I have come across a hotchpotch of viewpoints regarding the
generous practice of the hospitable German Universities, which offer Top-class
education with no tuition fees at all, it sounded too good to someone from a
struggling developing country, so I took upon myself to investigate the matter
in person and in lieu of the more common practice I am sharing my findings with
my you, selflessly and out of good will.
According to Organization for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD); Germany is third on the list of student friendly destinations, coming after
only US and Great Britain. The main reason behind this dream situation for
students is the free College education incentive, which shows no discrimination
towards local or foreign students, taken up by the German Federal and State
governments.
So, yes Education at least at College level is tuition free,
but there are limitations when it comes to graduate as well as post-grad education,
which is discussed in meticulous points, so as to save time.
Limitations
- The Overall experience is incomparable to the rich UK and US counterparts, which offer more amenities, including accommodation as most Germans commute to study themselves.
- Most degree programs require prior knowledge of the German language, moreover; courses offered in English (at University level) have a hefty price tag while the same courses maybe offered in German free of charge. Compare figure 1 with figure 2.
Figure
1
Note and compare the Course Language
and the tuition fees of both the courses!
- Classes and Lecture theatres are rather over-crowded with about 200 (and more) students, commonly enrolled per class, whilst the competing US universities may have a class of as low as 25 students, enjoying individual attention.
- Free slots available for International students, at least in top universities, require high level of competence ergo are intensely competitive.
- Studies in Scientific fields comparatively demand a truckload of money.
The Riposte
- It is acknowledgeable of course, that the facilities provided by the German universities do noe t match those offered by the prominent English and American white elephants, but such “unnecessary pleasures” should not count when comparing Free versus 15,000 $ (UK) and 40,000 $ (US) degrees.
- Germany language is taught as a prerequisite and usually before the start of terms. A large number of Courses are offered in English language as well.
- Funding opportunities and scholarships are available for University students, including those whose medium of instruction is English and those related to applied sciences.
- There is also a job factor of course, students can work and earn up-to a specific amount without paying taxes.
The
Verdict
In conclusion, I would say that
the idea of free world class education may sound a bit far-fetched but it is
really not a fantasy. Although the experience may not be so much fun for the
dandy offspring of senior entrepreneurs or myopic Arabs with their
un-exhaustible supply of black gold, this is a dream come true for someone from
an honest family in the corruption rampant backward nations, like our Pakistan.
So, if you find yourself willing and enthusiastic, do not waste time in idol
contemplation and go for it!!!!!!
Best of luck.
Note: Muhammad Hassan Ahmad Khan
Qadri is the original author of this article, if you want to forward a
suggestion or find this article helpful, please do inform him on this email
address alhassanqadri@gmail.com
