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Studying abroad ✈ The best Information and Tips
Studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to broaden one's cultural and academic horizons. For many students, it is a chance not only to explore new subjects and teaching methods, but also to gain valuable intercultural experience that broadens personal and professional perspectives. In this article, we highlight the key steps and considerations for planning a study abroad program and provide valuable tips for making the most of this exciting and enriching experience.
Requirements for studying abroad
To study abroad, various requirements must be met. These often depend on the destination country, the university and the study program. Here are some of the most important requirements:
- Language skills: Many universities require proof of language skills in the language of instruction. For English-language programs, a language test such as TOEFL or IELTS is often necessary, while other countries require specific language certificates (e.g. DELF for French).
- University entrance qualification: As in your home country, you will also need a university entrance qualification abroad, e.g. a high school diploma or a comparable school leaving certificate. Some countries or universities have special requirements regarding the choice of subjects or grade point average.
- Application documents: The typical documents include the school-leaving certificate, a letter of motivation, letters of recommendation from teachers and, if applicable, a résumé. Some universities also require applicants to pass an admission procedure or specific aptitude tests.
- Visa: Depending on the destination country, international students may need a visa. This often has to be applied for before departure and requires certain documents such as a confirmation of admission and proof of financial resources.
- Financial resources: Students must prove that they can cover the costs of tuition, accommodation and living expenses abroad. This can be done through their own resources, scholarships or student loans.
- Health insurance: In many countries, proof of valid health insurance is a requirement for enrollment. It is important to clarify in advance whether your own insurance is valid in the destination country or whether you need to take out special international health insurance.
- Confirmation of admission: As a rule, you must be able to present a letter of admission from the university before entering the destination country. This is issued after a successful application.
The exact requirements can vary depending on the country and the university, which is why it is advisable to find out about the specific requirements of the respective study program at an early stage.
Studying Abroad: Pros And Cons
The following table provides a clear overview of the pros and cons of studying abroad.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Gaining international experience | High costs for tuition and living |
| Improving language skills | Bureaucratic hurdles (e.g. visa, health insurance) |
| Getting to know new cultures | Possible language barriers |
| Expansion of professional network | Homesickness and cultural adjustment difficulties |
| Personal development | Differences in the education system |
| Access to new teaching methods and perspectives | Limited availability of university places |
| Increase in career opportunities | Possible difficulties in getting degrees recognized |
If you are looking for alternatives to studying abroad, then please feel free to visit our pages on Semester Abroad, Internship Abroad, Language Trips and the more general overview page on Staying Abroad.
To the Overview Page of the GuideWhat do you need to consider when studying abroad?
When studying abroad, there are various aspects that you should carefully consider in order to ensure the best possible success and a smooth experience. Here are the most important points for you to consider:
Options for Studying abroad
There are several options for studying abroad, depending on your goals and the duration of your stay:
- Full degree: You enroll directly at a foreign university and complete your entire studies abroad, including your degree.
- Exchange programs: Programs like Erasmus+ allow you to study abroad for one or two semesters and have the credits you earn transferred back to your home university.
- Dual degree: some universities offer programs where you study at two universities (one of them abroad) and receive two degrees at the end.
- Language courses or summer schools: short programs that focus on improving language skills or specific subject areas.
DID YOU KNOW THAT?
A semester abroad is included in the Bachelor's or Master's program at MBS, and dual degrees are easily possible in the Master's program.
Choice of Country
The host country has a huge influence on your studies abroad. Some factors to consider when deciding:
- Education system: Every country has different education systems and study structures. Find out about the differences and how the degree will be recognized internationally.
- Cost: Tuition fees and living costs vary greatly from country to country. While some countries (e.g. Germany, Norway) charge no or low tuition fees, others (e.g. USA, Australia) can be very expensive.
- Quality of life: In addition to the academic side, you should also consider the quality of life, security and cultural aspects of the country.
Choice of Language
The language of instruction is crucial and influences not only your studies but also your everyday life abroad:
- Studying in German: In countries such as Austria, Switzerland and partly also in Belgium, you can study in German. This can be an advantage if you already have a good knowledge of German.
