blocked account (Sperrkonto) or scholarships.
Health Insurance
Students studying in Germany are required to have valid health insurance. If your health insurance from your home country includes international policies that are valid in Germany, it may be accepted.
Program and Course Selection
There are many universities and various program options in Germany. The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and the universities’ websites can help students find the right program. The DAAD search engine can be used to find suitable programs.
When selecting a program, the following prerequisites should be considered:
- Numerus Clausus (Grade Point Average): For some programs (e.g., medicine), the number of student spots is limited nationwide or at specific universities. A 6-8% quota is reserved for international students in these programs. Students are selected based on their high school graduation grades, university entrance exam scores, and success at university. German language proficiency must be documented during the application process, or the application may be rejected. You should check with the university to see if the program you are interested in has a “Numerus Clausus” limitation.
- Internships: Some technical programs, especially at technical universities, require an internship before starting your studies. Check with the university for details.
- Music and Fine Arts Schools: To apply to these schools, you must submit your work documenting your talents and pass an entrance exam.
Preparatory Programs (Studienkolleg)
Some universities in Germany offer preparatory programs for international students who are not eligible for direct admission. These programs, called Studienkolleg, prepare students for university education in Germany:
Studienkolleg programs offer courses in various fields such as technical sciences, social sciences, or medicine. These programs include both language and academic preparation. Students are trained to reach the level of language and knowledge required to follow university-level courses. After successfully completing the Studienkolleg program, students can apply to bachelor’s programs at universities in Germany. The application process and requirements are determined by the universities.
This article serves as a guide for Turkish students who wish to pursue university education in Germany. Since each student’s situation is different, it is important to conduct individual research and visit the universities’ websites for detailed information.
