Choice of Course and Site of Study
International Study
German universities are the most international ones in the world. This is the result of a survey by the British Council. Germany comes before Australia and the UK. More information at timeshighereducation.com.
University studies in a foreign country constitute an individual and institutional increase in value. As concerns the individual, university studies offer him a new consideration, a new perception and possibilities to solve problems. The foreign student learns to take care of himself and develops self-discipline that will be very helpful in his professional life.
Germany – the best choice
Germany is a privileged destination for Cameroonian students because scientific research is the gateway to the economic development of Cameroon.
Thus the German scientific know-how will contribute to a better exploitation and optimal development of Cameroon ’s natural resources. Diplomas from Germany as well as the institutions that issue them have an international reputation.
Worth noting is that German is an important scientific language in the world. This language offers young Cameroonian graduates numerous job opportunities worldwide.
When in Cameroon, students study both in French and in English. Once in Germany , they learn a new language and a new culture that is internationally identifiable thanks to its rigour and requirements. Finally, university fees (when required) are very low as compared to those in force in other European countries.
Choose a course and site of study
The choice of a domain of study involves elements such as the candidate’s aptitudes, his professional project, and his preferences. The student should be comfortable with his choice and about opportunities offered. Following questions may guide the student candidates to make the best choice:
- What can I do?
- What do I like?
- What are my plans for the future?
- Where shall I work?
Higher Education Compass
If admission in your series is selective visit the website of that university to know more. Germany offers more than a thousand series. You can get more information at hochschulkompass.de.
Generally specific Baccalaureats are required in certain domains of study. The type of series depends on the type of admission. In very selective series, a limited number of foreign students is imposed. There are series where the number of international students is very limited. In such series, the candidates are selected according to their grades at the GCE A-Level.
The series you chose should correspond to the papers of your GCE A-Level.
The choice of a site of study depends on the training offered and the candidate’s preferences. Note that best universities are not necessarily found in big cities. Many German universities are trying to make a name for themselves in specific domains. To choose a university, a candidate can also refer to ranking.
To register in a German university , there are two options: either straight at the level of the institution you have chosen or via the Uni-assist organisation.
To know if your diplomas are accepted by the German university system, you can visit the anabin website. It shows equivalences between German and Cameroonian diplomas. If you are not satisfied, you can directly contact the university you have chosen. In every university there is a service in charge of the admission of foreign candidates.
At registration, you should fill in a form and forward copies of your diplomas duly certified by the Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany. In addition, you should send file study fees. For more information, contact the cooperation service (International Office/ Akademisches Auslandsamt) of the chosen university.
If the university is part of the Uni-assist network, the candidate’s file will necessarily pass through this organisation.
Germany: an exceptional university system
What characterises the German university system is its various types of institutes/faculties, its international certificates and the way studies are organised. Though Germany has adopted the international BMD (Bachelor-Master-Doctorate) system, the “Made in Germany” character of their certificates is maintained.
The existence of universities and research institutes guarantee quality in teaching and research.
In Germany, there are many types of institutions of higher education. Depending on the candidate’s objective, the target diploma and the series, the type of university can vary.
At registration, the candidate should objectively choose that meets his preferences.
- Classical Universities (Universität)
This type of university offers purely academic training. The university is the right place for research. Research centres where fundamental research is carried out are usually attached to universities. It is also in this type of institutes that one can prepare a Doctorate. In universities teaching and research are very close activities. Training leads both to professional life and to a university career. - Technical Universities (Technische Universität)
As their name goes, Technical Universities lay emphasis on technology and innovation domains. It is the best place for young people who are keen on scientific and technological invention. These universities work in collaboration with enterprises in the domains of medicine, economic sciences, etc. - Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule)
Constituting the highest number of institutions of higher education in Germany, the Fachhochschulen offer professional training. Even though learners receive fundamental courses, training still leads to job opportunities. That is the reason why these universities train up to the master’s level only. Thus some domains of study such as law and medicine are ruled out.
Art and theology colleges as well as some private universities also exist.
In Germany, most institutions of higher education are public. It doesn’t make a big difference if you are studying in a public or private university in terms of teaching quality. Tuition fees at private universities are higher than public universities.
In the traditional university system in Germany, it was possible to obtain the Magister Artium (M.A.) or Diplom according to the domains of study. These diplomas were generally obtained after 4 to 5 years of study.
The Bologna process and the BMD system lead to a change in issuing these traditional certificates. German universities now issue Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates.
It is important to note that in some series German traditional certificates are still in force. That is the case in domains such as teaching, health sciences and law where students obtain a state certificate (Staatsexamen).
Organisation of studies
First of all, it is good to know that in Germany self discipline and personal initiative are of utmost importance in university life.
International Programmes
Internationalising German universities is not only at the level of diplomas, but already in the teaching. In fact, many courses are done in English language. In this programmes, there are many possibilities for students to interact with students from other countries. International diplomas are issued. During their training students can travel abroad and even receive foreign lecturers.
At daad.de you can learn more about these programmes.
The young student is not only expected to be hardworking in class, but also he should have supplementary competence that will facilitate his integration and lead him to success in his studies. Intercultural competence, computer and internet knowledge are very important for studies and daily life in Germany.
Generally, the Bachelor lasts 6 semesters, the Master 4 semesters and the Doctorate 6 semesters.
