Study and research in Germany

Types of Higher Education Institutions

Universitäten (Universities), Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences), Pädagogische Hochschulen (Universities of Education), Kunst-, Film- und Musikhochschulen (Colleges of Art, Film and Music), Kirchliche Hochschulen (Church-maintained Colleges), Private Hochschulen (Private Universities) and Berufsakademien (Universities of Cooperative Education): The diversity of Germany's higher education system may perhaps confuse you as your start your search for an opportunity to take up a course of studies in Germany. After all, some of these types of higher education institutions, such as Fachhochschulen, may not exist in your home country. But don't worry! With a bit a patience you will quickly understand the main characteristics of the various types of higher education institutions so that you can make the right choice for your studies. That this is possible, as many of your fellow foreign students have already proven with success, is shown by the continuing popularity that Germany's higher education institutions enjoy among students from abroad (see also Tables 1 + 3).

We hope that the following pages will provide you with some help and assistance by giving an overview of the various kinds of higher education institutions in Germany (see also Table 2).

Diversity provides the best possible choice of subjects

The initially confusing diversity of German higher education (see also Table 2) is actually one of its strengths. Because it enables each study applicant to make the best choice for their future studies. They can take up a course of studies that corresponds most closely with their individual skills, abilities, likings and interests. And that is the most promising way to let them fully unfold their personal talents and achieve the very best results. Those who would rather study with an applied, practical focus are particularly well served by a Fachhochschule/University of Applied Sciences. Those who would rather acquire their knowledge through theoretical models will find that a University particularly meets their interests and needs. Highly-talented young artists can unfold and develop their personal style at one of the Colleges of Art, Film and Music. People interested in a career in the field of social work are prepared excellently for their profession at the Church-maintained Colleges. Future captains of industry and corporate bosses learn the skills of their trade particularly well at a number of select Private Universities – albeit for a lot of money. By contrast, most state (public) higher education institutions in Germany have not yet charged tuition fees, and those that do only a small amount.

All roads lead to Bologna: Strong international focus

Germany's higher education institutions are proud of their traditions and nurture these. But that does not stop them from addressing and engaging in the advancing internationalisation that is taking place in the education and labour markets. And so Germany plays an active part in the so-called Bologna Process, which has set itself the goal of creating a single European Higher Education Area by 2010. Within the scope of this process, many higher education institutions are currently introducing internationally comparable Bachelor's and Master's programmes. This means that degree programmes completed in Germany and qualifications gained there are becoming internationally compatible. At the same time, this development makes it easier for students from abroad and overseas to enter and study at a German higher education institution. In addition, ever more multilingual degree programmes (see IDP-Database) are being offered; most of these programmes are delivered in English and bring the students up to speed for the globalised employment market.

• Africa Sub-Sahara
• Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Oceania
• Central and Eastern Europe
• Latin America
• North America
• Northern Africa and the Middle East
• Western Europe