In almost all countries, the Bachelor’s degree is the first, undergraduate degree within a three-level study system. After completing their bachelor’s degree, graduates can either pursue a master’s degree and continue their studies up to a doctorate, or they can start their professional lives straight away.

This study model had existed for years in Great Britain and the USA. Since 1999, there has also been a gradual changeover to the two-tier study system with internationally comparable qualifications in Germany.

Depending on the country and type of university, the Abitur or advanced technical college entrance qualification is required to start a bachelor’s degree abroad. There are also special aptitude tests, especially in artistic courses.

Bachelor studies in Europe

Course structure

In contrast to the old German courses, the European Bachelor is very structured. The course content is thematically divided into modules. A module is usually made up of several thematically coordinated courses.

At the end of each module, students take an exam. The grades of these exams are proportionately included in the final grade of the degree. In addition to specialist knowledge, many bachelor’s degree programs also teach additional offers such as foreign languages, communication, rhetoric and IT skills.

European Credit Transfer System

The performance is assessed according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which makes the performance of students in Europe comparable and facilitates international exchange.

The ECTS points, called credit points, evaluate the workload that the students put into the individual learning units. At most European universities, students acquire 30 credit points per semester in order to complete their studies in the allotted time.

Bachelor studies outside of Europe

Outside of the European educational area, for example in North American countries such as the USA or Canada, the bachelor’s degree is structured differently. In the USA, for example, students take general education courses in the first two years of their bachelor’s degree. Only then does a specialization take place.

Bachelor degrees abroad

From BA to LL.B.

The financial statements differ depending on the content: In science courses is Bachelor of Science (. B. Sc) awarded in social sciences and language and cultural studies subjects is usually the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in the certificate. There are also separate degrees for individual courses:

• Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) in Engineering
• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in law courses
• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) for teacher training courses
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) for artistic courses
• Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) In the field of music

Honors Degree (B.Hons.)

In Great Britain, the USA and Canada, outstanding students can attach an honors degree after the regular bachelor’s degree, the three-year (ordinary) degree. The specialist knowledge acquired in the (Ordinary) Degree is deepened in the one-year Honors Degree (B.Hons.). Under certain conditions, the course achievements can be credited towards the master’s degree.

Recognition of the Bachelor’s degree abroad

The internationally comparable structure and quality of the bachelor’s degree offers new opportunities for mobility. With a German bachelor’s degree in your pocket, it is possible to do a master’s degree almost anywhere in Europe. Conversely, the bachelor’s degrees obtained in other European countries receive academic recognition in many fields without major difficulties from German universities.

Outside Europe, the German bachelor’s degree is widely recognized, for example to start a master’s degree in Australia or the USA, but this is a decision of the individual universities and must be clarified individually.

Duration of the Bachelor’s degree abroad

Most bachelor programs abroad are designed for three years. However, there are also longer Bachelor programs, which often include compulsory practical phases or so-called mobility windows for stays abroad.

Advantages of a bachelor’s degree abroad

The advantages of a bachelor’s degree completed in whole or in part abroad are diverse. Degree programs that are in high demand in Germany and are therefore subject to admission restrictions are partially admission-free abroad. Prospective students can then avoid annoying waiting times by studying abroad.

With regard to the professional career, it offers the following advantages: Studying abroad is a unique experience for personal development and students often expect greater practical relevance from studying at foreign universities.

In addition, domestic employers value a degree or study periods abroad on the résumé, as it signals flexibility, motivation and commitment. The intercultural skills and foreign language skills acquired abroad are welcomed in almost all professional fields.