“Honey, which university in Germany are you planning to study at?”, “Germany has many good universities, which one is suitable for your major?”, “Germany is a developed country, and tuition is cheap, do you want to try your luck there?”.
Surely you have heard such questions from family and friends. The dream of studying in Germany is increasingly pursued by young Vietnamese people, but how to choose the most suitable university is a question that many people wonder about.
This article will provide you with effective tips for choosing a university in Germany, helping you confidently conquer your study abroad dream.
Understand Yourself and Your Study Abroad Goals
“Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated”. Before starting your journey to find a university in Germany, you need to take time to reflect on yourself, clearly identify your interests, abilities, and study abroad goals.
1. Identify Your Major and Areas of Interest
“Studying is a burden at first, but a lifelong asset”. Your major is the most important factor when choosing a university. What are you passionate about? What do you want to study? What career do you want to pursue in the future? Take time to research and find majors that match your interests, abilities, and career goals.
- Refer to university websites: Most universities in Germany have English websites, providing detailed information about majors, study programs, facilities, tuition fees, etc.
- Attend study abroad seminars and counseling sessions: This is an opportunity for you to access information from experts, answer questions about majors, universities, and study abroad procedures.
- Talk to people who have studied in Germany: They are a valuable source of information, sharing practical experiences to help you better understand the learning environment and life in Germany.
2. Assess Your German Language Proficiency
“Many drops make a stream”. Learning German is necessary for you to study at universities in Germany. You need to assess your German language proficiency to choose a suitable university.
- What is your German language level? What German language certificates have you obtained?
- Do you have enough time to learn German before studying abroad? Or can you learn German in Germany?
- Do you want to study in English or German programs?
3. Define Your Career and Personal Development Goals
“Birds that want to fly high must have wings”. Studying abroad is not just about getting a degree, but also an opportunity for you to develop yourself, improve your skills, expand your knowledge, and build a foundation for your career.
- Do you want to work in Germany or Vietnam after graduation?
- What field do you want to work in?
- What skills do you want to develop?
Explore the World of German Universities
After understanding yourself, you are ready to explore the higher education system in Germany.
1. Classify Universities in Germany
“Better to learn from friends than from a wise man”. The higher education system in Germany is very diverse and can be classified according to many criteria:
- Type of university: Public universities, private universities, technical universities, art universities, business universities…
- Level of study: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD…
- Field of study: Natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, arts, medicine…
2. Learn About Universities
“Choose friends carefully and teachers even more so”. To learn about a university in Germany, you can refer to the following sources of information:
- University website: The university website is the most accurate and complete source of information about majors, study programs, facilities, tuition fees, admission policies, and university activities.
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) website: DAAD is the leading organization supporting study in Germany, providing information about universities, scholarship programs, and study abroad procedures.
- Study abroad forums: This is a place to share experiences and useful information from people who have studied and are studying in Germany.
- Study abroad newspapers and magazines: Provide information about universities, majors, and study abroad trends in Germany.
3. Connect with International Students
“Water flows to low places”. Interacting with international students studying in Germany is an effective way for you to better understand life, study, and German culture.
- Join forums and Facebook groups for international students in Germany: This is where you can ask questions, share information, and connect with like-minded people.
- Attend meetups and exchanges with international students in Vietnam: Study abroad organizations often organize meetups and exchanges to help you connect with international students, exchange experiences, and learn about life in Germany.
Choosing the Right University: Tips for Vietnamese Students
“A man’s word should be as good as his bond”. Choosing the right university is the most important step in your journey to study in Germany. Here are some tips for you:
1. Prioritize Public Universities
“Tall trees catch much wind”. Public universities in Germany often have high-quality education, modern facilities, low tuition fees, and many scholarship opportunities.
2. Choose a University Suitable for Your Major and Goals
“Choose gold carefully before you give it away”. You need to choose a university that has a major that matches your interests, abilities, and career goals.
- Study the university’s curriculum carefully: Is the curriculum suitable for your needs and desires?
- Do the university’s facilities meet your requirements?
- What are the job opportunities after graduating from the university?
3. Choose a University with English Programs
“Victory belongs to the most persevering”. If your German language proficiency is not sufficient to study in a German program, you can choose an English program.
- The number of English programs is increasing in Germany: You have more choices in finding a suitable university.
- Learning English is easier than German: You can master knowledge, improve your English skills, and prepare for life in Germany.
4. Verify Information About Admission Policies
“A long road tests a horse’s strength”. You need to carefully study the university’s admission policies to know the requirements for academic qualifications, language certificates, and application procedures.
- Academic requirements: Does the university require a GPA, university entrance exam score?
- Language certificates: What German language certificate do you need?
- Application procedures: What documents are needed to apply?
- Application deadline: When do you need to submit your application?
5. Seek Advice from Experts
“Jack of all trades, master of none”. Listen to advice from study abroad experts to get advice, guidance, and support in the university selection process.
- Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van A, Hanoi University of Science and Technology: “Studying in Germany is the shortest path for you to achieve your career goals. Choose a university that suits your abilities, and try your best in your studies.”
- Dr. Nguyen Thi B, Study Abroad Consultant: “Choosing the right university is the first important step on the path to studying in Germany. Research information carefully, seek advice from experts, and choose a university that suits you.”
Refer to Some Famous Universities in Germany
“Constant dripping wears away the stone”. Here are some famous universities in Germany, chosen by many Vietnamese students:
- Humboldt University of Berlin: One of the most prestigious universities in Germany, offering multidisciplinary training, especially in social sciences and humanities.
- University of Munich (LMU Munich): Highly regarded for natural sciences, engineering, and medicine.
- Heidelberg University: One of the oldest universities in Germany, with a tradition of excellent training in science, medicine, and law.
- University of Freiburg: Famous for computer science, information technology, and natural sciences.
- University of Bonn: Famous for social sciences, political science, and economics.
Advice for Vietnamese Students Studying Abroad
“To learn and not to think is labor lost; to think and not to learn is perilous.”. Studying in Germany is a journey full of challenges and opportunities. Prepare carefully, be confident, and be ready to face difficulties to achieve success.
- Seek information from many sources: Don’t rely on just one source of information, seek advice from many people, and draw the most suitable choices for yourself.
- Learn German: German is the key for you to integrate into life in Germany, communicate with locals, and study more effectively.
- Be proactive: Be proactive in finding information, interacting with locals, and participating in social activities to expand your knowledge, improve your skills, and build relationships.
- Believe in yourself: You can absolutely succeed in your study abroad journey in Germany, believe in your abilities, and constantly strive to achieve your goals.
Conclusion
Choosing a university in Germany is an important decision that directly affects your future. Take time to research, learn carefully, and choose the university that best suits you. Remember that studying in Germany is not just about getting a degree, but also an opportunity for you to explore the world, develop yourself, and create values for yourself and society.
Leave a comment below the article if you have any questions about how to choose a university in Germany. Or contact us via phone number: 0372888889. We are ready to support you on your study abroad journey.