- Studying in English: English-language programs are available worldwide, even in non-English-speaking countries. English-language programs are particularly popular in the Netherlands, Scandinavia and Asia.
- Local language: If you decide to study in the local language (e.g. Spanish, French), this can enable deeper cultural integration, but often requires good language skills. It can be helpful to take language courses before you start your studies.
Studying without a High School Diploma abroad
In many countries, there are alternative ways to gain access to university, even without the German high school diploma. However, the requirements and options differ depending on the country and university:
- USA and Canada: In North America, you can often study without a high school diploma, especially at community colleges. After two years at a community college, you can transfer to a university to complete a Bachelor's degree.
- Great Britain: Here there are so-called “foundation” programs that last a year and serve as preparation for regular studies. With a technical college entrance qualification or professional qualification, you can also qualify for these programs in some cases.
- Australia and New Zealand: Preparatory courses are also available here to prepare students without a high school diploma for study, or alternative routes to entry via work experience.
- Netherlands: Degree programs are also offered here through so-called “Hogescholen” and often have less formal requirements.
In any case, it is important to check the specific requirements of the respective university carefully, as they can often vary from program to program.
Studying abroad requires careful planning and a thorough examination of your options. The choice of country, language and study program has a significant influence on the success of the endeavor. Even without a high school diploma, there are opportunities to take up studies in many countries, which means that this option can be open to a wide target group. It is important to be well informed about the respective requirements and to complete the necessary formalities at an early stage.
Financing Studying abroad
Financing a study abroad program is one of the biggest challenges for many students. However, there are various ways to finance a study abroad program, which vary depending on the destination country, study program and personal circumstances. Here are the main options:
Scholarships
Scholarships are one of the best ways to finance a study abroad program, as they usually do not have to be paid back. There are a variety of scholarship programs:
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): The DAAD offers numerous scholarships for German students who want to study abroad, both for semester stays and for complete degree programs.
- Erasmus+: Students who spend a semester or year in another European country through the Erasmus+ program can receive financial support. The amount of funding varies depending on the destination country.
- Country-specific scholarships: Many countries offer special scholarship programs for international students, such as the Fulbright Scholarship for the United States or the Chevening Scholarships for the United Kingdom.
- University Scholarships: Some foreign universities offer scholarships to international students based on either academic merit or financial need.
Foreign BAföG
For German students who want to go abroad, there is the possibility to apply for Auslands-BAföG. This differs in some ways from the regular domestic BAföG:
- Grants for studying abroad: In addition to the regular BAföG benefits, there are grants for travel costs, tuition fees (up to a certain maximum amount) and insurance.
- Taking into account the cost of living in the destination country: Since the cost of living is higher in some countries, this is taken into account accordingly in the Auslands-BAföG.
One advantage of BAföG for students studying abroad is that even students who do not receive BAföG in Germany may be entitled to BAföG for their studies abroad, as the assessment thresholds are higher.
Student loans
If scholarships and BAföG are not enough, student loans can be a useful addition to your financing options:
- KfW Student Loan: The KfW offers low-interest loans for students that can also be used for studying abroad. Repayment only begins after graduation.
- Education funds and private loans: There are also special education funds or private loans that can be used to finance studies abroad. However, it should be noted that interest rates and conditions can vary greatly.
Part-time jobs abroad
Many students finance part of their studies abroad through part-time jobs. However, it is important to be aware of the regulations in the respective host country:
- Visa requirements: In some countries, such as the USA or Australia, there are restrictions on how many hours per week international students are allowed to work. Find out about job opportunities and visa requirements in good time.
- Student jobs at universities: Universities often offer jobs on campus, for example in libraries, administration or tutoring. These jobs can often be easily combined with your studies.
Cost reduction through exchange programs
A major advantage of exchange programs such as Erasmus+ is that you remain enrolled at your home university and only pay the local tuition fees there – often the (higher) tuition fees of the foreign university are waived. This can significantly reduce costs.
