Bachelor’s Degree
The “Bachelor” is the first level of higher education recognized across Europe and many other countries. As part of the “undergraduate studies,” you do not need a prior academic degree to enroll. Most bachelor’s programs last three to four years and provide a foundation in your chosen field of study. Upon completion of the studies, you receive a title depending on your area of study: 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 degree.
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 receive a title based on your discipline: Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), or Master of Engineering (M.Eng.). A master’s degree allows you to enter the job market at a higher level.
State Examination (Staatsexamen)
Some 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 at the end of their studies, known as the “Staatsexamina.” After completing the required courses, you may take the first state examination. After passing, you complete a clerkship or preparatory period, followed by the second state examination. Once you pass this, you are allowed to work in your chosen profession. The state, rather than the university, regulates the state examinations and ensures they are uniform across all universities in Germany.
Doctorate (Doktor)
If you already have a master’s degree, a state examination, a “Magister Atrium,” or a diploma from the old system, you can aim for a doctorate. This typically requires two or more years of research, writing, and publishing a dissertation. To obtain a doctorate, you first need to find a doctoral supervisor who will guide you through the process. Once you have found a supervisor, you can enroll in a doctoral program at a university.
Dual Study Program (Duales Studium)
A training-integrated dual study program is a special type of study that combines theoretical education at a university with practical training in a company. Unlike regular studies, the dual study program is less academic and more practice-oriented. During the studies, you learn theory at a university or vocational academy and gain practical experience in a company. The dual study program typically lasts between three and five years, with the training component usually taking about two years. To enroll, you need a higher education entrance qualification. First, apply to a company for vocational training and then enroll at the partner university. A dual study program often leads to easier integration into the job market and provides compensation during the training period.