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German Scholarships: The DAAD Scholarships

by with One Comment Education

As you may know, if you read our ebook, the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers scholarships to international students. Basically, they help graduates, Ph.D. and postdoctoral students study in Germany for free. Yes, you can get paid just by studying in another country! If you are interested, this article is perfect for you. We will see the requirements, the opportunities, and the prerequisites of those DAAD scholarships.

1) The opportunities

With DAAD scholarships, you can choose different paths. Whether it’s research, an internship, or following a programme outside of Germany. Yes, some internships are funded by those scholarships, and sometimes you can even go back to your home country to follow a “Sur-place or Third country programme”. You can also choose another country if you would like to.

These scholarships are the perfect opportunity to make the world a better place. You can follow your dream freely, without worrying about finance. With DAAD scholarships, you get a monthly payment and a travel allowance. Most of them also include health insurance, personal liability, or accident insurance. Sometimes, you also get funds to learn a language or help your family. You are sure to find what you are looking for, since the DAAD has 95 scholarships you can choose from.

2) Prerequisites

As stated before, these scholarships aim for graduates, Ph.D. and postdoctoral students. So, if you are an undergraduate, you can’t get a DAAD scholarship. Thus, some of them are only available depending on your status. Undergraduates shouldn’t worry though, they can still apply after their bachelor’s, and studying in Germany is not expensive, anyway.

The prerequisites depend on the scholarship you are asking for. Some scholarships are only available to some countries. For example, Nigerians can only apply to 28 of them. Still, you can always find a good one. The other prerequisites are the academic results or the field of study. Obviously, scholarships are for students with good grades. Some internships are specific to a certain field of study, so you will get more chances to be selected by applying for a specific scholarship rather than a broader one.

Also, you should get an English certification. It will help you with your university and scholarship application. The IELTS certification is no longer mandatory so you can choose from the other alternatives. Make sure you select one that is available in your city or country. Some of them will even allow you to take the test via the Internet.

3) The requirements

Some requirements have to be met to successfully apply for DAAD scholarships. It always depends on the scholarship selected. Here are a few examples:

-You shouldn’t be a German resident for over 15 months at the application deadline.

-You must have received your degree less than 6 years before the application deadline.

-If there is a programme attended outside of Germany during this period, it must be mandatory to be funded by the scholarship.

-Third countries students or German students living abroad should contact the DAAD beforehand to know about other specifics.

-You have to demonstrate your language skills by providing a certificate (IELTS, TOEFL…). As stated before, sometimes you will have to do this to apply for the chosen degree, anyway.

These are only a few examples. Please note that each situation is different, so if you have any doubts, it’s always better to contact the DAAD. For example, there are special derogations for people who have been taking care of children, who are suffering from a chronic illness, or else. If you want to know more, you can also get our special e-book about German scholarships!

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The Benefits Of Being Our Teacher Affiliate

by with 4 Comments BusinessEducation

As you may know, we have a Teacher Affiliate programme allowing you to make money by referring students. If you don’t know about it yet, you can check our article on it. Now, you know how our programme works. But what are the true benefits of this programme? We made a list of the benefits you and your students will get!

1) Making money

Indeed, we made this programme for you to make money easily. Teachers often struggle to make ends meet at the end of the month, and we want you to avoid this situation. No need to take another tiring job, and worry about not seeing your family that much anymore. We got you covered! With your programme, get commissions up to 30% and extra revenue simply by referring students.

2) Discounts on our German language training

Sometimes, what stresses people out when thinking about studying abroad is the language difference. If your students are afraid of taking their chances, you can finally help. With our German language training, young people can prepare themselves to realise their dream. Sure, they can still benefit from English-taught classes in Germany, but it is undeniable they will need German at some point. For example, we know many people speak English in Berlin, but this may not be the case in other cities. If they want to reduce their costs by going to a smaller city, they should definitely learn German. By joining us as a Teacher Affiliate, you will enable them to do so without worrying about their expenses.

3) Discounts on study application processing

Another that is stressful for all of us is applications. When we apply for a job, we are eager to know what they think, but it’s even worse with education. Students want to get into their favourite universities, which is completely understandable. Because they deserve the best, we want to help them with this tiring task. Kampus Konnekt49 proposes different services to help students with their applications. We can even pick them up at the airport! We are determined to give them all the support they need. That way, they won’t feel alone during this important period of their life. If they need help with their resume, preparing for interviews… we are here for them.