Scholarships from foundations and organizations
There are a variety of foundations and organizations that offer scholarships for staying abroad. Examples are:
- Party-affiliated foundations: Heinrich Böll Foundation, Friedrich Ebert Foundation and Konrad Adenauer Foundation are party-affiliated foundations offer scholarships for students who are politically or socially active.
- Organizations for the promotion of young talent: Organizations such as the German National Academic Foundation support talented students with scholarships for staying abroad.
Financial Planning and Budget
Financial planning is crucial for the success of a study abroad program. You should calculate all costs that may arise, including
- Tuition fees: These vary greatly from country to country. In some countries (e.g. Germany or Norway), fees are low or even free of charge, while in others (e.g. the USA or Australia), they can be very high.
- Cost of living: The costs for rent, food and transportation can also vary greatly. It is important to find out in advance about the average cost of living in the destination country.
- Insurance: International students often have to take out health insurance in the destination country. Other types of insurance, such as liability or accident insurance, may also be necessary.
- Travel costs: Return flights and any travel in the destination country should also be included in the budget.
Conclusion
Financing a study abroad program requires good preparation and the combination of several financing options. Scholarships, BAföG, loans and part-time jobs provide a solid basis for covering the costs. It is important to start planning early and to find out about the various options in order to avoid financial hurdles and to make your studies abroad a success.
If you are looking for more information on the topic of financing your studies, please feel free to visit our pages on Study Scholarships, Student Loans and the more general overview page on Study Funding.
To the Overview Page of the GuideTips and tricks for
studying abroad
Tips and tricks for studying abroad
| Start planning early | Begin planning at least a year in advance to ensure that you meet all deadlines. |
|---|---|
| Research your study options | Find out everything you can about universities, study programs and country requirements. |
| Improve your language skills | Prepare yourself linguistically, either through language courses or self-study. |
| Organize your visa and documents | Apply for your visa and make sure that you have all the necessary documents prepared (passport, insurance, etc.). |
| Clarify financing | Check out various financing options such as scholarships, BAföG or loans. |
| Look for accommodation early on | Secure accommodation in good time, either through the university or private providers. |
| Networking and social contacts | Make contacts with other students and locals early on to settle in faster. |
| Cultural openness | Be open to new cultures and ways of life to get the most out of your stay. |
| Check health care coverage | Find out about health insurance and medical care in the destination country. |
| Inform your home university | Clarify in advance which courses and achievements can be credited. |
| Have a financial reserve | Put aside a nest egg for unforeseen expenses such as travel or medical emergencies. |
| Travel in the host country | Take the opportunity to explore the host country and surrounding countries. |
| Organize your daily life | Find out about public transportation, shopping and local customs. |
| Have emergency contacts ready | Make a list of important contacts (embassy, hospitals, insurance companies). |
| Cultural preparation | Find out about the cultural particularities of the destination country to avoid putting your foot in it. |
How do you find a study abroad program?
Finding a study abroad program requires careful research and planning. Here are the most important steps to finding a suitable study abroad program.
Overview: How to find a Study Abroad Program
This graphic shows the most important steps for finding a study-abroad program.
Explanation: How to find a Study Abroad Program
Finding a study abroad program requires a clear objective and thorough research. With the right platforms, advice and networks, you can find a suitable study program and successfully start abroad.
Clarify your goals and desires
Before you begin your search, you should define your personal and academic goals:
- Field of study: What subject would you like to study?
- Destination country: In which country would you like to study? Take into account cultural preferences, language skills and quality of life.
- Duration of study: Would you like to complete a full course of study abroad or just go abroad for a semester or a year?
Use online platforms and databases
There are numerous platforms and search engines to help you find suitable study programs abroad:
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): The DAAD database offers a wide selection of courses worldwide and provides information on study programs, scholarships and requirements.
- Studyportals: Websites like Study.eu or Bachelorsportal.com offer a wide range of international bachelor's and master's programs. You can filter by country, field of study and language.
- Erasmus+: If you are studying in Europe, you can find out about the Erasmus+ program, which promotes exchange between universities.
