Studying Economics in Freiburg

Why Study Economics in Freiburg?

Although the Covid19-Pandemic has changed the university landscape, you might want to enjoy living at the foot of the black forest. You will find a multicultural city called Freiburg, which might inspire you to fall in love with a mix of urban life, suburban and country life, for those who love nature. Before we get lost in the beauty of Freiburg, let us go back to studying economics in Freiburg.

Applying for Economics at the University of Freiburg

You are either a German, European citizen or from the rest of the world (international Student), and there are specific application procedures for each group of potential students.

Applying as a Germany, EU, or EEA Student

German graduates from the German Gymnasium Education System and European Citizens have to apply via the admission portal using a different route as non-EU and non-EEA (international Students). EU or EEA Students means that the Student is a citizen of a member country of the European Union or European Economic Area (EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway). All others applying for Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral Programs are international students.

Applying as an International Student

Are you interested in studying economics at the Albert-Ludwig-University of Freiburg as an international student? You can send your application to the International Office via the application portal. Make sure you go through the checklist of all the application documents you need. You will be admitted to the Faculty of Economics and Behavioral Sciences and studying at the Institute for Economics. During and after my studies, I participated in several informational events for international students as a guide and mentor.

How to plan Studying Economics in Freiburg

Studying economics is not just learning economic models and policies. It will be a learning process that will demand your multitasking, intercultural competencies, curiosity, formalism, mathematical skills, and German language skills.

Make sure you have a study plan and that you will stick to it. When I began to study economics in 2008, I drafted a study and work plan for Monday to Sunday. My weekly budget incorporated lectures, tutorials, self-study, work, sports, social, and free time. Indeed this is an economic decision I had to make. 

You will find a proposed study plan for all your semesters in your program on the institute’s website. You will need a strategy in order not to mess up with your degree. Know your learning strengths and weaknesses because you are “free” to study as you wish as long as it is consistent with the examination rules for economics. Determination is your engine to your economics degree.

Be social, open-minded, and strategize

During your studies, you will be able to mingle with students from different faculties, build connections with the locals and meet new international friends. The University of Freiburg, NGOs, and students groups within the University offer a wide range of easy to get services to students of all origins.

The secret is, don’t shy off building social connections during the first weeks of your study. For instance, The Students Social Services in Freiburg is an association formed to offer all member students services ranging from housing, catering, financing, student jobs, etc. Between 2008 and 2012, I worked at the Students Social Services during my Bachelor studies in Economics. That helped me to connect with people in different social settings. 

Get to know which organizations can help you, where you can get a student job, and which student groups fit your interests. Interaction is the key to learning your new environment. During my entire studies (bachelor and master of science in Economics and Microsystem Engineering), I worked at the Library for the institute for Economics. I enjoyed changing my role during the day.

Your days will be enriching if you get involved in the right mix of activities. Of course, you should not forget to balance your goals: to attain your degree in economics, finance your student life, have a social life, contribute to social work, and prepare yourself for your career in the future.

Challenges for International Students

International Students usually have extra programs organized by the International Office that help them cope with the new environment in Freiburg. Being an international student, you will face unique challenges compared to your fellow students from Germany and the EU or EEA.

Life as a Working Student

Depending on your financial standing, you will be required to regularly show the progress of your studies and have a sustainable financial status to proceed with your degree. Your working permit will be limited to 120 full-time or 240 half working days, which you will manage and have to prove when required by the immigration office. There are legal deadlines to consider as you plan your studies in Freiburg. If you have issues with your visa, make sure you visit the immigration office at the City of Freiburg for consultation in due time. 

Pursue the highest Degree possible

Make sure you pursue the highest degree possible before ending your student status. Otherwise, you will be risking entering the job market with lower qualifications than you can fully utilize in the job market. A higher degree can offer you flexibility in the job market or could also hinder your job entry.

The best option is to enter the job market with a master’s degree or proceed with the doctorate if you get an offer from your professor. Remember that the job market is partially open for you after your studies, but the challenge is to get a job offer within 18 months after your degree. Keep yourself updated about the job opportunities and prospects for your career path, Do this from your first semester to your last. Join networks and students groups to build your social and professional skills.

“Make it in Germany.”

“Make it in Germany” is an official information platform of the German Federal Government. The platform informs international students and other interest groups on how to

• get work, 
• study, 
• undergo training,
• set up a business,
• do research.

in Germany. It is easy to navigate and get information about the relevant issues about planning your life in Germany.