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Germany

The educational system in the German-speaking countries generally follows the European model of free public education and a variety of secondary schools for academic and vocational education, rather than the American model of a single comprehensive high school for all students.
In Germany and Switzerland education is primarily a responsibility of the states or cantons, and the educational system may vary from state to state. Germany and Switzerland both have much less federal educational control and uniformity. The Swiss cantons (provinces), in particular, have their own educational systems, and the education model varies quite a bit from canton to canton. Germany’s system varies less from Bundesland to Bundesland.

A typical school day starts at 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning. Classes are on a college-style schedule, with some courses offered only two or three times a week. There is also school on Saturday mornings, in some areas only on alternate Saturdays. Although the school year is ten months long and the summer vacation period only lasts about six weeks, students get many more holidays and short vacations during the school year than do U.S. students. (School days per year — Germany: 220; U.S.: 180).

 While in the 1960s only about 8-10 percent of Germany’s college-age students pursued university studies, now more than 30 percent go on to college. That has caused overcrowding and limitations on German university entrance, particularly in fields such as medicine and dentistry. A quota system known as Numerus Clausus means that competition is high; students must be at the top of their class if they want to study in a popular major. In Germany, under the so-called BAFöG program, students can apply for financial aid, half of which is a grant and half a loan that must be paid back when the student is working in his or her chosen profession. In recent years there has been some debate about this funding and the length of time some students take to finish their studies. Compared to American undergraduates, German university students are left much more on their own, can take a lot of time between required tests, and must do more independent work. This often leads to longer study times.

Working while studying

Many students in Germany take it for granted that they will have to earn money while studying. For international students in particular a part-time job is important to earn their keep. However for students from non-EU or non-EEA countries working is restricted. Most Europeans are treated more or less the same as German students and have free access to the labour market.