Studying engineering in Germany

[y=x^2]

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.

 

[cgk]

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 Langauge barrier.

 

[AlephZero]

A general article about foreign students in Germany:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12610268

 

[y=x^2]

How long do the studies last in Germany? For bachelor and then for masters?

 

[rezeew]

I can say that studying engineering in Germany is a great idea. Germany has a strong reputation for its engineering industry and the quality of engineering studies is indeed high. In terms of universities, the best ones for engineering are Technische Universität München, RWTH Aachen University, and Technical University of Berlin. These universities have a strong focus on engineering and offer excellent programs with practical experience. As for reasonable universities, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and goals. I recommend researching and comparing different universities to find the best fit for you.

Studying in Germany can be challenging, but also very rewarding. The education system is rigorous and requires dedication, but the support and resources provided by universities make it manageable. As for the cost of living, it can vary depending on the city and your lifestyle. Generally, it is more affordable compared to other European countries, but it is always a good idea to budget and plan accordingly.

As an EU citizen, you are legally allowed to work while enrolled in higher education in Germany. However, keep in mind that your studies should always be your main priority and that working too many hours can affect your academic performance. It is important to find a balance between work and studies.

Some universities do offer courses in the evening, but it may not be available for all subjects. It is best to check with the specific university and program you are interested in to see if they offer evening lectures.

From an employer's standpoint, having a German education can be highly beneficial. Germany is known for its strong engineering industry and having a degree from a reputable German university can make you a desirable candidate for many companies.

Regarding the language barrier, it is important to have a good understanding of German if you plan on studying in Germany. While some universities may offer courses in English, it is still beneficial to have a basic knowledge of the language for daily life and interactions with locals. It is great that you are considering studying the language and maths on your own before applying, as it will give you a head start and make the transition to studying in Germany smoother.

Overall, studying engineering in Germany is a great choice and can open up many opportunities for your future career. With dedication and hard work, you can have a successful and fulfilling experience studying in this country. Good luck with your studies!