Second study abroad

There are many good reasons to study abroad. You learn about a different culture and gain international experience that can enhance later job applications. In addition one will master after a study also the appropriate foreign language perfectly. Another advantage that should not be underestimated: In other countries there is no or a different numerus clausus.

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If you have no chance of being admitted to your desired course of study in Germany because of your school grades, you will usually find different admission requirements in other countries. These points apply to both first and second degree studies, although the regulations for the latter are usually different again anyway.

Finding the right country

In principle, any prospective student can apply to study in any country. The USA and Great Britain are particularly popular. Especially already existing language skills facilitate the start into student life. For EU citizens, however, virtually every EU country is open, regardless of their foreign language skills. Entry and exit regulations are less strict here and later travel back home is easier.

At the same time, many prospective students also find a place of study in Asian countries (v.a. China, Japan and Thailand) or Canada favors. Thus, the choice of where to study depends mainly on personal preferences and luck in the application process.

How study places are allocated?

The biggest hurdle you have to overcome before a second degree is the application process. The number of study places is limited at each university, provided it is a course with admission restrictions (federal or local). Only a small percentage of the available study places are reserved for secondary students. The figure is around three to four percent. The average grade of the baccalaureate and the waiting semesters no longer play a role in the application for a second degree program. If there are still enough places available for secondary students when the application is received, enrollment will eventually no longer be a problem. If the number of second degree applicants is too large, the decision is usually made based on the grade of the first degree or on the reasons given for the second degree [insert link to article "The Perfect Reason for a Second Degree"]. The procedures for awarding places can be completely different in other countries. No general statements can be made in this regard.

The hurdles to accessing a second degree are very high, mainly for financial reasons. Study places are cost-intensive and should therefore be open to as many people as possible. If one person blocks several places in succession, this is not in the spirit of the financing concepts through tax money. However, this point does not apply if you want to study in another country. Only the admission criteria for students from abroad then apply. Prospective students must ask the universities directly what these are in detail. In some cases they differ significantly.

Prepare for the application

Those who are interested in studying abroad should inform themselves about the requirements at an early stage. The documents to be submitted are usually more extensive. Most important are the proofs of foreign language skills. It's usually not enough to get a place at university if you only have the knowledge you need at school. This means the applicant must either pass a language exam at the university or obtain a language certificate. This almost always requires a longer preparation and language courses may be associated with costs. Furthermore, prospective students must decide whether they would like to move their residence abroad. Which insurances have to be newly concluded as a consequence?

Applicants from abroad must also provide proof of health insurance, for example. Special requirements and tariffs must be observed.

All the necessary documents should be submitted in good time and in full. It should also be noted that at universities abroad sometimes other deadlines apply than in Germany.

Financing the second degree abroad

If you start a second degree program, you are unfortunately no longer entitled to benefits under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAfoG). Thus, most of the time you have to finance your studies yourself. There is, of course, the possibility of pursuing a professional activity alongside one's studies. Furthermore, a low-interest student loan can be taken out. Fixed amounts are paid out monthly. An education loan from the federal government is also eligible, but is limited to a total of 7200 euros.

Make the study abroad tax deductible

The costs of second degree studies abroad can only be claimed against tax if the university is located within the European Union and the degree being pursued is recognized in Germany. The academic achievements must be equivalent to those at a domestic university. If this is the case, so-called income-related expenses can be listed in the tax return. This includes, above all, working materials, accommodation or a study room as well as travel expenses. If tuition fees are incurred, these should also be mentioned in the tax return.