4) Benefiting from our network

You may have noticed that Kampus Konnekt49 works with important and diverse collaborators. For example, we are working with the Eurasia Institute to offer nursing apprenticeships. We also work with Fintiba to provide students with tailored health insurance and blocked bank accounts. Or Compounder which aims to make applications easier. Basically, we have the privilege of being in contact with many people that work with international students. By joining our programme, you get to join this web and wonderful community.

If you are interested in joining as a Teacher Affiliate, you can apply here. Or you can learn more by contacting us, or reading our other article here.

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10 Benefits Of Studying In Germany

by with No Comment CultureEducation

Studying in Germany can be what many students are looking for, but most of them don’t realise that. To help students make the right decision, we made a list of 10 benefits of studying in Germany. That’s right, this will help you know more about this opportunity, and maybe reassure you comprar esteroides españa contrareembolso if you already planned to study there. Let’s see what we’ve got!

1) Better your English

A lot of classes in Germany are English-taught. If you didn’t plan on learning German, this is great news for you. In Berlin, the capital, many people can speak English too. You won’t feel alone there, as it is a pretty diverse city. If English is not your first language, this is the perfect opportunity to better it! You will follow classes in English, which means it will be easier for you to think in English, and talk to others. Plus, you will not feel ashamed of your accent: everybody will have one! This is a great way to learn how to understand other accents, too.

2) Live a different life

Some people are bored with their routine. They don’t like to always do the same thing; they want to spice things up. Even if you don’t have a problem with following a routine, young people often want to experience new feelings, and do different activities. You will encounter different people and be in multiple situations you never thought of. This will lead to our next important point: knowing more about yourself.

3) Get to know yourself better

That’s true. It is pretty easy to be yourself in situations you live daily, but what does it mean to be you? Who are you, really? How will you respond and react to different circumstances? By going to Germany, you will get a chance to see how you behave in a different country, who your next friends will be, and what lifestyle you chose. With your family and friends away, you will explore your potential and discover things about yourself that you didn’t even know about. What an interesting trip!

4) Discover a culture

Just like any other country or area, Germany has its own culture. They have their own way to behave in public, and their own set of rules to respect. But also funnier things to discover, like dishes, dialects, habits… A lot of things will be different than where you come from. For example, renting an apartment there can be quite a shock or the way German people eat. We made some articles about living in Germany. Click here to know more!

5) Learn German

Okay, we know. German looks difficult to master and hard to understand. But we promise it isn’t. By living in Germany, you will understand some words and sentences even without concentrating. You will just get used to it, and it may be weird at first, but you will gain a lot of knowledge. This is one of the easiest ways to learn a language, as you will constantly encounter it: whether you go grocery shopping, say hello to your neighbour, or take the bus. Plus, you may encounter various dialects, too. If you want to discover fun facts about German without leaving your country, click here!

6) Study for free

Sure, studying is nice and all. But studying for free? It’s a genuine opportunity! Gladly, public universities are free for everyone in Germany. Moreover, a lot of scholarships are available too. We actually made e-books concerning the matter. If you want to know more, click here and there. If you choose Germany to study abroad, you won’t have to survive on bread! Even if their bread is delicious.

7) Get a high-quality education

As you may know, Germany is famous for its education system. It is ranked 3rd best in the world. By studying in Germany, you will get the opportunity to learn from qualified teachers, and get a reputable degree. All of that for free, as we mentioned above. This will open doors for you in the future.

8) Save money

By studying in Germany, you will get to save money. Thanks to its free education and scholarships available, the country offers valuable knowledge at a competitive price. Sure, you will still have to pay for food, clothes, and an apartment. But this top-ranked education will cost you nothing compared to the US or the UK, where it is harder to find a way to fund your studies.

9) Have stories to share

Sure, you will get to know yourself better. You will also discover a different culture. And all of this will be beneficial for you. But this will also be beneficial for others. Maybe you will help other students make their dream come true by sharing your experience. Plus, by sharing these stories, people will get to know a different version of you. The version that went abroad alone, made German-speaking friends, and got a reputable degree.

10) Get support from A to Z

Thanks to our services, you won’t be that alone. Check out our diverse services that will make your journey easier and more comfortable. We can even get you at the airport!

