German Go GmbH
German High School
Characteristics of Gymnasium in Germany
Except in Berlin, primary school in Germany is of 4 years. Progression to three different schools ("Hauptschule" basic vocational secondary school, "Realschule" practical college, "Gymnasium" arts and science secondary school) depending on school performance at the primary school level.
Students with better grades usually enter liberal arts and science secondary schools. Students obtain certificates after completing the two-year "Abitur" (A-levels, university entrance qualifications). They are eligible to receive higher education in Germany and can start to enjoy their university life. For non-EU students enrolling in secondary schools in Germany, liberal arts and science secondary schools are the perfect choices.
According to the current systems of the respective federal states, the duration of study in liberal arts and science secondary schools is of 8 years (G8, 5-12 school years) and 9 years (G9, 5-13 school years) respectively.
Characteristics of Gymnasium in Germany
➢ 8/9 years
➢ Small class teaching (the average teacher-student ratio is 1:10)
➢ There is no specific streams for liberal arts, science, and business elective. No limitation for choosing among different faculties
➢ Stress-free study, there is no one-off university admission exam. Admission to the university is subject to the school results and public test results of the last 2 years of middle school
Notes for overseas students (non-EU) entering German secondary schools:
➢ Germany requires international students to be at least 14 years old at the time of enrollment and have completed 8-year classes (Form 2). They do not accept transfer students in the last two years of middle school
➢ 16-year-old students can consider repeating the 10-year class
➢ Overseas students can only enroll in private middle schools. Studying in boarding schools is also a great opportunity to build resilience and independence!
➢ There is a German proficiency requirement for admission. If the student fails to meet the requirement, he/ she can first enter a language school in Germany that ranges from 6 months to 1 year
Hong Kong students studying in German secondary schools Q&A
Q: What is the right age to go to middle school in Germany?
A; Hong Kong students can study in Germany at the earliest age of 14 and after completing the second or eighth grade, and enroll in the ninth grade of German middle school. This regulation applies to students holding Hong Kong SAR passports or BNOs, and students with EU passports are not subject to this restriction.
Q: With zero German, do you have a chance to enroll in a German Gymnasium?
A: Yes, students can study in the language school designated by the school for about 6 to 10 months until the student's German level reaches B2 level. There are also individual schools that provide German classes, and students can attend classes while taking German classes.
Q: Can I apply for a public school?
A: Sorry, Germany stipulates that public schools can only accept exchange students. International student study in private arts and sciences secondary schools (Gymnasium) and enjoy on-campus boarding. Students study and live with classmates from all over the world.
Q: Can I immigrate to Germany after my study along the way? ?
A: Yes! After 5 years of residence, you are eligible to apply for naturalization and obtain a German passport.