Visit university websites
Many universities have special pages for international students. Here you can find:
- Information about available courses of study
- application requirements for international students
- tuition fees and scholarship offers
- practical information on entry and visa formalities
Checking scholarships and financing options
Financing is an important factor when studying abroad. There are various scholarships and funding programs specifically for international students:
- DAAD Scholarships: The DAAD offers scholarships for German students who want to go abroad.
- Erasmus+: Promotes student exchange within Europe and offers financial support.
- Special university scholarships: Many universities abroad offer special scholarships for international students based on academic performance or financial need.
Use fairs and advice
Direct contact with experts and university representatives can also be helpful:
- Education fairs: There are numerous fairs that focus on international study opportunities, such as the Horizon Fair or the IEC Study Abroad Fair. Here you can meet university representatives and get information directly.
- Advice centers: Many universities have international offices or special advice centers that can help you find a study abroad program.
Networks and experience reports
Talking to other students who have already studied abroad can provide valuable insights:
- Alumni networks: Many universities have alumni groups where you can get advice and tips.
- Forums and social media: Platforms such as Reddit, Facebook groups or special forums for students offer a wealth of experience reports and recommendations.
Prepare for the application process
Once you have found a suitable study program, the next step is to apply:
- Application documents: typical documents include certificates, letters of recommendation, a letter of motivation and language certificates (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS).
- Note deadlines: pay attention to the application deadlines, which are often a few months before the start of the course.
- Visa and accommodation: plan well in advance to apply for a visa and find accommodation.
If you are looking for more information about the study scholarship, please feel free to visit our page:
More about the Study Scholarships
Which is better: Studying Abroad or a Semester Abroad?
This table shows the main differences between a full study abroad and a shorter semester abroad.
| Criterion | Studies abroad | Semesters abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Several years (full degree) | 3-12 months |
| Costs | Higher overall costs due to longer stay | Lower costs due to shorter stay |
| Academic recognition | Degree awarded in host country, international degree | Credits often transferred back to home university |
| Integration in host country | Greater cultural and social integration | Shorter time to cultural integration |
| Language | Better language skills required and possible | Basic language skills sufficient |
| Application effort | High application and organizational effort | Less effort, often through exchange programs |
| Personal development | In-depth personal development through long-term stay | Good opportunity for personal development, but less intensive |
| Career opportunities | Greater career opportunities through international degree | Improved career opportunities through international experience |
If you are looking for more information about the semester abroad, please visit our page:
More on the Semester AbroadRecognition of Studies Abroad
Recognition of studies abroad is an important aspect of ensuring that the academic achievements and degrees obtained abroad are also recognized in the home country or internationally. Here are the most important points to consider:
Degree recognition
The recognition of a complete degree abroad depends heavily on the education system of the respective country and the guidelines of the home university or employer:
- EU countries: In the European Union, the Bologna system ensures a high degree of harmonization of degrees in most European countries. A bachelor's or master's degree obtained in an EU country is usually recognized in other EU countries.
- Non-EU countries: In other countries such as the US, Canada or Australia, the recognition process must be checked individually depending on the subject and institution. Sometimes it may be necessary to obtain additional certification or qualifications for the degree to be recognized in the home country.
- Degrees in regulated professions: If you want to work in a regulated profession such as medicine, law or engineering, you need to make sure that the degree you obtained abroad meets the national standards of your home country. This may require special examinations or recognition procedures.
Recognition of academic achievements (ECTS system)
If you are only studying abroad for one or two semesters, it is important that your achievements there are recognized by your home university:
- ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System): The ECTS system is used within the EU and some partner countries, making it easier to transfer academic achievements. Credits you earn abroad can often be transferred to your home university if there is an agreement to do so.
- Learning Agreement: If you are going abroad through an exchange program such as Erasmus+, you should complete a “Learning Agreement” with your home university in advance. This agreement determines which courses you will take abroad and how they will be credited.
