Hi guys, I'm looking to furthur my studies for my Masters degree.

After working for 2 years, I feel like I'm really not suitable in climbing the cooperate world. I prefer to study and conduct research, advancing knowledge. Money isn't very important to me( only the essentials!)

I also want to see the world, and not stay in Malaysia all the time. That is why I want to furthur myself in Germany. Other countries like US, UK, australia etc is incredible expensive, and since I heard there's very little or no tuition fees there, I want to give there a shot.

But where to start? I have no clue which engineering school or which area has what advantage/disadvantage. Since I've already completed my bachelor degree, My university has no ties with any of the universities over there. So I'm hoping to find the answer in the vast ocean of education sea.

Expect some but minimal fees for engineering programs.

A good way to start is to read up on German education on wiki. You'll get an idea how different it is from our system. There are applied science universities and normal universities. So depending on what sort of academic experience you are looking to acquire, the place you end up would be different.

It's good that you consider Germany other than the same old UK and Australian options.

Thanks! I researched through about studying there, and I understand there are many kinds of school since they are currently revamping their education platform to suit international standards. If possible getting a engineering degree that is accredited and recognized internationally is my first choice. I understand that in the academia world, having the correct title is important.

That said, I'm still looking for an affordable proper education platform. I'm very worried about the cost of study, but hopefully I can get in a university with plenty of part-time job.

I've learnt my lesson when I studied in a quiet town with very little working place. It was hard to find small jobs, and most of them are night duties( which I'm very bad at, my eyes automatically shut at night).

Then you must acquire some German. In the long run, it would benefit you too.

Odd part time jobs are aplenty. Go for it.

I can tell you that it is affordable to live in Germany as a student. You could absolutely get by with 100+ euros on groceries per month if you shop at Aldi or Lidl. Prepared meals can also be bought around 6-7 euros. As for rental, I'm not too sure, but i would say it's affordable. 200-400 if you share.

What type of engineering are you thinking of?

The quality of engineering schools in Germany are quite uniform. However, there are some better-known ones, such as TU München, TU Berlin, RWTH Aachen for example.

You may also consider the Fachhochschule system, basically a University of Applied Sciences. They have a more hands-on approach than the usual universities. This is the best way for you to get real close to relevant industries when you graduate.

Another factor to consider is their cooperation with well-known players of the industry. The north is well-known for heavy industries such as maritime, while the south is automotive.

Fees are minimal, a ballpark figure of EUR100 per semester is expected. Your main financial hurdle is your living costs. Budget at least EUR1000 per month to live comfortably. As a student, you may work part-time but are limited to 90 days a year. Since you already have a bachelor's degree, I would suggest you to find student work in relevant areas of your expertise and not waste time in being a pizza delivery person or factory worker. There are many opportunities on offer in Germany.

You may contact DAAD for further info regarding applications, deadlines and other legal info.

I have studied in Germany for 4.5 years and is now working here since 2008. Therefore, my info may be slightly outdated.

Thanks, I've been toying with this idea a year ago, and hence have already started German lessons. Hopefully I could be up to A2 proficiency in 2 years. But since I planned for an English-based Masters degree , I suppose the language courses would only supplement my learning, but not as an prerequisite.

I'm learning simple cooking lessons, hopefully my future roommates don't mind cooking together since it's cheaper and affordable, hope I could get some asian roommates too so our taste be similar. Haha malaysian food is still my favourite.


Thanks. I met Dr. Schnieders from DAAD recently back when he gave a talk about studying in Germany in Penang. He mentioned that tuition fees are non-existent, though it seems there are a few universities that still charges. Too bad they don't have an office in Penang, else I would have enquire more.

Back in the UK I have a friend who would just ignore the 20-hour per week working rule since noone really checks, maybe germany would be the same? Haha.

I take note of your advice, would it be easy for an graduate degree holder to work at a relevant industry? Would the companies allow part-time? I don't think malaysian companies would hire degree holders in part-time, so hopefully in germany there are those options too.

A2 is reachable within 2-3 months in an intensive environment. No need two years. If you spend 2 years going to classes, you will be at B1+ or B2 already.

Though German would not be required in classes but if you intend to work part time and after your graduate in Germany, then German will bring you far.

