Cheap, private universities in Germany

Public vs Private Universities

The vast majority of universities in Germany are public universities. About 95% of all universities in Germany are considered public. The advantage of attending a public university is that most students pay nothing or a negligible amount to attend.

Private universities in Germany need to be accredited and approved by the government. In most cases, these universities are for the applied sciences. Students who elect to attend a private college will most likely have to pay considerable tuition fees to attend, especially in comparison to free public universities. However, this is worth the extra cost to some students because private universities tend to be more global in scope and have smaller class sizes.

Why are private universities so popular?

Private universities are increasing in popularity. Around 140,000 students were enrolled in private universities in Germany in 2015. Just a decade ago, only 24,000 students attended private universities. The popularity has been increasing, doubling the numbers in the process. Currently, nearly 250,000 students are enrolled in private universities in Germany. Again, the appeals are smaller class sizes and more individualized attention.

Unfortunately, many private universities in Germany cost over $20,000 in tuition alone each year. However, there are some cheaper options available. The Friedensau Adventist University, a special FOM University of Applied Science for Economics and Management, and the SRH Hochschule Berlin are cheaper private universities in Germany.

Friedensau Adventist University

The Friedensau Adventist University (Theologische Hochschule Friedensau in German) dates back to 1899. The institution was originally a theological seminary and training center. In the early 1990s, the school opened its School of Social Sciences alongside its School of Theology.

Courses offered

The School of Social Sciences offers bachelor's degrees in social work, health, and nursing sciences and master's degrees in counseling, music therapy, and social and health management. These programs tend to be quite inexpensive.

Fees structure

All degrees cost less than $15,000 for the entire degree.

Requirements

For undergraduates

Requirements for the bachelor's degree include the general qualification and degree for university entrance (Abitur). International students with equivalent qualifications may also apply. Admission requirements include official transcripts/diplomas, a resume, and personal essays.

For Postgraduates

The requirements for the Master's degree include a Bachelor's degree in a related discipline, official transcripts/diplomas, personal essays, and a resume.

The FOM University of Applied Science for Economics and Management

Courses offered

The FOM University of Applied Science for Economics and Managa is a unique program for working professionals. Money is saved by your ability to work full-time while earning your degree. Most of the degrees are business-oriented, though students may elect to receive a bachelor of arts, science, or law degree. They also have programs for individuals working in the health or social welfare fields. There are finally a few programs for engineering professions. Finally, there are a limited number of master's degree courses also available.

The main cost benefit to attending FOM University of Applied Science for Economics and Management stems from the ability to work full-time while attending school. Courses are in the evenings, on weekends, or two days during the week.

Fees

The tuition is around $15,000 throughout the degree, and even better, the master's program costs about $10,000 to complete in total.

Requirements

The program has flexible admission requirements. For instance, programs are available to students who have not met the basic qualifications to enter university. Traditional bachelor's programs, however, require just a general university qualification and possibly six months of professional work experience. No standardized test scores or letters of recommendation are traditionally required. The same is the case for the master's programs. They usually require a bachelor's degree and some work experience.

SRH Hochschule Berlin

One final cheap option to consider is SRH Hochschule Berlin. Students may earn bachelor's and master's degrees at this institution. The school emphasizes its international focus and its personalized attention to its students. Most of the bachelor's and master's programs are business-oriented.

Fees

Tuition costs for bachelor's degrees are about $25,000 for the entire program. This is somewhat more expensive than the previously mentioned institutions but is a feasible amount spread over three years. The master's programs vary but cost about $700 - $800 a month. Some master's programs may be just ten months long, while others may be twice that.

Requirements

Admission is not very competitive. Students need a basic German university qualification or an equivalent diploma to enter the bachelor's program. They also need a decent grasp of the English language. Some tests demonstrate that incoming students can take. These tests can be waived if students receive their education in a country where English is the primary, recognized language.

Admission is similar to the master's programs. They also are not very competitive. All you need is a completed undergraduate degree and some work experience. It is best if this degree and work experience relate to your intended master's degree. Students must also take various tests to demonstrate their English language proficiency. The school offers detailed career guides and programs for each area of study, which makes it an appealing option regardless of the cost of admission.

More to know

As mentioned above, private universities are increasingly popular, but the downside remains that their tuition fees are extremely high. However, the silver lining is that private universities keep scholarship programs that are easy to access.

Furthermore, there are better opportunities for internships that are provided by private universities, mostly because they have tied up with big companies and industries. Universities mentioned above are cheap, easy to access, and provide the best facilities.

Before choosing between a private university or a public university, it is essential to know your needs more than anything. If finances are essential for you, then it will be wise to go to a public university rather than a private one. This instance can be fitting for a circumstance that the student might be facing. Hence, looking into your needs and choosing your university carefully is advisable.