Seduced by our list of 10 benefits of studying in Germany? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

why international students should go to germany instead of the us

Germany VS the US: Where To Study?

by with No Comment CultureEducation

Because choosing a country to study in is hard, here is a third article comparing Germany to another country. That’s right, after winning the two previous battles against the UK and Italy, Germany is ready to compete again. This time, the United States of America will be its opponent. Will the US be the one who finally beats Germany? As usual, we will go through important topics such as living expenses, rent, paperwork, and more. Who do you think will win? Let’s see!

1) Cost of living

A classic topic we like to go through. We will see the living expenses for the two capitals, and the rent in the two capitals along with two less popular cities.

Here are the living expenses according to Numbeo:

-A meal in a cheap restaurant: ~17,56 euros in Washington, ~10 euros in Berlin

-1 liter of milk: ~0,85 euro in Washington, ~1,01 euros in Berlin

-Beef round (1kg): ~14,57 euros in Washington, ~11,90 euros in Berlin

-Potatoes (1kg): ~3,54 euros in Washington, ~1,60 euros in Berlin

-Monthly Pass for Local Transport: ~103,51 euros in Washington, ~84 euros in Berlin

-A pair of mid-range Nike sneakers: ~82,64 euros in Washington, ~83,31 euros in Berlin

We can see Washington is very expensive, especially for a student. Now, let’s take a look at the rent. For the two less popular cities, we chose Krefeld, Germany, and Garland, Texas. In the city center, a 1 bedroom apartment would cost ~916,84 euros in Garland and ~540 euros in Krefeld. For Berlin and Washington, it would be ~1956,29 euros and ~1107,56 euros. We can say that Germany is definitely more affordable for a student.

Germany 1 – 0 USA

2) Paperwork

In the US, there are several criteria to follow in order to get an F1 visa. They have to pass an interview and prove they have strong ties to their home country (family there, bank accounts, or else). They also have to prove they can support themselves financially, they have a residence they will return to, and that an institution sponsors them. The financial support requested depends on the university attended. Most of the time, they require 1,5 times what is requested on their certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant students (l-20). The students would have to leave the country a maximum of 60 years after the expiration date of their visa. The visa in itself costs approximately 147 euros.

In Germany, EU students and those coming from Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland just have to prove their right to stay. Students coming from countries such as the USA, Honduras, or Great Britain would only need a residence permit to stay for over three months. To see the full list, click here.

Other international students would apply for a visa to stay. It costs 80 euros or 37,50 euros for those below 18. To get this visa, you will need to prove you have no less than 10 332 euros per year. If you want to avoid that, check out our Ultimate Guide to German scholarships!

Knowing that life in Germany costs less than in the US, we can say the funds needed are less important in Germany. Moreover, the visa is less expensive too. Germany wins this one thanks to the financial aspects and its connection with several countries and the European Union. It is way easier for students to go there.

Germany 2 – 0 USA

3) Tuition fees

We have to focus on this. For students living in the US, it represents a huge amount. Most of the time, it costs between ~23 000 euros to ~32 000 euros per year for international students going to public schools. The US is known for being one of the most expensive locations to study in. It is difficult to go there without making a loan and be in debt later. But there are also scholarships available in the country.

In Germany, public institutions are free for everyone except in one federal state. The state of Baden-Württemberg charge non-EU tuition fees of 1500 euros per semester. The only ones who don’t pay are doctoral students. It is still way more affordable than the US. Aside from that, all students must pay a semester contribution of between 100 and 350 euros. We can agree that Germany is definitely cheaper than the US.

Germany 3 – 0 USA

4) Diversity

While we know Germany is famous for its Turkish population, and its famous döner, it is a less diverse country than the US. That is true, the US is the country representing the American dream everybody once dreamt about. Maybe we can find a lot of travellers in Germany, and people love to travel there, but that is not the same. In the US, you can be sure you will find a population you can relate to. If you are African, you may enjoy staying with Afro-American groups, for example. A lot of diverse groups exist, and it is reassuring to know you can find people that look like you. We have to keep in mind that these groups have their own culture too. It is a great way to share cultures and still understand each other.

Germany 3 – 1 USA

And the winner is… Germany!!

Congratulations, Germany! Looks like nobody can beat you! Thanks to its affordable lifestyle, Germany is once again winning a battle. The US is still a great opponent, as it represents the American dream many people have. It was an interesting battle. If only we could know what people of German descent in the US think of it!

