Types of institution
- Universities of applied sciences offer courses with a strong practical emphasis. The study plan focuses more on the actual content of the course than at a university. Universities of applied sciences mainly offer technical, social science and business courses.
Typical degrees:
Standard study time: 3 to 4 years.
The requirement to study at a university of applied sciences is a direct higher education entrance qualification (HZB) for universities of applied sciences. You can also study at a university of applied sciences with a direct entrance qualification for universities.
- Universities are institutions of research and teaching They place great emphasis on training students in the techniques of academic work. Typical faculties/departments include the arts, medicine, law, natural sciences, social sciences and business. Technical universities normally focus on engineering subjects.
Typical degrees:
- Bachelor
- Masters
- Diplom
- Magister
- State examination
Standard study time: 3 to 7 years.
The requirement to study at a university is a direct entrance qualification ffor universities and equivalent institutions. A direct entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences does not qualify.
- Art colleges include colleges of visual and performing arts, film and television and music colleges.
Typical degrees:
Standard study time: 4 to 5 years.
The admission requirements for an art college normally involve an aptitude test / test of ability, which in some cases - if outstanding ability is demonstrated - can even replace the need for a higher education entrance qualification.
- A distance learning course is primarily completed from home. It allows you to study anywhere and at your own pace and is particularly of interest to people who are already working. The study documents are sent by post or using Internet communication.
To study a distance learning course you also require a direct entrance qualification.
- Studying at private institutions involves payment of fees. Tuition fees can be between 6,000 and 10,000 Euro per year. In addition, these institutions are largely financed by donations, which means that the sponsors' interests are sometimes reflected in the course content. However, in many cases they offer more intensive support as there are fewer students than at state institutions. In terms of the quality of education and recognition of degrees, there are considerable differences between private institutions, and it is advisable to research the institution thoroughly before starting studying.
- You can find a list of all state recognised German institutions on the DAAD website or in the Higher Education Compass from the Conference of University Vice Chancellors (HRK).
Alphabetical lists of links for "Higher education institutions in Germany", sorted by towns, can also be found at
www.holderied.de and
www.studentenseite.de.
