EDUCATION

 THE BEST VALUE FOR EDUCATION
The best value-for-money study destinations for international students, in Europe, continues to be Germany. With the majority of state-funded universities not charging tuition fees to students, and those that have implemented new laws allowing fees to be charged asking for less than EURO 1,000 (USD 1,300) a year, German university programs attract international students from all over the world in greater numbers than many of her neighbors. As is the case in many other countries, most international students are drawn to the capital city – in Germany’s case, Berlin, regarded by many as the “coolest” and most vibrant city in Europe. Home to some of the country’s leading universities, Berlin provides the perfect mix between access to high quality academic programs and low cost living.

Dr Ursula Hans, Director of the International Office at Berlin’s Humboldt University, sees the city’s advantages as being tailor-made for international students. “Living in Berlin is still very reasonable and is surely one of the most cost-effective student cities in the world. What we call co-op living arrangements with other students are often very reasonably priced, as well as a great communicative and intercultural learning opportunity. Food and culture are a steal throughout the city and public transportation is included in our low registration fee. It is easily possible for an international student to live on EURO 400 – 600 (USD 540 – 800) a month. Here, we believe that knowledge should not weigh you down with debt.”

BERLIN CITY

Cities don’t get much trendier than Berlin, which competes with cities like London and New York in terms of cool. It goes without saying this tolerant, multicultural and creative city is known for being a great place to be as a student – and it helps that it’s famously inexpensive. And like any capital city worth its salt, it has quality institutions to back this up: three of Berlin’s universities make the QS World University Rankings: Freie Universität Berlin (66), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (132) and Technische Universität Berlin (205).
Berlin ranks eighth in Best Student Cities ranking.

MUNICH CITY

Thanks to Oktoberfest, Munich will forever be associated with beer. But there’s more to this southern city, often voted one of the world’s most liveable cities. For one thing, in Technische Universität München (ranked 54) and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (62), it is home to two of the world’s best universities. For another, it is a sleek modern financial hub. The downside of this is that it can be pricey, but it won’t cost you anything to enjoy the beautiful Bavarian countryside in which the city is built. There’s plenty of history to enjoy too, and no visit to München would be complete without a visit to King Ludwig’s palaces and grottos.
Munich ranks 13th in the 2012 QS Best Student Cities ranking.

HEIDELBERG CITY

Despite being part of one of Germany’s most densely populated areas, Heidelberg manages to retain a certain quaint rustic charm. It is popular with tourists, who come to see its dilapidated castle, and red roofed town centre. It is also famous for its university, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, which is Germany’s oldest, highest ranked (53) and most prestigious university. Need more proof of its reputation? Well, hopefully the eight Nobel Prize winners who have been through it will go some way towards convincing you.

COLOGNE CITY

Cologne is known for its dramatic cathedral, Kölner Dom, and its liberal and tolerant nature. It is peppered with museums and art galleries, does a good line in independent stores, particularly in its Agnesviertel district, and beer halls. Direct trains run to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, and Luxembourg isn’t too far away either, so it can be a good choice for those who want to get further acquainted with Western Europe. Universität Köln, ranked 247, is Germany’s largest (and second oldest) university.

Study abroad

FRANKFURT-AM-MAIN CITY

The beating heart of Germany’s financial and business sectors, Frankfurt is also the home of the European Central Bank. Accordingly, its city centre is a mass of gleaming skyscrapers, and its airport is the busiest in continental Europe. However, none of this means that it lacks in other characteristics; for instance it is known for offering some of the best nightlife in Germany and hosts a number of colourful festivals throughout the year. Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main is ranked 182 in the world, and is particularly strong in social science subjectopen this link: http://www.studyabroad.com/