Part of a good education is learning to interact with cultures that are different from your own. If you’d like to expand your potential horizons in the international business world, a master’s degree in Germany may be able to jump start your career in a number of professional fields. A full degree program in Germany abroad may give you opportunities that a semester or single year abroad might not be able to offer. Enjoy the best of German culture while building potential advantages for a lifetime career.

Why Earn Your Degree in Germany?

Higher education in Germany is an important business. The oldest German university, Heidelberg University, was founded in 1386 and has been accepting students ever since.[i] Of all the potential destinations for international students, Germany is the third most popular choice.[ii] At German universities, nearly one out of every eight students is a foreign student.[iii] Many people choose to pursue a degree in Germany because of the strong reputation of the local universities in business, science, the arts, the humanities and other areas of study.

Local Strengths of German Business and Education

Germany is known for its strength in a number of global industries and businesses:[iv]

  • Automotive Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Medical Technology
  • Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals
  • Optics and Precision Engineering
  • Healthcare and Medical Technology
  • Environmental Technology
  • Green Energy

German culture is also famous worldwide for its focus on arts and humanities, as the birthplace of many famous composers, authors and artists. Whether your interest is in the STEM fields or an artistic degree involving music and literature, you can have the opportunity to learn things that may give you exciting options for future career developments.

Advantages of a Full Degree Program in Germany

Many international students choose to spend a year, a summer, a semester or even just a few weeks abroad. The best universities in Germany offer a range and depth of study options which you can enjoy to the fullest by enrolling in a complete degree program. By spending two, three or even four years at a German institution of higher education, you can give that extra European flair to your résumé, which may enhance the possibility of international employment in the long run. You may even be able to jumpstart an international business career by choosing a German degree. Some students might go on to local internships, training positions or other direct opportunities after they graduate with a master’s degree in Germany.

Do I Need German Language Skills?

Many people ask themselves this question: Do I need German language skills before I pursue a potential degree in Germany? The answer is: Not necessarily! Many German universities offer programs that are completely taught in English. Other programs are taught in a hybrid of English and German, often making the transition to the native language as you go through the process of completing the degree. If you don’t have pre-existing German language skills, you won’t necessarily be turned away from a program.

The best universities in Germany recognize that the language can be hard to learn from scratch, especially while students are also spending time on a complex degree in engineering, chemistry or another topic. According to the Foreign Service Institute, German is a Category II language, making it more difficult for native English speakers to learn than other common European languages such as: French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch or Swedish.[v] Language learning programs may make the process easier for you as you adapt to the German language and culture during your degree abroad.

Studying for a degree in Germany is more than just enjoying pretzels, beer gardens and brass bands. You can also get a world-class education that may make a real difference in enhancing your future career.