Teachers affiliate

4 Reasons To Join Our Teachers Affiliate Programme

by with One Comment BusinessEducation

Here at Kampus Konnekt49, we value teachers’ power and their skills. We need them to help us make the world a better place. But, unfortunately, teachers often struggle to make ends meet. Have you heard about our Teachers Affiliate Programme? Here are 4 reasons you should join us!

1) To make a side income

As we just said, teachers are very important, but their salary is not as good as it should be. Education is a special and human field that needs to be elevated. Teachers help us raise our children and educate them. Sometimes, we even remember some of them after multiple decades. For this reason, we want to give you a chance to have a more suitable life by earning a side income.

We will ask for nothing other than talking to your students and their family. Which you already do. So, why not earn extra money by doing the exact same thing? By joining our Teachers Affiliate Programme, you can make extra money without spending more time working. You are already doing your best and deserve a reward for that. With our programme, you can earn commissions up to 30% of your sales.

2) To help your students

Your students need you, and you already know that. In the classroom, it can seem easy to help them by teaching them about geography, or languages. But if you want to make a huge positive impact on them, you can help them accomplish their dreams. Kampus Konnekt49 helps students who want to study abroad but are not sure how to do so. We want to give a chance to everybody and guide them toward the choice that is right for them. We know some students don’t even consider studying abroad, even if they would love to, because of financial issues. But we are here to help. We teach students how to benefit from German education without going bankrupt or loaning money.

Plus, if you join our Teachers Affiliate programme, your students will get discounts on our services such as German classes and application processing. And you will benefit from that too since you are getting up to 30% as a commission!

3) To know more about Germany

Germany is a splendid country with an interesting culture. If you come from a non-European country, the culture shock might be even more important. It’s always nice to learn about others and broaden our horizons. By joining our Teachers Affiliate Programme, you will learn a lot simply by sharing our content and reading some of our free articles. We are doing our best to provide people with the information they need before deciding to move to Germany. You will know what you will talk about by learning valuable knowledge and sharing trustworthy information with your students.

4) To get content for your class

Students tend to work better when they are interested in a subject. You could give them assignments based on what they learned in our articles, or in relation to Germany’s opportunities. Their reward will be the opportunity to actually make their dream come true without spending thousands of dollars. Moreover, they will learn about their opportunities while doing their schoolwork, which will motivate them. Sometimes, school projects seem useless because students don’t see the point in making them. But if we give them the possibility to start a new life, they will work on it.

If your students take part in our projects, they will benefit from a socio-cultural exchange with German students. It will be a great opportunity for your school and other students to learn more about German education because their friends will actually experience it. They will share reliable and relatable stories that could help them imagine if it would be the best choice for them.

What do you think about our Teachers Affiliate Programme? You can join us if you would like to, or contact us if you have questions. To know more about Germany for free, you can also read our blog articles or follow us on social media! Become your students’ heroes and join us!

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Vocational Skills Training: the Dangote Foundation and VDMA Collaboration 

by with No Comment BusinessEducation

The Aliko Dangote Foundation is collaborating with the VDMA (Mechanical Engineering Industry Association), giving an opportunity for Nigerians to better the manufacturing sector of their country. As it is Germany’s first employer sector, we know this country for its know-how and knowledge that could benefit Nigerians’ desire to better this industry. With inspiring goals, this collaboration brings German and Nigerian companies together, as they take part in this programme. This also gives Nigerians the opportunity to explore their potential. 

The Programme requirements

Duration

The Programme gives the opportunity to gain theoretical knowledge and put it into practice. It comprises multiple short courses on electrical and mechanical engineering, with a duration between 2 and 4 weeks. Then, trainees get to deepen their understanding by learning and practising in a Dangote Group company, for 18 months, with a dual vocational training full trade course. The most brilliant would stay for 12 additional months and further their know-how. Indeed, the first programme teaches basic engineering while the second one focuses on Mechanics and Electrics.

