Germany is an economically and technologically advanced country in Europe that is popular among international students for the world-class quality of its academic institutions for higher education.
German education is characterized by its practice-oriented approach which aims to train students and make them industry-ready by the time they graduate. The state also subsidizes higher education in the country, meaning local and international students can study for little to no fees.
Listed below are the five best subjects to study in the country and some useful insights about their programs. If you want to travel to Germany to kickstart your academic journey, this article will be of great help to you in deciding what to study and where to enroll!
Top Courses to Study in Germany for International Students
1. Fine Arts
Germany is the home of numerous art museums and galleries displaying the works of famous German artists such as Paul Klee, Albrecht Durer, and Emil Nolde. The German capital, Berlin, is internationally recognized as one of the world’s most artistic cities and is a top destination for art collectors, enthusiasts, and art students around the world. Fine Arts is an excellent subject if you are planning to study in Germany. Getting a fine arts degree in Germany would allow you to personally view and seek inspiration from different artistic creations and styles that sprung from German art movements, as well as the works of contemporary German artists and modern street art.
The German government also provides a lot of funding and support to the creative industry and aspiring young artists and art students. Fine art students in German universities gain theoretical and practical knowledge and are provided with several opportunities to display their works for public viewing, expand their connections, and gain relevant professional experience in the German art scene.
Some of the top universities for studying fine arts in Germany are the University of Stuttgart, RWTH Aachen University, Technical University of Darmstadt, and the Free University of Berlin.
2. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering degrees in Germany are internationally recognized and graduates of the field are highly sought-after by companies around the world. Germany is a global leader in innovation and technology and skills in mechanical engineering are essential in the design, development, and production of high-end machinery. Since it is a highly technical and specialized field, mechanical engineers are also among the highest-paid professionals in the country.
Programs in mechanical engineering provide students with solid knowledge of physics, chemistry, and mathematics and strong analytical and technical skills to meet the needs of different companies and manufacturing firms. Students work in state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with the most advanced tools and technologies under the supervision of academic and industry experts.
Some of the leading German universities known for providing world-class mechanical engineering degrees include Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Leibniz University of Hannover, Dresden University of Technology, and the Technical University of Munich.
3. Business
Germany has the strongest economy in Europe and is also ranked as the best country in the world for startups. The German government is extremely supportive of the business sector, providing financial aid and easier access to loans to help new and small businesses stay afloat during the global pandemic. The country has a flourishing startup ecosystem as well as a thriving presence of small and large businesses and multinational corporations where business students can visit or take their internships and universities can collaborate in conducting research and industry-based projects.
Business programs in Germany are in high demand as business schools in Germany are known for their multidisciplinary and practice-oriented approach to business education. Universities provide several opportunities for professional and international exposure through internships, training, and exchange programs for students to develop their communication and leadership skills, build their networks, and expand their career prospects.
Among the German universities that offer the best business programs are the University of Mannheim, the University of Hamburg, the Technical University of Berlin, and the University of Cologne.
4. Medicine
Medical schools in Germany rank among the best in Europe and the world due to their excellent medical programs. The majority of the universities in the country offer tuition-free education for German and foreign students alike, and since medicine is an expensive course to take in most countries, the high quality and affordability of medical education in Germany attracts numerous aspiring doctors and healthcare practitioners across the globe. International graduates from German medical schools are also allowed to stay in the country to practice their professions and pursue further specialization studies.
German medical schools are known for having modern facilities and high-tech laboratories with the most advanced equipment for conducting medical research. Students gain a strong theoretical foundation in medicine which they will need to apply during training and internship in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities.
Some of the best medical schools in Germany are Heidelberg University, Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich, Eberhard Karl University of Tubingen, Humboldt University of Berlin, and the University of Hamburg.
5. Humanities
Another area of study that Germany excels in is the humanities, which focuses on different aspects of society, culture, human behavior, and factors affecting human decisions. 5 of Germany’s leading universities appeared in the latest ranking of the world’s top colleges for humanities. Humanities degrees are known for providing a wide range of career options, and with Germany’s stable economy and low unemployment rate, immense job opportunities are guaranteed to welcome humanities students after graduation.
Humanities programs in Germany aim to provide strong theoretical knowledge and an in-depth understanding of different social phenomena, develop students’ analytical and critical thinking as they study the social, moral, and aesthetic factors that influence human behavior, and encourage creativity and problem-solving in addressing social issues. Students are also encouraged to participate in exchange programs and internships abroad for them to gain a global perspective in the humanities.
Among the universities that offer the best humanities programs in Germany are the Heidelberg University, the University of Potsdam, the University of Munster, and the University of Cologne.
We hope that this article was helpful. Make sure to check out these available programs to find out the countless educational possibilities that await in Germany! Also, don’t forget to explore our Study in Germany page for valuable insights to help you start your international studies!
