Bachelor’s Degree
The “Bachelor” is the first stage of higher education recognized throughout Europe and many other countries. As part of the “undergraduate studies,” you do not need a prior academic degree to enroll. Most Bachelor’s degree programs last three to four years and provide a foundation in your chosen field of study. Upon completion of your studies, you will receive a title depending on your discipline: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), or Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.). With a Bachelor’s degree, you can enter the workforce or pursue a Master’s program.
Master’s Degree
The “Master” is a second-level or “postgraduate” degree that requires a recognized Bachelor’s degree for admission. A Master’s program typically lasts one to two years and involves specialization in your field. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a title based on your area of study: Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), or Master of Engineering (M.Eng.). A Master’s degree enables you to enter the job market at a higher level.
State Examination (Staatsexamen)
Certain professions such as doctor, lawyer, teacher, or pharmacist are not part of the Bachelor’s or Master’s system. Instead, students in these fields must take an official state examination, known as “Staatsexamina,” at the end of their studies. After completing the required coursework, you can take the first state examination. Once you pass, you will complete a legal traineeship or preparation period, followed by the second state examination. If you pass this, you are allowed to work in your chosen profession. The state, not the university, regulates the state examinations and ensures they are uniform across all universities in Germany.
Doctorate (Doktor)
If you already hold a Master’s degree, a state examination, a “Magister Atrium,” or a “Diplom” from the old system, you can pursue a doctoral degree. Typically, this requires two or more years of research, writing, and publishing a dissertation. To earn a doctorate, you need to find a doctoral advisor who will guide you through the process. Once you have found a doctoral advisor, you can enroll in a doctoral program at a university.
Dual Study Program
A dual study program that integrates training is a specialized study that combines theoretical studies at a university with practical training in a company. Unlike regular studies, the dual program is less academic and more practically oriented. During your studies, you will learn the theory at a university or vocational academy while gaining practical experience in a company. The dual study program typically lasts between three and five years, with the training component usually taking two years. To enroll, you need to have a university entrance qualification. You first apply to a company for training and then enroll at the partner university. A dual study program often leads to easier integration into the job market and offers compensation during the training period.