Education

Education in Saarland – a good reason to live here

As the first German Federal State, Saarland offers a free third year in Kindergarten. Being a place for education and early learning, Kindergarten is at the centre of the education programme K3.

By promoting bilingualism from Kindergarten through to the A-levels

Vocational schools – building bridges

In Saarland, we foster all pupils. "Success, also for weak students", is the motto of vocational schools. Here, bridges to a professional life are built, while pupils can obtain the certificate of school education. What is more, Saarland is expanding its offer of vocational grammar schools. In this respect, there are two innovations: Since the school-year of 2004/2005, pupils at the vocational grammar school BBZ Merzig can take an advanced course in business studies in addition to an advanced course in Health and Social Studies, and since the school-year of 2003/2004, the technical grammar school of BBZ Völklingen has been offering advanced courses in Engineering and Biotechnology.

Shorter time at grammar school – better chances: G8

In 2001/2002, Saarland introduced a novelty to its education system: The eight year-cycle grammar school (G8). In taking this decision, Saarland became a pioneer for all "old" German Federal States in aiming at a better competitiveness of its pupils on an international scale. In other European countries, pupils are far younger when they sit their A-levels.

Lively universities

Saarland has excellent universities full of academic life. Beside Saarland University, which is the home of high-ranking research institutions (see "Structural change and innovative process"), we have the University of Applied Sciences, the School of Fine Arts and the University for Music. In addition, the German-French University is located in Saarbrücken.

Saarland University (extern)