German universities

German universities
German universities are usually conducted by the states they belong to.
They're available for everyone who has graduated his Abitur (A-Level) with
the marks being necessary for the desired course of study. There are
two different ways to study. Here are the opportunities for students
of the Bismarckschule who often go to Hamburg or Kiel  :

1.normal studies  
Students only visit an university which costs
500 Euros per semester. So they visit their different lessons everyday ,but of
course without owning money. It goes without saying they also have to work beside
studying. An advantage are the good chances to get a place at a university. The often
really high prices are a disadvantage.

2.dual studies  
Having good marks, you have the chance to be a dual student.
You spend half of your time at the university for the theorie part and the
other half in the business company offering the dual studies for praxis.
This way is a big advantage because your company takes the costs and
you have the effect of "learning by doing". In addition, you get a monthly income.

G8
G8 or not ? Until a few years ago, all students of the Gymnasium had got their Abitur after 13 years of studying. But already for some years now, there are discussions of changing the whole system to finish the school already after 12 years. Since 2007 in Saxony-Anhalt and slowly in all the other states a few things started to change. (by the way: there are 16 parts of Germany, called states ,germ. : "Bundesland")

One of the differences to G9 is the time being at school. Often the schools starting the G8-system
 (and also the Bismarckschule) turn into full-time schools. It's something unavoidable because 13 years
 of studying have to fit into 12 !

A disadvantage for the students of the Bismarckschule finishing in 2016 :
They are the last G9-year, so they will graduate from school together with
the first G8-students, which means : less chances of getting a good job or even
any opportunity to study.