Recognition procedures in Germany
In Germany, the following important institutions and procedures exist for the recognition of foreign degrees:
- ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education): This office evaluates foreign university degrees and determines the extent to which they are equivalent to German degrees. In particular, the ZAB's evaluation is often required for regulated professions.
- Anabin database: The Anabin database provides information on how degrees from different countries are recognized in Germany. It can be helpful when planning a study abroad.
Cooperation programs
If you enroll through exchange programs such as Erasmus+ or through university partnerships, your academic achievements are often recognized in advance through corresponding agreements. Many universities have direct partnerships with foreign universities, which simplifies the recognition process.
Documentation
To make it easier to get your academic achievements or degree recognized, you should pay attention to the following documents:
- Degree certificates and transcripts: These often have to be submitted with a certified translation and an apostille (a form of international certification).
- Module descriptions: Detailed module descriptions and contents help your home university or relevant authority to check the recognition of your academic achievements.
- Language certificates: In some cases, you may need to provide language certificates to prove that you have understood the course content.
Conclusion
Recognition of academic achievements and degrees abroad is a complex process that varies depending on the destination country, field of study and university. Thorough planning, gathering information and involving your home university are crucial to ensure that your achievements are recognized.
Studying Abroad Checklist
The following checklist covers the most important points for successfully planning and completing your studies abroad. Here is a checklist for studying abroad to make sure you don't forget anything important:
| Task | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Set goals | Determine your field of study and your destination country | |
| Select a university and program | Research deadlines and programs | |
| Clarify financing | Check out scholarships, BAföG or loans | |
| Prepare application documents | Prepare certificates, letters of motivation and language certificates | |
| Improve language skills | Attend language courses or study on your own | |
| Apply for a visa | Apply for a visa and the required documents in good time | |
| Organize accommodation | look for an apartment or student residence early on | |
| Sort out health insurance | take out international health insurance or sort out coverage | |
| Book flights | Book flights in good time | |
| Make and keep copies of important documents | Make copies of passport, visas, insurance documents | |
| Health care (vaccinations) | Check vaccinations and get any necessary boosters | |
| Create financial reserves | Prepare for an emergency fund with a credit card or bank account | |
| Create a packing list | Pack everything important (clothing, electronics, documents) | |
| Administrative formalities after arrival | Register with the authorities and take out insurance in the host country | |
| Open a bank account | Open a local bank account (if necessary) | |
| Organize your studies | Choose courses and create a timetable | |
| Cultural integration | Attend cultural events and language courses | |
| Save emergency contacts | Save emergency numbers and embassy contacts | |
| Travel and explore | Explore the host country, plan your travels | |
| Network | Make contacts with locals and students | |
| Regular communication with your home university | Ensure credit transfer and recognition | |
| Ensure recognition of academic achievements | Make sure you have all the documents you need | |
| Cancel registration with the authorities before your return journey | Cancel registration with the authorities and cancel insurance policies | |
| Plan your return journey | Organize flights and transportation in good time | |
| Have academic achievements credited after your return | Report academic achievements to your home university | |
| Write an experience report | Write an experience report for your scholarship provider or program |
FAQ
Yes, you can remain registered in Germany while you study abroad, but it depends on the duration of your stay. If you are abroad for more than six months, it may be necessary to deregister. It is advisable to check with your local registration office to ensure that you comply with the law.
Yes, you can do your master's abroad. Many universities worldwide offer master's programs for international students. It is important that you meet the admission requirements of the respective university and check whether the degree will be recognized in your home country.
The costs for studies abroad vary greatly depending on the country, university and living expenses. In some countries, such as Germany or Norway, tuition fees are low or free of charge, while in other countries, such as the USA, Australia or the UK, they can amount to several thousand euros per year. In addition, there are living expenses, which also vary depending on the region.
Yes, you can study abroad full-time by enrolling at a foreign university for a complete course of study and graduating there.
The best places to study abroad depend on your personal preferences, study goals and budget. Popular countries such as the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia and Germany are attractive because they offer excellent universities and a wide range of study options. Countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden and New Zealand are also attractive because of their high educational standards and quality of life.
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