Without a working proficiency of that language will severely restrict the opportunities you have in DACH. Ask that guy who works in Germany. Kein Deutsche, keine Arbeit....

If you end up working in operations, trade, import-export, you are suddenly the ideal candidate because of your Germany acquired qualification, speak German, English and Malay and presumably Mandarin and Cantonese......an expat package in Msia or Asia after a few years there is very very likely.

This post has been edited by feynman: Jul 15 2014, 11:34 PM

UK isn't the same as Germany. Serious employers stick to the rule. I wouldn't wanna work with non-serious employers anyway. Furthermore, if anything happens on the job, the workplace insurance will not cover you. Furthermore, only low-skilled jobs will try to skirt around the rulings. If you plan to work for say an automotive manufacturer, trust me, they will stick to the rules.

They do hire students. It's called Werkstudent. You are basically hired while you still are studying. Of course, you get paid less, but you are there to learn. And the pay is not too bad. Degree holders still studying get about EUR12 per hour in most companies. So if you work say 12 hours per week, it's quite helpful. Monthly income below EUR450 is Sozialabgabefrei, so you get almost nett.

And please don't work as a pizza delivery guy or waiter. It's just a waste of time, low pay, and you learn nothing. Even universities hire students as lab assistants or research assistants. That way you can even get into the good books of the hiring professor.

The universities you've mentioned are actually popular in engineering and technology field right? Does it mean they are also providing and offering quality computer science/information technology course? I am planning to pursue degree in computer science in Germany after my diploma.
Most importantly, shall I learn German language as prior before heading to Germany, or I will learn German language (like for a year) there, as in provided by the university itself?

Yeah, they are quite well known in the computer science field as well. As I said, the university standard is quite uniform. It is just up to you to be able to get admission and also survey a little on what industry players are working with the said universities. Look at what companies are well-known in your field, then look at where their main offices are, then look at what universities are situated in the region.

There are very few bachelor's degree studies conducted in English. Therefore, you must pass a certain German language proficiency test before allowed admission. You need to contact DAAD for the latest info.

For postgrad, there are more available in English. For these, I'd recommend taking at least A2 proficiency in Malaysia.

You most likely will not get a visa if you just plan to take a German language course without having at least admission to a university first. It is not that easy nowadays.

In your opinion, is it better/recommended to study bachelor's degree locally, and then study master/postgrad studies in Germany since there are more available in English? (inclusive of reaching the requirement of admissions and the proficiency of german language)

Just gotten bad news from DAAD. Apparently you need to provide proof of english proficiency by having IELTS/TOEFL results to qualify for a study visa and a minimum of A1 of german language. My Bachelor Degree is straight from my diploma in malaysia to a degree in UK, and the only language test I have was back in my diploma semester for english lessons. I just straight up qualify to study in UK, Do you think they would accept my bachelor degree results and the fact that I studied in Uk, which is proof of english proficiency since I qualify to study in UK?


Taken from http://www.kuala-lumpur.diplo.de/Vertretun...__students.html

This post has been edited by brightjoey: Jul 18 2014, 09:36 PM

I am also considering to learn computer science in Germany. Quite confuse about the route available to study in Germany.

Anyway they doesn't seems to offer any computer science bachelor degree in English. So I have to pass a TestDaf or something for German proficiency? Is the standard equivalent to B2 or C1?

Had been thinking of studying German language in Germany itself since it is more effective. Kelvinlym stated that it is hard to get a visa without admission to university. But according to the link in the post above me, it stated that we must either got admitted to a university there OR we hold a school leaving certificate or diploma which allow us to study there. This statement is a bit tricky. I think that "school leaving certificate or diploma" refers to a Year 12 equivalent. So is it possible to learn German language there if I hold a, says, A-Level?

Anyway how long does learning German language usually take to pass the proficiency test?

Besides, anyone know about Studienkolleg? It is a course prepared for foreigners who didn't qualify to apply for university there, and this course is provided by their university.

Sorry for the long post, just want to know possible pathway to study in Germany. The main concern is to get the language proficiency without delaying too much time.

This post has been edited by Kurogane___: Jul 18 2014, 08:00 PM