Hochschule für den öffentlichen Dienst in Bayern

The international recognition of Hochschule diplomas can vary by country and even institution. Generally, "Hochschule" (University of Applied Sciences) diplomas in Germany are academically considered equivalent to "Universität" (research university) diplomas. However, for countries like the USA or Canada, it's best to contact the relevant country's ministry of education or recognition bodies and request an individual assessment. Additional reviews might be necessary, especially for these specialized public service diplomas.

No, even if you have visa-free entry to Germany (as a tourist with a green passport), you cannot apply for a student visa from within Germany. Student visa applications must be made through the German consulates or embassies in your country of residence (e.g., Turkey). It's generally not possible to enter Germany on a tourist visa and then change your visa type, and doing so can lead to legal issues. Therefore, you must complete your visa procedures while you are still in Turkey.

For student visa applications in Germany, a blocked account (Sperrkonto), a special bank account where you deposit a certain amount of money to prove you can cover your living expenses in Germany, typically requires proof of living expenses for the first year (12 months). While the exact amount changes annually, since 1 September 2024 it has been 992 Euros per month. This means you're expected to show 11,904 Euros for 12 months. You are not required to show 24 months' worth of funds in your blocked account for a two-year program; however, you will need to demonstrate sufficient funds in your blocked account each year to extend your residence permit as your studies continue.

The legal bases used for student visas or residence permits in Germany are typically specified by articles of the Aufenthaltsgesetz (Residence Act), which governs the entry, residence, and employment of foreigners in Germany. Phrases like "36f" and "40f" usually refer to specific paragraphs or sub-paragraphs of the law. However, these numbers do not directly indicate visa types but rather the legal basis for the residence permit issued by the foreigners' office (Ausländerbehörde). A student visa is generally issued under § 16b AufenthG. To understand the difference between such specific numbers, it's best to consult current legal regulations and the explanations from the foreigners' office. Generally, the residence permit for study purposes (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Studium) is the main visa type.

Yes, Uni-Assist, a central service for processing international student applications, can sometimes request notarized copies or, rarely, original documents to be sent by mail. Sending original documents is always risky. Generally, you'll be asked to send notarized copies (beglaubigte Kopie). You can obtain these copies from a notary in Turkey or from official institutions like a Bürgeramt (citizen's office) in Germany. When sending your documents, it's highly recommended to use a reliable courier service with a tracking number (like DHL, UPS, FedEx) and to keep a list of the documents you've sent. Never send your only original copy; always keep a backup.

Most master's programs in Germany are 2 years (4 semesters) long. Programs that appear to be 1 year are often "non-consecutive," meaning they are not a direct continuation of your bachelor's degree, or they might be specialized "non-consecutive" programs. Additionally, while some programs might be 60 ECTS credits (1 year) or 90 ECTS credits (1.5 years), most are 120 ECTS credits (2 years). The reason you see 2 years on LinkedIn is likely because most students complete the standard 2-year programs, or they pursue additional education in another specialization after completing a 1-year program. HföD's master's program is also typically 2 years long.