Studying paleontology in Germany will equip you with an all-rounded knowledge in understanding the origin and development of life on earth. You will be involved in researching and reconstructing the evolution of life, environments and ecosystems on Earth using fossils, fossil communities, traces and other ancient discoveries. Paleontology is at the interface between earth and life sciences. Studying Paleontology in Germany will give you an understanding of geological and biological processes on Earth, which have controlled environmental conditions throughout Earth’s history, such as changes in climate, and will continue to influence them in the future.
In this piece, I will guide you through the requirements and qualifications that are needed for studying paleontology in Germany.
Requirements for Studying Paleontology in Germany
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Academic Qualifications
You must have completed 12 years of high school education before you can study paleontology 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.
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German Language Proficiency
You need to understand the German language to study paleontology 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.
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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.
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Undergraduate Degree
If you are applying for a master’s degree in paleontology in Germany, you must have an undergraduate degree. This degree should be a bachelor’s degree in paleontology or a related field. Additionally, it should be from a recognised institution.
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Have a good CGPA
If you have an undergraduate degree, you need to have a good CGPA to study for a master’s in paleontology in Germany. Therefore, you are expected to have a minimum of 3.0 CGPA.
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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.
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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 paleontology, your areas of interest, your plans and why you chose to study paleontology in Germany.
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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.
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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.
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Student Visa
International students require a German Student Visa to study paleontology 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 paleontology program in Germany is three to four years. A master’s program in paleontology will take about one to two years.
Tuition Fee
The cost of studying paleontology 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 paleontology 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 Paleontology
- Technical University of Munich, Bavaria
- University of Gottingen, Lower Saxony
- University of Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg
- Heidelberg University – Germany, Baden-Wurttemberg
- University of Munich, Bavaria
- Free University of Berlin, Brandenburg
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg State
- University of Freiburg, Baden-Wurttemberg
- University of Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia
- University of Munster, North Rhine-Westphalia
- Kiel University, Schleswig-Holstein
- Goethe University of Frankfurt am Main, Hesse
- University of Wurzburg, Bavaria
- University of Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia
- RWTH Aachen University, North Rhine-Westphalia
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate
- University of Erlangen Nuremberg, Bavaria
- Ruhr University Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia
- University of Giessen, Hesse
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Baden-Wurttemberg
- Heinrich Heine University of Dusseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia
- Humboldt University of Berlin, Brandenburg
- Charite – Medical University of Berlin, Brandenburg
- University of Bremen, Bremen State
- University of Bayreuth, Bavaria
- University of Marburg, Hesse
- University of Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg
- Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Thuringia
- Technical University of Berlin, Brandenburg
- Darmstadt University of Technology, Hesse
- Dresden University of Technology, Saxony
- University of Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia
- University of Ulm, Baden-Wurttemberg
- University of Regensburg, Bavaria
- Hannover Medical School, Lower Saxony
- University of Duisburg – Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia
- University of Konstanz, Baden-Wurttemberg
- University of Leipzig, Saxony
- Braunschweig University of Technology, Lower Saxony
- University of Potsdam, Brandenburg
In Conclusion, if you are interested in studying paleontology 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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