Are foreigners also entitled to free education in Germany?

Question

If a foreigner would like to do his/her highschool in Germany, is it also free? If yes, how can one qualify and apply? If it's partially covered, what is paid and what is not? What kind of visa? Is there any reference / website?
Thank you

Answer 1

Since you mentioned highschool... Your best chance is to sign up for an exchange program where you stay with a foreign family for a year. If you want to do that you should try to find a program now that will sponsor you (it may also be too late but who knows? Might as well check it out). I imagine they'd send you to a "Gymnasium" school (13 year school) to study, and you might be able to get the credit for your studies there if your regular highschool will allow it.

Otherwise it seems like you'd be too young to study abroad by yourself... I don't know all the legalities of it or anything, but I can't imagine they'd let you go by yourself at age 17 to study in a high school.

A couple of programs you might check out are AFS Intercultural Programs(1), ISE (2) and... you might be able to get sponsored by the Rotary club but I think they take students only over the summertime (if you haven't graduated yet) or post-graduation.

As for the Universities there...
I found this older site(3) that addresses Indian students. It's a few years old (still references the DM instead of the Euro), but it states that you must take a one year "bridge course" to compensate for only twelve years of high school, and you must also pass an admissions test (unless you've already taken two full years of college courses of Undergraduates studies). You must pay for your own room and board but the education is free. Again, that's an older site, don't know if it will help but it seems like that would apply to many places.

ALSO found this newer site(4) which discusses one of the programs for potential international students who wish to study in Germany (University level). Seems to be much more recent and may provide more accurate information than the third link.

EDIT: Here we go, it's called the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program(5). I don't know if it's too late for you to register for that, or what, but maybe you'll gain some information from it? It's sponsored by the German and US government, for US students to visit Germany for a year and study the culture and everything.

I hope at least one of these links provides some information for you -_-.

Answer 2

Given the fact that there are many foreigners from poor countries in germany (Turkey, Middle east countries etc.) and those children are going to school as well, I assume that there are no fees at all at german schools, no matter who attends it.

It's a little bit different with universities, some states have introduced fees of ca. 500€ per Semester, others are still free.

I don't know how to apply, but since you need to speak german anyway, it shoudn't be a problem for you to find a german website explaining that.Otherwise, you may contact a states Kultusministerium, thats the ministry responsable for schools.

Answer 3

The education system is totally free in Germany, . but some institute ... under grds/ post grds require nominal fees as 50E for processing charge... i would suggest u to best visit www.daad.de and get every details about the course you want to join in germany and there fees. Wishing u all the best and good luck in future.

Answer 4

sure, this unfairness has existed ever via fact the Labour government presented training expenses in England (compelled with the aid of Parliament by ability of the votes of Scottish Labour MPs by ability of how).