EDUCATION SYSTEM IN GERMANY
Thứ Ba - 16/12/2025
Germany is home to one of the world’s highest-quality education systems and was ranked the 4th best country to live in according to the 2019 US News & World Report survey.
In Germany, students can choose to study:
- In German – offered at all public universities (tuition-free) and private schools (tuition-based);
- In English – offered at selected public universities and most private institutions (tuition-based).
1. Preschool Education
Preschools in Germany are operated mainly by churches or non-profit organizations and focus on childcare services. The system is divided into several groups:
- Kinderkrippe: for children aged 8 weeks to 3 years;
- Kita: for children aged 3 to 6, open from 7 AM to 5 PM;
- Kindergarten: for children aged 3 to 6 (half-day or full-day);
- Hort/Schulhort: after-school care for primary school students.
2. Primary Education
At age 6, children enter primary school (Grundschule), which lasts 4 years, except in Berlin and Brandenburg where it lasts 6 years. Most schools begin the academic year in September.
3. Secondary Education
Upon completing primary school (typically at age 10, or 12 in Berlin/Brandenburg), students move into one of five secondary school pathways:
- Hauptschule (Grades 5-9 or 5-10): The least common track in Germany, suitable for students aiming for vocational or industrial careers. Students receive basic vocational preparation and often work part-time as trainees. After a final exam in Grade 9 or 10, most transition to Berufsschule (vocational school) for 2 years;
- Realschule (Grades 5-10): Chosen by about 40% of German students annually. This track is similar to the U.S. middle-high school model and provides a balanced academic foundation;
- Mittelschule (Grades 5-10): A combined pathway featuring both vocational and academic elements (a hybrid of Hauptschule and Realschule);
- Gymnasium (Grades 5-12 or 5-13): For academically strong students aiming for university studies. The curriculum is theory-intensive, requiring two foreign languages and advanced coursework in mathematics and sciences;
- Gesamtschule (Grades 5-12 or 5-13): A comprehensive state school combining elements of the above three pathways.
4. Higher Education
a. Vocational Schools (Berufsschule) – 2 to 3 years: Although not formally part of the public education system, Berufsschule is heavily supported and regulated by the federal government. It combines classroom instruction with vocational training. Students usually enter after completing Realschule or Mittelschule.
b. Higher Education Institutions: As of 2013, Germany had 427 higher-education institutions, including 6 teacher-training colleges, 17 theological schools, 52 colleges of art, 215 universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), 20 state-run training institutes. Less than 100 are private institutions.
Germany’s higher-education landscape includes:
- Universities (Universitäten): Focused on academic and theoretical instruction. All programs are research-based and follow the principle of “unity of research and teaching”. These institutions form the core of Germany’s traditional higher education system;
- Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen): Practice-oriented programs that emphasize hands-on learning, professional skills, and industry relevance. Programs are structured and optimized for shorter study periods (typically 4 years). Graduates are highly employable, as many German and international companies prefer candidates with strong practical skills.
For tailored guidance and full assistance throughout your study-abroad journey, please contact:
Duc Anh EduConnect
Hotline: 09887 09698
Email: duhoc@ducanh.edu.vn
Website: www.ducanhduhoc.vn
Bài viết liên quan
Đức Anh nhận giải “TOP PERFORMING PARTNER AWARD” từ Đại học Newcastle, Úc
Tiếp nối chuỗi các hoạt động nhận giải “Top Performing Agent 2025 – 2026”, ngày hôm qua, Phó Giám đốc công ty Đức Anh EduConnect, Mrs. Đoàn Thị Oanh, lại…
LỘ TRÌNH CHINH PHỤC ĐẠI HỌC MỸ & HỌC BỔNG DÀNH CHO MỌI NHÀ
Mỹ là trung tâm kinh tế, văn hóa, phát triển của thế giới và là nơi đổi đời của hàng triệu thế hệ sinh viên ưu tú toàn cầu. Với…
Du học ngành Sức khỏe tại Úc 2026: Những khoá học “đắt giá” tại Deakin University
Úc đang đẩy mạnh đầu tư vào lĩnh vực chăm sóc sức khỏe, kéo theo nhu cầu lớn về nhân lực chất lượng cao. Đây chính là thời điểm vàng…
81 trường chuyên Việt Nam được tuyển thẳng vào University of Technology Sydney – Top 1 ĐH trẻ tốt nhất nước Úc
UTS – University of Technology Sydney vừa mở rộng danh sách tuyển thẳng, nâng tổng số trường THPT chuyên tại Việt Nam được công nhận lên 81 trường. Điều này…
Cơ hội cuối săn học bổng 20 – 100% La Trobe Uni & lộ trình ở lại Úc đến 5 năm
Nếu bạn đang tìm kiếm một lộ trình du học Úc tối ưu: Trường đủ Top – Học bổng cao – Ở lại làm việc dài hơn, thì đây chính…
SĂN HỌC BỔNG MỸ: KHÔNG CẦN “XUẤT CHÚNG” – CHỈ CẦN ĐÚNG LỘ TRÌNH
Nhiều người lầm tưởng du học Mỹ là đường đua chỉ dành cho những hồ sơ “xuất sắc toàn diện” hoặc gia đình có tài chính mạnh. Thực tế, hệ…