Why Do Public Universities in Germany Provide Free Education?
This question is not new and has been answered thoroughly many times on platforms like Quora. However, it's worth adding a few insights from the perspective of a curious foreigner. In Germany, public universities are indeed free for German citizens, as our politicians are keenly aware that attempting to charge fees could result in significant political repercussions.
Political Sensitivity and Non-Discrimination
No one wants to burden students with fees. The universities are free for Germans, but this is not about financial motives, but rather political strategy. Our desire to uphold this policy is rooted in the fear of losing elections. Politicians have learned from past experiences; the failed attempt to introduce fees is a testament to the potential backlash, even affecting the rector's luxury car, which was burned in a protest. lesson learned: political seismic activity.
EU Citizenship and Non-Discriminatory Policies
Our European Union membership means that other EU citizens are also afforded free education within Germany. However, introducing a new fee collection system for a small number of non-EU international students is not appealing. Why? It's an unnecessary administrative burden, and such a system would likely lead to additional costs and potential backlash.
The costs of implementing a fee collection system for non-EU students would include hiring people to manage the system and dealing with complaints from smart and informed international students. Additionally, it would be seen as exploitative of international students from poorer countries, such as Bangladesh. Therefore, finding exceptions or offering loans might be more humane and cost-effective approaches.
The Impact on International Student Recruitment
Assuming such a system could be implemented, it might only result in near-zero fees because there would be near-zero international students. This strategy would be counterproductive given the significant investments made over the last decades to attract international students. Universities like the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) have been working hard to promote Germany as a destination for international students, and introducing fees would undermine this success.
A More Practical Solution: Financial Support
Instead of implementing fees, Germany offers financial support in the form of loans for students who need it. These loans cover essential expenses such as accommodation, food, and books. Importantly, the repayment period is flexible and can extend to 20 years or more, making them more manageable for students.
Moreover, if a student graduates quickly and with excellent results, the loan amount can be significantly reduced. In some cases, the loan could be reduced by 30% at minimum. This flexible and generous support structure ensures that talented and capable students from all backgrounds have access to higher education.
Conclusion
Free university education in Germany is not just a humanitarian gesture but a strategic political choice and a commitment to equitable access to higher education. While some argue that large countries like the USA might struggle with this model, Germany has successfully maintained this policy as a cornerstone of its academic system. The key is to provide financial support rather than fees, ensuring that all students, irrespective of their geographical origin, have a fair chance to pursue their academic dreams.