Why we think you should study your engineering degree in Germany
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Last updated: March 2023
TL;DR: Germany is known for its high-end innovations and generous investments in research and development. Engineering students in Germany have many opportunities to learn through hands-on industry-relevant projects, such as being involved in their university’s R&D or gaining real-world experiences in German companies during their internship or part-time jobs. Some of the world-renowned Engineering schools in Germany include Technical University of Munich and RWTH Aachen University.
Are you interested in pursuing a degree in engineering, but you are unsure of where to further your studies? Chances are, you are considering studying abroad (No surprise, over 70% of Malaysian students would prefer to pursue their undergraduate programmes internationally). Although plenty of university students from Malaysia choose to study in popular destinations such as Australia, the United Kingdom and even the United States, here are some reasons why we think you should study your engineering degree in Germany.
Germany? Why?
What comes to your mind first when you think of Germany? Castles and pretty villages or an industrial nation with significant technological advances? These are some common things that people may think of when discussing this country. However, if the latter is what pops into your mind, then you will be pleased to know that Germany’s modern roads, cars and other innovations are the result of their very own engineering field. Besides their beautiful scenery, Germany is known for their outstanding education, world-renowned engineers and their investments in engineering research and development. Not to mention, engineers from Germany are regarded highly in their society for their skills and are sought after by companies worldwide.
What is so good about Germany’s education?
Universities in Germany produce engineers who are able to utilize theories in real-world situations. Why, you may ask? Well, this has to do with their high quality education system and the generous investments in this field. Students learn not just from lectures, but also from projects, lab works, internships and via part-time work at companies and that combination of experience prepares them well for a career in the competitive engineering industry. Lecturers are also highly qualified and respected in their respective fields.
Most universities in Germany have low or non-existent tuition fees (a huge benefit for international students!). They are instead funded by the government and the private sector. Both public and private universities hold a high standard of education, and some of the top ranked schools for engineering and technology are located in Germany. You may have heard of some of them, namely the Technical University of Munich and RWTH Aachen University. As German universities are well-funded, the universities do not need to worry about sustaining themselves via tuition fees. Instead, they can focus on research, and providing quality education with state-of-the-art facilities and curriculums.
There are more and more universities in Germany offering English-taught programmes to cater specifically to international students. However, especially at the Bachelor’s degree level, there are still more courses offered in German. If you are fluent in German, you have more options to choose from. Being fluent in German will also help you communicate better with other people living in Germany. It helps you to get jobs, be it part-time or full-time after graduating.
Why is engineering in Germany so prominent?
Engineering in Germany is so reputable due to the fact that they are the prime exporter of machinery, industrial equipment and technical know-hows over the years. This started when their manufacturing industry began flourishing during the industrial revolution, and by the time the 1890’s rolled around, Germany took the lead in steel-production and manufacturing in Europe. They are known for their notable research facilities and mechanical field, one of the major contributors to their economy. Recognizable all over the globe, car companies such as BMW and Volkswagen are native to Germany, and their engineering industry is continuing to thrive even up until today.
Take a look at the variety of engineering fields…
Engineering is a field which is very diverse, and there are many different types of engineering subjects you can choose, such as mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering and mechatronics engineering. However, regardless of the course you decide to specialize in, you will not be disappointed as Germany is well noted for their quality education and facilities. It’s more important to learn about the different engineering fields, and discover which one is more suitable for you. Avoid selecting a course purely for its earning potential or following your friend’s decision. This is a decision that you will need to make based on your interest and strength as well.
What about living there?
Some of you may be put off by the thought of the high living expenses that come with studying in Europe. If that is the case, then you are in luck! Germany generally has a more reasonable cost of living compared to most other equivalent European nations, especially in smaller and less populated cities. In addition, tourist attractions, public transportation and other businesses offer discounted prices to students. Students can work part-time and it pays well. And let’s not forget that many universities do not have tuition fees. This makes the overall cost of studying and living in Germany very affordable.
Germany is also an exciting and enjoyable place to live while studying. This country has a rich culture with a long history, and includes a great deal of diversity with plenty of international students from around the globe. This means that you will be able to experience building friendships with people from many different cultures and nationalities, as there will be a wide range of students speaking many different languages and each having their own cultural background.
The bigger cities in Germany, such as Berlin and Munich, are lively and full of things to do, so you will never get bored on the weekends! There are heaps of restaurants and bars serving delicious food and Instagram-worthy cafes at every corner if you get hungry, and there are plenty of museums, tourist attractions (castles!) and carnivals to explore and enjoy with friends. On the other hand, if that is not really your thing, Germany is also known for their many festivals (think concerts) if you need a weekend away from the study stress.
Secure a long-term career and a promising future.
If you are one of the many students worrying about your future and getting a job (approximately 77% of Malaysians according to a study done by the NWI!), you may want to consider a career in engineering in Germany. The hands-on projects of German education prepare you for employment, and many engineering courses require you to do an internship to graduate. This allowed you to apply the knowledge and skill-set which you have learned in the classroom in real world situations.
In addition, engineering companies in Germany are always looking for qualified talents. The number of engineers retiring per year is greater in comparison to the number of students graduating with an engineering degree in Germany. This means that there are many positions to be filled, and employers are looking for fresh graduates to fill up those spots. Studying a degree in engineering now would be the best use of a perfect opportunity, so what are you waiting for?
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If you have completed your pre-u, and would like to study your engineering degree in Germany, check out our University Preparation Program or get in touch with us for a free consultation.
