Is Studying Engineering in Germany Worth It?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations and challenges of studying engineering in Germany, focusing on the quality of education, living conditions, legal aspects of working while studying, and the language requirements for foreign students. It encompasses both theoretical and practical aspects of pursuing an engineering degree in Germany.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the quality of engineering studies in Germany is high due to the strong foundations of the German industry.
  • There is a query about the best and most reasonable universities for engineering, with a reference to the TU9 universities.
  • Participants express varying opinions on the difficulty of studying in Germany, indicating it largely depends on individual effort and engagement.
  • The cost of living is noted to vary by region, with some suggesting that Eastern Germany is particularly affordable for students.
  • There is uncertainty regarding the legality of working while studying, especially for non-EU students, with some suggesting that it may depend on visa conditions.
  • Evening courses are mentioned, but it is noted that engineering programs are typically full-time, with schedules varying by institution.
  • Some participants assert that German engineering degrees are well-regarded by employers outside of Germany, although this may be influenced by the quality of students who study abroad.
  • The necessity of understanding German for undergraduate studies is emphasized, with a suggestion that proficiency in the language is also beneficial for daily life.
  • A question is raised about the duration of bachelor and master studies in Germany.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the high quality of engineering education in Germany and the importance of the German language for studying. However, there are multiple competing views regarding the difficulty of studies, cost of living, and the legalities of working while studying, leaving some aspects of the discussion unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific details on visa regulations for non-EU students and the variability in university experiences based on personal effort and institutional differences.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective students considering engineering programs in Germany, particularly those from foreign countries, may find this discussion relevant.

y=x^2
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I am pondering an idea of studying engineering in Germany. Considering the German industry it seems that engineering science has strong foundations there, so it seems reasonable to assume the quality of studies is high.

What unis are the best? Which are the most reasonable?
How hard is studying in Germany?
How high is the cost of living?
Is it legal to have a job while one is enrolled in higher education?
Courses in evening lectures?

What's the standpoint on foreigners with German education from an employers point of view?

What about the language barrier? I'm thinking about studying the language and maths on my own this year and apply for 2012/2013.


If it matters, I'm finishing a bachelor in economics this summer. Also I'm a EU citizen (Lithuanian), 22 years of old lol.
 
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y=x^2 said:
I am pondering an idea of studying engineering in Germany. Considering the German industry it seems that engineering science has strong foundations there, so it seems reasonable to assume the quality of studies is high.
It works rather differently in Germany than in the US. At least before the Bachelor/Master system, you were basically left on your own, and to a large degree it was up to you how much and what you do.

What unis are the best? Which are the most reasonable?
The level of the different universities in Germany is generally very similar. Note, however, that not all universities offer engineering programs. You might want to go to one of those ones:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TU9

How hard is studying in Germany?
As hard as you make it. It's up to you. As with general university education: As long as you keep track of the lectures and do all your homework (yourself!) you'll be fine.

How high is the cost of living?
Depends on the region; generally it is lower than in most other countries. Eastern Germany is one of the cheapest places to live in the whole western world, and it's even cheaper for students (say, if you'd study at the TU Dresden, you could probably get a 30m^2 flat near the campus for 250 EUR per month, with very cheap and very good food at the mensa etc.)

Is it legal to have a job while one is enrolled in higher education?
For Germans: Yes.
For non-EU foreign students: May depend on your visa. I don't know. However, as far as I know from my coworkers, the German visa process is very simple compared to many other countries.

Courses in evening lectures?
Sometimes. But generally, engineering programs are full time. Even regular lectures might be spread all over the week, from the early morning to the late afternoon. Depends on the local customs.

What's the standpoint on foreigners with German education from an employers point of view?
As far as I know, German engineering programs are highly regarded outside of Germany. Mainly due to selection bias: Usually, only good students work abroad.

What about the language barrier? I'm thinking about studying the language and maths on my own this year and apply for 2012/2013.
You will need to understand German in order to study in Germany at undergrad level. A decend command of the German language is also very helpful in everyday life, but for undergrad it is mandatory as most courses will be held in German.

If it matters, I'm finishing a bachelor in economics this summer. Also I'm a EU citizen (Lithuanian), 22 years of old lol.
Great :). If you are an EU citizen, I think there will be no serious restrictions, apart from possibly the language barrier.
 
How long do the studies last in Germany? For bachelor and then for masters?
 

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