Eligibility

To take part in the short courses, you must be: 

-a technical specialist working in the manufacturing industry who wants to gain skills while working  

-a trainee or someone who left school and is searching for a specialisation in mechanics, mechatronics and electronics 

-a trainer wanting to provide courses and share this kind of knowledge 

Advanced training with short courses is also available to the first, and third categories quoted above. It comprises diverse courses, in mechanics or electrics. On the other side, the dual vocational training is only available if you: 

-are between 16 and 22 years old  

-have 5 credits in O’ Level Sciences  

-have either a WAEC (SSCE), NABTEB (NTC), NECO (SSCE) certificate 

-are a graduate of Technical College

-can provide school testimonials 

The Benefits

Thanks to this programme, you would get: 

-a valuable experience in the manufacturing field 

-theoretical and practical courses  

-access to innovative technologies and the digitalisation of the field 

-courses in high-standard facilities 

-proximity to German and Nigerian companies well-known in the field  

-good qualification to find an adequate job  

-training at Dangote Academy, Obajana 

-so much more 

How Do I apply to the Dual Vocational Training? 

To apply, kindly click here. Please note you only have until April 30th to do so. The application is free, but you can only apply once or you will get disqualified. Want to know more? Visit the official website or take a look at the official brochure.

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How To Become Our Teacher Affiliate?

by with One Comment BusinessEducation

Are you interested in making a side income? Or are you curious after having seen our publications on our Teachers Affiliate Programme? No matter the reason, we are here to share helpful information with you. Our Teachers Affiliate Programme allows teachers all around the world to make money by helping their students, or the families they know. As the COVID-19 crisis is slowly ceasing, students are thinking about studying abroad again. As it can be difficult for many people, you and we are here to help them. And you will get money by doing so. Let’s see how you can become our Teacher Affiliate.

Step 1: Fill Out Our Form

Don’t worry, it’s not that big of a deal. We simply ask for basic information, like your name and email address, or phone number. To register, please click here. If you need any information before making your choice, you can contact us via Facebook or LinkedIn. We will be glad to give you additional information.

Step 2: Become Familiar With The Interface

After registering, you will get your own account with access to all the data you need to evaluate your sales and income. For example, you will get an overview of the number of referrals you have made, your earnings, and the number of visits. It is also where you will get your personal link. Let us explain how to use it.

Box with the initial link and the Teacher Affiliate's link
Box you will use to generate your Teacher Affiliate links

As you see, the upper part of the box is the link to the page you want to advertise. So, for each page, you will get a different link. You will need to copy and paste there the link to the product or service you want to promote.

For example, if you want to promote our Ultimate Guide to Scholarships in Germany, you will have to copy this link: “https://kampuskonnekt49.com/offers/home/42-practical-study-guide.html” and paste it into the upper part of the box. Then, you will get your personalised link below.

When people use your Teacher Affiliate link, we know you made the sales. You will get up to 30% commission on the sales you make. To know more about your efficiency, you can visit the different sections available when you log into your account: Earnings, Referrals and Traffic. The Banners section gives you some links and content to share in order to attract customers easily. If you want to change your password, visit the Profile section to do it.

Step 3: Share Your Links

Now, you have the opportunity to change people’s lives. Maybe a family you know is struggling to offer a high-standard education to their children while being on a budget. Maybe your student is interested in Germany but doesn’t talk about it because he is lost.

To help your connections, you can first share our content. We publish free articles to give an insight into life in Germany. We also plan webinars to talk about different topics, such as becoming a scholar in Germany, for example. But to earn money, you have to promote our products. You will help people by promoting our e-books and services.

Indeed, to help students, we created two e-books that allow them to save thousands of dollars. We also propose diverse services to help them with their paperwork and everything they need. If they want personal advice, we can plan one-on-one consultations too.

In fact, we have a solution for each and every student. By sharing our products and services, you will make a difference.

Step 4: Make Money

After these few steps, you can start making money. Your sales are tracked forever. Even if you stop advertising our products, if someone clicks on a link you shared and buys our product, you will get your commission. In the Referrals section, you can see what products your customers bought. You will see what products you can advertise to make more money.

Becoming our Teacher Affiliate is a great way for a teacher to help people and share knowledge. In fact, we tend to be too individualistic and forget other people have problems too. But with this programme, you can help to give better access to education. This way, you will make family and students’ lives easier.

nurse germany

Being A Nurse In Germany

by with No Comment Education

The COVID-19 crisis is a worldwide problem. Although the situation might be better, it has helped us realise the importance of health and why doctors, nurses and every health worker should be recognised for being there, risking their own lives to save others. If you desire a noble profession in the health field, Germany offers attractive options. In this article, nursing will be the focus. Let’s look at the qualifications, requirements, and characteristics of this outstanding profession.

