Studying in Germany FAQs

1. May I choose any university I like in Germany?  

• In cooperation with your Exchange Coordinator at your school; you will choose five preferred German host universities all equal in priority, among GJU’s partner universities. Distribution to host universities will be according to different criteria.   

2. Can I contact a university that isn’t a partner of the GJU if I wanted to enroll at That particular University?  

•  Please do not contact any other non-partner university in Germany in order to enroll or apply for a seat 

3. May I choose the person I go with?  

• Yes, you can but you will lose the chance of having your preferred host university.  

5. Is it possible to apply for the German year if my GPA is below 61% hoping that I will raise it before I travel to Germany? 

• No, it is not. As the GJU German year, the regulation states that the GPA must not be less than 61% when the student apply for the German year. 

6. Is it possible to start my Internship semester before the study semester? 

• No, it is not as it is against the German year regulations of GJU. 

 
7. If I canceled my German year for non-academic reasons. Will that affect my allocation for the semester after? 

• Yes, it will. Those who cancel their German year after the allocation and for non-academic reasons will get the least preference in the university allocation process for the semester after. 

8. Are we going to take similar courses of what we’ve taken at GJU? 

• The courses provided at your host university will be related to your field of study. For further details please refer to your Exchange Coordinator at your school.  

9. Is it true that universities in the west of Germany provide a better education than universities in the east?  

• False. All universities in Germany are run by the respective federal state and are very well equipped. Tutors are skilled and provide the same level of teaching everywhere. Actually, some of the most famous German universities are located in East Germany with an excellent reputation throughout Europe and around the world. Generally, German universities do not excel as whole institutions but more specifically on the selection of certain fields of study.  

10. Do I have to pay more, if I decide to have extra credit hours in Germany?  

• No, you do not have to pay any tuition fees to the host university. For changes to your learning agreement you should consult your Exchange Officer at GJU and your Contact Professor at the host university.  

11. If I have one subject left to graduate, can I take that subject in Germany instead of coming back for 1 semester?  

• This depends to a large degree on the study program you are taking at GJU. You should always consult your GJU Exchange Coordinator in such cases.  

12. Can I do an independent German language course in Germany prior to my German Year? 

•  Yes, you can. You will have to provide an invitation by the language institute in order to apply for a visa for more than one year. Important: Any language course has to come with at least 22 hours per week to be relevant for the visa application (only intensive courses are permitted). 

13. Before we begin with our courses, are we taking a German course at the host university to strengthen our language? 

• Many universities offer introductory seminars and lectures for exchange students. Sometimes there is a language course for one or two weeks for exchange students (within the Orientierungswoche) before the beginning of the semester. Sometimes language courses are offered to accompany your studies. Also, some universities offer language courses related to the field of study during the semester. Some universities might even have a compulsory language course for all foreign students.