Studying Philosophy in Germany would be a great decision if you want to enhance your questioning, critical thinking, rationalization, as well as research skills. Germany is renowned for its research and innovation as well as the ability to groom professionals in philosophy. Additionally, the universities in Germany are ranked among the top globally. As a result, studying philosophy in Germany will give you an opportunity to gain the right knowledge and experience in this field.

In this piece, I will walk you through the requirements and qualifications that are needed for studying philosophy in Germany.

Requirements for Studying Philosophy in Germany

  1. Academic Qualifications

    You must have completed 12 years of high school education before you can study philosophy in Germany. Additionally, you must have a percentage of at least 60% in your high school results. Additionally, you need to make sure that your certificate is eligible and equivalent to the German certificate. However, if your certificate is not eligible, you need to attend the Studienkolleg (one-year preparatory course) and sit for the Feststellungsprüfung Exam.

  2. German Language Proficiency

    You need to understand the German language to study philosophy in Germany. Therefore, you need to be familiar with the German language to be able to learn in those schools. You will be asked to submit a certificate that proves your proficiency. You can use tests such as TestDAF or DSH. This should be at least at the B1 level or higher.

  3. English Language Proficiency

    If you are applying to a university that uses English as their language of instruction, you need to write a test of English. You can use tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Additionally, you need to make sure that your scores meet the required score for gaining admission to this course.

  4. Undergraduate Degree

    If you are applying for a master’s degree in philosophy in Germany, you must have an undergraduate degree. This degree should be a bachelor’s degree in philosophy or a related field. Additionally, it should be from a recognised institution.

  5. Have a good CGPA

    If you have an undergraduate degree, you need to have a good CGPA to study for a master’s in philosophy in Germany. Therefore, you are expected to have a minimum of 3.0 CGPA.

  6. Submit Academic Transcripts

    You need to submit your academic transcripts during your application. Generally, your transcripts should contain all the courses you studied as well as the grades.

  7. Personal Statement

    Most schools in Germany will ask for a personal statement while making your application. This is required for a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s degree. This essay should contain areas such as your passion for philosophy, your areas of interest, your plans and why you chose to study philosophy in Germany.

  8. Entrance Examination

    Some universities might require you to sit for an entrance examination to obtain admission. You can take tests such as GRE or GATE. However, this is for the postgraduate degree.

  9. Curriculum Vitae(CV)

    You will be required to submit a copy of your CV while making your application. This should contain areas such as your work experience, history of education, skills, etc.

  10. Student Visa

    International students require a German Student Visa to study philosophy in Germany. Therefore, you need to apply for your visa three months in advance to have a smoother process.

How to Apply

Firstly, you should check the schools that you wish to apply to. You should know that some schools teach strictly with the Dutch language while few schools teach with the English language Therefore, you should have this in mind while making your application. Additionally, you should fill out the university’s application form and submit all the required documents.

Duration

The duration for obtaining an undergraduate philosophy program in Germany is three to four years. A master’s program in philosophy will take about one to two years.

Tuition Fee

The cost of studying philosophy in Germany is relatively low. Most public universities in Germany have zero tuition fees, however, in Baden-Württemberg where students pay approximately €1,500 per year. Additionally, public universities charge between €100-200 for administrative fees. However, studying sociology at private universities in Germany can cost as much as €20,000 per year, either at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.

Universities in Germany that offer Philosophy

  1. Heidelberg University – Germany, Baden-Wurttemberg
  2. University of Munich, Bavaria
  3. University of Hamburg, Hamburg State
  4. Technical University of Munich, Bavaria
  5. University of Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg
  6. Humboldt University of Berlin, Brandenburg
  7. University of Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia
  8. University of Gottingen, Lower Saxony
  9. University of Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia
  10. Charite – Medical University of Berlin, Brandenburg
  11. Heinrich Heine University of Dusseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia
  12. University of Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia
  13. University of Freiburg, Baden-Wurttemberg
  14. Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate
  15. University of Erlangen Nuremberg, Bavaria
  16. University of Munster, North Rhine-Westphalia
  17. Technical University of Berlin, Brandenburg
  18. University of Leipzig, Saxony
  19. RWTH Aachen University, North Rhine-Westphalia
  20. University of Giessen, Hesse
  21. Kiel University, Schleswig-Holstein
  22. Dresden University of Technology, Saxony
  23. Ruhr University Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia
  24. University of Konstanz, Baden-Wurttemberg
  25. University of Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg
  26. Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Thuringia
  27. University of Bremen, Bremen State
  28. University of Duisburg – Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia
  29. Goethe University of Frankfurt am Main, Hesse
  30. University of Marburg, Hesse
  31. University of Wurzburg, Bavaria
  32. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Baden-Wurttemberg
  33. University of Potsdam, Brandenburg
  34. University of Ulm, Baden-Wurttemberg
  35. Hannover Medical School, Lower Saxony
  36. University of Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg
  37. University of Regensburg, Bavaria
  38. TU Dortmund University, North Rhine-Westphalia
  39. University of Hohenheim, Baden-Wurttemberg
  40. Free University of Berlin, Brandenburg

In Conclusion, if you are interested in studying philosophy in Germany, you need to make your preparations early. Additionally, you need to verify from the school’s website before you complete your application form. Feel free to reach out to us for further inquiries or assistance.

Good luck!

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