Germany

One of the world's best education systems in the world, Germany's education structure is a comprehensive and absolute. The numerous choice of higher learning institutes and universities in Germany offer education to abundant number of Germans and foreign student-aspirants, every year. Generally, there are two different kinds of educational systems existing in Germany that are as follows:

• General education.
• Vocational education (or dual education).

General education has three levels - lower secondary school, intermediate or secondary school and upper secondary school. There are only very few comprehensive schools, especially in an integrated form in the North of Germany. The higher education of Germany comprises of Universities, Technical Universities and Colleges of education and specialized colleges. In addition to general universities, there are lots of technical, theological, art, music, pedagogical and specialized universities located in Germany. Studies last from 6 years to 8 years and leaving certificates depend on the subject selection and level of study.

The certifications will lead to graduation, diploma and other awards. Students who want to acquire a further qualification have to write a final examination in order to get a PhD (Doctoral degree). Vocational education in Germany is a dual educational system that most of the students opt for at the end of compulsory schooling. It has a vocational training contract, which helps young people to acquire professional education, skills and training in enterprises. This contract guarantees a legal apprenticeship. Vocational schools, specialized vocational schools, vocational extension schools and specialized schools also belong to the vocational education system.

Government and non-government institutions run another important part of the educational system of Germany known as 'Adult education'. The whole education system in Germany is controlled by the state. Germany is becoming an increasingly attractive study destination for students across the world. Not only the absolute number of foreign students at German universities is on the rise, but also the overall population of students has risen to almost double in the last two decades.