1) Qualification

As in any other country, you need to get qualified to become a nurse in Germany. You have multiple ways to become one. If you already have a qualification in nursing, you can apply for recognition of your skills. To apply for professional recognition, go to the competent authority of the state where you desire to work. You would also need a B1-B2 level in German and proof that you are mentally and physically healthy. Moreover, you should prove you do not have a criminal record. To get more information, please visit this website. Don’t worry, if your qualification is not valid for Germany, you would only need to go through a test or a learning period.

If you do not have any qualifications, you can either study nursing at a German university or start a nursing apprenticeship. Nursing apprenticeships take 3 full-time years to complete. We will help you get ready for that. Thanks to Kampus Konnekt49, you will be able to quickly practice what you learned with Eurasia! You will also get a training allowance: 1100 euros in the first year, 1200 in the second, and 1300 in the final year of training. Your qualification will be valid worldwide, and you will get a residence and work permit. With Eurasia, you can also get accommodation provided by the clinic at 90 to 250 euros per month.

We made a list for you to get a better understanding of the admission process:

  • Inquiry–Eligibility proof
  • Submission of required documents
  • Reception of invoice
  • Payment of chosen amount to learn German online
  • Pre-admission letter processing
  • Reception of final admission letter, work contract and 2nd payment
  • Visa appointment
  • Arrival in Berlin
  • Completion of the TELC exam
  • You are ready to learn while earning!

Thus, being qualified as a nurse in Germany is easy. If you need any information on the visa you might need, please read this article and visit this website.

2) Requirements

Other than the proof of a clear criminal record and good health, there are no other requirements to be a nurse. Indeed, their job is to take care of patients so they need the qualification mentioned above. Nobody would want to be treated rudely, especially when sick or in need. Nurses have the responsibility to take care of all patients: whether it’s the elderly, the children and newborns or others. They usually have a specialisation in a certain domain, which is the one they chose during their last year of apprenticeship. But they can still treat other patients as they are fully competent.

They should have good morals and treat people respectfully, stay professional under all circumstances. Nurses from all over the world are welcome. Also, there is no age restriction. But all nurses should get their vaccines up to date to eliminate the risk of contamination. Germany needs more nurses and is ready to welcome you.

3) Characteristics of the job

Truly, it is rewarding to do such an inspirational job and help people. Thus, working as a nurse in Germany comes with fewer disadvantages than in another country.

Nurses in Germany have to be flexible as they work long shifts and on weekends. Indeed, the country needs them and they are important. But it is important to note that Germany is one of the countries where nurses can rest the most. In fact, nurses have the possibility of working night shifts and then getting multiple days off to rest. Usually, they work 8 and a half-hour shifts.

A nurse works approximately 40 hours a week. It differs from other jobs, as they don’t work the same shifts every day, every week. Still, it is very common to work 40 hours a week in Germany. Most of the time, people work between 36 to 40 hours a week.

At the end of the month, their salary varies depending on their years of experience, the hospital and many other factors. With Eurasia, they get a salary starting at 2142 euros after obtaining their license and going beyond 2300 euros with further specialisations.

Conclusion

Being a nurse is a great opportunity to make good deeds. It is humanly rewarding and a very interesting job. However, it can be difficult at times. But, thankfully, it is quite easy to become a nurse in Germany. They earn a pretty good salary and they also can rest more than in some other countries. Becoming a nurse in such a country can be much more interesting than another one. To become a nurse with Kampus Konnekt49 and Eurasia, click here. If you need any help with your studies, please contact us or get our Ebooks to know more about studying in Germany for free!

Germany VS Italy

Germany VS Italy: Where Should You Study?

by with No Comment CultureEducation

After its battle against the UK, Germany is ready to compete against Italy. Together, we will study different aspects of a student’s life to know where you should study. Courses in English, tuition fees or driving license… Who has the best advantages for international students? Let’s see who will win the battle this time!

1)Driving License

While public transport is easy to use and pretty common, it’s always nicer to be alone at 8 am. Especially when you are not a morning person. No bad breath, no people stomping on your feet…. a pure dream!

