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SCMP Reporter

EACH university in Germany has its own policy on the minimum academic requirements for foreign students.

   Hong Kong students may need to consider the following when applying to a German university:   Admission Requirements: Students must submit an 'Application for Admission to University', along with a school leaving certificate, to the university of their choice. German universities do not hold entrance exams.

   The Hong Kong Certificate of Education (HKCEE) is accepted as sufficient qualification to enter higher education. No preparatory courses are needed.

  Manfred Kaluza, a lecturer at the German Academic Exchange Service in Hong Kong, said admission to a German University is not difficult on the whole, but getting a place for very popular degree courses can be competitive.

   Language Proficiency Test:   All foreign students must show they have a basic knowledge of German, and they have to take a language proficiency test called the PNDS.

   The test is held by the universities and can be taken only twice.

    'Students are advised to start learning the German language in their homeland,' Mr Kaluza said. 'Some universities require an intermediate level knowledge of German.'   Organisation of Studies:   The academic year is divided into two semesters. The winter semester runs from October to March, and the summer semester from April to September.

  For most subjects there is no limit on the number of course hours per week a student can register for.

   Most subject studies are in two stages, the Grundstudium (basic studies), covering the first four semesters, and the Hauptstudium (main studies), stretching over at least another four semesters.

   'A university degree in Germany takes a minimum of four years, depending on the subject and the degree,' Mr Kazula said.

  Degrees Offered:   Four different degrees are offered at German universities. Of these, only the Staatsexamen (stated-approved degree) imposes restrictions on foreigners and is not accepted worldwide.

  The Diplom (diploma) is an academic degree in all natural, social and technical sciences.

   The Magister Artium (Master of Arts) is an academic degree in all human and social sciences.

   The Promotion (doctorate) is an academic degree available for every subject offered as a degree course.

    'Examinations for any of these four degrees consist of oral and written tests, as well as a thesis.

   'Only the Promotion does not have a written test,' Mr Kaluza said.

  Expenses:   German institutions of higher education do not charge study fees, but there are certain expenses that have to be covered.

  Each institution has a 'Studentenwerk', an independent organisation that looks after facilities like the student refectory, halls of residence and sports facilities.

    All students contribute towards the use of these facilities with around HK$300 each per semester.

  Students must take out a compulsory health insurance until they complete their 14th full semester.

   This amounts to around HK$2,000 per semester and covers medical fees and hospital expenses, as well as medicines.

  Mr Kaluza said the cost of living in Germany amounts to around HK$6,000 per month, depending on the place of study.

   Visa Requirements:    A foreign student should not come to Germany to study unless he or she has a secure source of financial support for the entire period of his or her studies.

   Foreign students are not allowed to take a regular job, so you are not advised to enter the country as a tourist because a tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa, Mr Kaluza explained.

  For more information on taking up studies in Germany, call the local DAAD's office on 2304-5752.



Entrance exams don't block way