Studying in Germany during the pandemic

Hybrid approach

In most German universities, the winter semester this time starts later than usual. The lectures will start on November 2. Unlike previous study plans, today universities hold classes in the so-called "adapted hybrid format".

This means that the lessons will be held both within the walls of the university and remotely. Moreover, the physical presence of students will be minimized. For example, at the Humboldt University of Berlin, offline lectures will be held exclusively for first-year students.

A series of video conferences to be shown via Zoom is already planned. All student events will be held in this format, from the opening of the academic year to meetings for first-year students, where teachers and organizers will answer questions. As you can see, universities pay special attention to new students during the pandemic.

University leaders presidents felt that it would be easier for the rest of the students to get used to online learning since they have already studied at their university for at least a year. That is why the emphasis in teaching senior students will be on independent work with class materials. Then, based on the results of this work, all students will be tested at the end of the semester.

We should note that no one got rid of the examination system during the period of distance learning, as well as of auditions and interviews in universities with a creative focus. All this has already been moved into an online format along with the rest of the educational processes.

Student problems

Over the past few years, the number of students at German universities has grown steadily, reaching a record high of 3 million. However, due to the pandemic, the situation has changed drastically. According to the latest data, the number of new students will noticeably decrease.

Some students have already had to stop studying due to financial difficulties, because the majority of German students take part-time jobs to pay for living and tuition. Many people couldn't go to their part-time jobs during the quarantine period. Before the pandemic, the most popular job among students was waiting tables in small cafes and restaurants. However, the restaurant business has been severely hit by the pandemic, which has negatively affected job opportunities.

Another problem that interferes with studying in Germany is the restriction on entering the country for students not from the EU countries. Because of this, this year there were much fewer students from Belarus, Ukraine, or Russia who tried to enter a university in Germany.

According to the University of Berlin, only 130 people from the aforementioned countries will be able to start studying in this university.

In early autumn, the requirements for entering Germany were not as strict. But now, according to the new rules, only those who are doing an apprenticeship can visit the country. Entry is also allowed for people undergoing advanced training in order to approve their diploma for work in Germany.