How to Get Into German Universities With LOW GRADES

Everything about Studying in Germany

10 Aug 202407:21

Summary

TLDRThis video offers strategies for students with lower grades to enter German universities, highlighting open admission programs in natural sciences and engineering. It suggests applying during the summer semester for less competition and emphasizes the importance of learning German to boost profiles. The video also recommends considering universities of applied sciences and smaller cities for lower entry requirements, and advises on improving application quality with a strong motivation letter, relevant experiences, and letters of recommendation.

Takeaways

🎓 Certain universities and degree programs in Germany are more accessible to students with lower grades, especially those with open admission ('zulassungsfrei').
🔬 Programs in natural sciences and engineering often don't have strict admission requirements, allowing students to prove themselves through university performance.
📅 Applying for summer semesters can increase your chances of acceptance, as there's typically less competition and less strict admission requirements.
🇩🇪 Learning German can significantly boost your profile, especially if you're applying with lower grades. German proficiency is valued by universities and later in the job market.
🏫 Universities of Applied Sciences ('Fachhochschule') in Germany are generally more accessible to students with lower grades, often requiring entrance exams and strong letters of motivation.
🌍 Private universities in Germany may have flexible admission criteria, focusing more on motivation, interviews, and personal attributes rather than grades.
🔎 Researching and applying to lesser-known universities or programs in smaller cities can increase your chances of acceptance due to lower competition.
✍️ A strong letter of motivation is crucial for students with lower grades, as it demonstrates passion and alignment with career goals.
📜 Including letters of recommendation and showcasing relevant internships, projects, and extracurricular activities can strengthen your application.
🏆 The quality of education in German universities is consistently high, regardless of the university's location or ranking, so don't overlook smaller institutions.

Q & A

Is it possible to get into German universities with low grades?
-Yes, it is possible to get into German universities with low grades, especially through programs that have open admission and do not have strict admission requirements.
What does 'zulassungsfrei' mean in the context of German universities?
-'Zulassungsfrei' means that the degree program has open admission, allowing anyone with a higher education entrance qualification to join without specific grade requirements.
Why are natural sciences and engineering degrees more likely to have open admission?
-Natural sciences and engineering degrees are more likely to have open admission because they often give everyone a chance to prove themselves based on their university performance rather than prior grades.
What is a strategy for increasing the chances of university admission for those with lower grades?
-One strategy is to apply for summer semesters, which typically have less competition and may have less strict admission requirements.
Why is learning proper German important for university admission and the job market in Germany?
-Learning proper German is important because it boosts a student's profile, showing effort and commitment, and is beneficial for both university admission and later job opportunities in Germany.
What is the recommended German language level for English-taught programs in Germany?
-For English-taught programs, aiming for at least the A2 level of German is recommended, while for German-taught programs, reaching B2 or C1 is advised depending on the requirements.
What is the University of Applied Sciences known as in Germany?
-The University of Applied Sciences is known as 'Fachhochschule' in Germany.
How can students with lower grades increase their chances of admission to German universities?
-Students with lower grades can increase their chances by focusing on improving other aspects of their application, such as writing a strong letter of motivation, showcasing relevant internships or volunteer work, and obtaining a letter of recommendation.
What is the advantage of applying to universities in smaller German cities?
-Applying to universities in smaller cities can increase the chances of acceptance due to lower entry requirements and less competition, without compromising the quality of education.
How can students find new and less competitive degree programs in German universities?
-Students can find new and less competitive degree programs by conducting thorough research online and keeping an eye on universities that frequently launch new campuses and programs.
What is the importance of a strong letter of motivation in a university application?
-A strong letter of motivation is crucial as it explains the applicant's passion for the chosen field of study and their plan to succeed, helping to convince the university of their suitability for the program.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 Strategies for Gaining Admission to German Universities with Low Grades

This paragraph outlines strategies for students with lower grades to gain admission to German universities. It emphasizes the availability of degree programs with open admissions, such as natural sciences and engineering, which focus on university performance rather than prior grades. The speaker, who studied physics at the Technical University of Munich, highlights the importance of passion and hard work in university success. Additionally, the paragraph suggests applying during the summer semester when competition is lower and admission requirements may be less strict. Learning German is also stressed as crucial for boosting one's profile and for future job prospects, with the introduction of a program called SpeedyGerman to facilitate language acquisition.