In Germany

EU and EEA students can use their driving license until it expires. Except for those using motorcycles and below 18, driving large goods vehicles and over 50 or driving buses 5 years after the delivery of their license. After its expiration date, they would need to exchange it for a German driving license. They can also do that before the expiration, which can be more practical. For other international students, their driving license is valid for 6 months, after their having registered their address. If their license does not come from San Marino, Hong Kong, Monaco, the EU, Switzerland, Senegal or Andorra, they would also need a translation for a maximum of 80 euros.

Indeed, if non-EU/EEA students want to stay in Germany, the best way to continue using their license is to exchange it for a German one. They can do that by going to their registration local office, passing a theory and a practical exam. Some students, like those coming from Namibia or South Africa, don’t have to take those.

In the same way, they can choose a costlier manner to get this license. They could follow 12 theory classes and at least 20 practical ones. While the first option will cost you between 800 to 1200 euros, this one is worth almost 2500 euros.

In Italy

EU and EEA students can use their driving license for up to 2 years spent in Italy. After that, they have to renew it. Moreover, any international student would also need an International Driving Permit worth ~18 euros if you apply here. For other international students, their driving license is valid for a year. After that, they have to exchange it by making a request to the Civil Motorisation. Then, they have to provide diverse documents, a few more for non-EU citizens.

For this one, we must admit that Italy is pretty practical. Also, it seems like you would save more money. Italy wins this one!

Germany 0 – 1 Italy

2)Cost of living

One of the most important things to take into consideration. We will compare the cost of living in the two capitals. Then, we will look at the rents in the two capitals and two less popular cities.

Here are a few numbers we found on Numbeo:

-Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 10 euros in Berlin, 15 euros in Rome

-1 litre of milk: 0,95 euros in Berlin, 1,37 euros in Rome

-Chicken fillets (1kg): 7,10 euros in Berlin, 8,44 euros in Rome

-Apples (1kg): 2,33 euros in Berlin, 2,05 euros in Rome

-Potato (1kg): 1,44 euros in Berlin, 1,46 euros in Rome

-Monthly pass for local transport: 84 euros in Berlin, 35 euros in Rome

-A summer dress: 33,46 euros in Berlin, 33,88 euros in Rome

-Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment: 264,84 euros in Berlin, 190,48 euros in Rome

Now, let’s look at the rent in Rome, Berlin, Parma and Saarbrucken. A 1 bedroom apartment in Berlin will cost 1 077,61 euros, while in Rome it would be 1 027,59 euros. Outside of the centre, it would cost 751,48 euros in Berlin and 688,57 euros in Rome. In Saarbrucken, a 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre is around 616,67 euros, against 610 euros in Parma. Outside of the city centre, it would be approximately 475 euros in Saarbrucken and 470 euros in Parma.

As we can see, the rents are very similar. For groceries, Germany is a little less expensive, but Italy is less costly for transportation. It’s a win for the two parties!

Germany 1 – 2 Italy

3)English-Taught Classes

As an international student, we know you are most interested in courses in English. Chances are, English is the language you are most comfortable with when in another country. Let’s see what we have in Italy and Germany.

As we know, Italy is not famous for being an anglophone country. According to masters portal, in Italy, there are:

  • 185+ English-taught Bachelors
  • 700+ English-taught Masters
  • 70+ English-taught PhDs

Let’s see Germany’s data on the same website:

  • 350+ English-taught Bachelors
  • 1 500+ English-taught Masters
  • 85+ English-taught PhDs

Numbers speak for themselves. Germany is the winner of this one!

Germany 2 – 2 Italy

4)Tuition fees

Another important aspect to take into consideration. We already covered tuition fees in Germany in our battle against the UK. As we know, public institutions are tuition-free for everyone in every state except the one of Baden-Württemberg. This state charge non-EU students tuition fees of 1500 euros per semester. But it does not apply to doctorates. Sometimes, to follow your studies, you may have to pay some fees, but it is still not expensive. Aside from that, students all have to pay for a semester’s contribution, which can include a transport ticket. The student services and government receive it. It costs between 100 and 350 euros.

On the other hand, Italian public institutions are not free. It will cost you between 900 and 4000 euros. It is not expensive compared to other countries, but it’s still more than in Germany.

Germany 3 – 2 Italy

And the winner is…. GERMANY!

Well, this battle was tough. But the well-deserving winner is Germany! Indeed, its tuition-free institutions and the many classes in English available are remarkable. But Italy was a fierce competitor, with a lot of assets too! The two of them should just share a plate of spaghettieis, a spaghetti-looking ice cream, and stay friends!