05:01

🏫 Exploring Alternatives to Top-Ranked Universities in Germany

The second paragraph discusses alternative pathways to higher education in Germany for students with lower grades. It suggests considering universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), which may be more accessible and focus less on past grades. The paragraph also recommends looking into private universities with flexible admission criteria and new degree programs that may have lower competition. The advice extends to applying to universities in smaller cities, which may have lower entry requirements and offer a more relaxed, cost-effective environment for study. To strengthen an application, the paragraph advises writing a compelling letter of motivation, detailing relevant experiences such as internships and extracurricular activities, and obtaining a strong letter of recommendation. The summary concludes with encouragement to pursue studies in Germany despite low grades, directing viewers to additional resources and a community for support.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Good Universities

Good universities in the context of the video refer to institutions that are well-regarded and competitive for higher education in Germany. The video aims to show that even with lower grades, it is possible to gain admission to such institutions by utilizing various strategies.

💡Low Grades

Low grades are a central theme in the video, indicating that the speaker is addressing students who may have lower academic percentages, such as 70% or 60%. The video provides strategies to overcome this barrier and improve chances of university admission.

💡Open Admission

Open admission, or 'zulassungsfrei' in German, is a term used to describe degree programs that do not have admission restrictions. The video mentions this as a strategy for students with low grades to gain entry into certain degree programs, such as physics at the Technical University of Munich.

💡Natural Sciences and Engineering Degrees

These fields are highlighted in the video as areas where open admission programs are more common. The speaker suggests that students with low grades should consider these fields as they offer more opportunities for admission regardless of past academic performance.

💡Summer Semester

The summer semester is presented as a strategic time to apply for university admission due to less competition. The video provides specific dates for the application period and suggests that admission requirements may be less strict during this time.

💡German Language Proficiency

Learning proper German is emphasized in the video as crucial for students with lower grades, as it can significantly enhance their profile. The speaker notes that universities appreciate the effort to learn the language, which can benefit students in both admission and the job market.

💡University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule)

The University of Applied Sciences is a type of German university that is mentioned as being more accessible to students with lower grades. The video discusses the speaker's personal experience switching to such an institution and the benefits of these universities.

💡Private Universities

Private universities in Germany are discussed as having flexible admission criteria, focusing more on motivation, interviews, and personal attributes rather than grades. They often offer English-taught degrees, which can be combined with learning German for a competitive edge.

💡New Campuses and Degree Programs

The video mentions that German universities frequently launch new campuses and degree programs, which can offer lower competition and less strict admission requirements. These new opportunities can be advantageous for students with low grades who conduct proper research.

💡Small Cities

Applying to universities in smaller cities is suggested as a strategy to increase chances of acceptance due to lower entry requirements and less competition. The video argues that the quality of education remains high in these institutions, despite being less popular.

💡Letter of Motivation

A strong letter of motivation is highlighted as an essential part of a university application, especially for students with low grades. The video advises applicants to clearly express their passion for the field of study and their plans for success.

Highlights

Getting into good universities in Germany is possible with low grades.

Certain types of universities and degree programs in Germany have open admission, not caring much about grades.

Degree programs labeled 'zulassungsfrei' allow anyone with higher education entrance qualification to join.

Performance at university is more important than grades for open admission programs.

Open admission is common in natural sciences and engineering degrees.

Applying for summer semesters can reduce competition and admission requirements may be less strict.

Learning proper German is crucial for boosting one's profile and is appreciated by universities.

Competition for German-taught programs is lower due to fewer international students opting for them.

For English-taught programs, aim for at least A2 level of German, and for German-taught ones, B2 or C1.

University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule) is more accessible to students with lower grades.

Private universities in Germany are known for flexible admission criteria and often focus on English-taught degrees.

New campuses and degree programs in Germany can offer lower competition and less strict admission requirements.

Applying to universities in smaller cities can increase chances of acceptance due to lower entry requirements.

Quality of education is consistent across all German universities, regardless of ranking.

Studying in a small German city can be beneficial due to lower cost of living and less financial stress.

Improving other aspects of the application, like a strong letter of motivation, can impress the university.

Including internships, research projects, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities can enhance an application.

A letter of recommendation from someone with authority can make a strong first impression.

Combining a university of applied sciences in a small German city with a quality application can increase chances of acceptance.