Studying in Germany

Plan your studies

Germany is highly popular among international students. This is mainly because of the country's many excellent universities, its dynamic student life and good funding options. If you have decided to come to Germany, read on to find out how you can plan your study visit and what help is available.

The right universityProspective students can choose between different types of higher education institutions in Germany: there are universities, universities of applied sciences, private universities and universities of cooperative education in many different German cities. Every type of higher education institution has particular areas of specialisation.

Types of Higher Education in Germany

Focus on science: universities
Universities mainly teach theoretical knowledge and emphasise research. Universities normally offer a wide range of different subjects, but some have specialised and then call themselves technical universities (Technische Universität, TU) or colleges of education (Pädagogische Hochschule, PH). Some universities, such as the Hannover Medical School or the German Sport University Cologne, even focus solely on a single subject area.

Focus on practice: universities of applied sciences
Universities of applied sciences (HAW/FH) have a practice-oriented academic approach. They focus more on professional application than on theory. Their range of subjects comprises specific fields such as technology, economics, social work or media. In the practical phases, students at universities of applied sciences complete work placements, longer project phases or entire practical semesters, often in businesses.

Colleges of art and music
Colleges of art and music train young artists such as musicians, architects, fine artists and designers. Admission requirements include a specific talent which applicants must demonstrate in an entrance examination. Especially talented students may sometimes also be admitted without a qualification for admission to higher Education.

Funding Bodies state funding

State funding

Approximately 60 percent of higher education institutions in Germany are funded by the Federal Government and the federal states, meaning their funding body is the state. The majority of students are enrolled at this type of higher education institution and mostly do not pay tuition fees. However, the federal state of Baden-Württemberg requires tuition fees of students from non-EU countries.

Private Funding

There are also higher education institutions that are state-approved but privately operated. This applies to approximately 30 percent of higher education institutions in Germany. Most of these are universities of applied sciences that are valued for their close ties to industry and their international orientation. Some of them however charge high tuition fees

The right Program

Whether Bachelor, Master, state examination or doctorate: the range of courses and degrees available in Germany is wide. It's worth knowing how they differ.
Bachelor and MasterThe BACHELOR's degree is the first academic degree. It teaches the basics of a subject and is recognised as a fully featured course of academic study that allows you to immediately embark on your career after graduating. The most common Bachelor's degrees are Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng).

Religious Funding

A further 10 percent of higher education institutions are run by one of the churches in Germany. They are state-approved and often also open to students of other denominations. They usually focus on a specific field such as theology, philosophy, social work or education.

Special Features

Standard period of study: usually six semesters
One subject (standard) or two subjects (two major subjects or one major and one minor subject)
Advantages: short period of study, flexibility in specialising later on
If you want to continue studying after gaining your Bachelor's degree, you can enrol in a MASTER's degree programme as a second academic qualification.
Special features:
Requirement: completed Bachelor’s degree (or comparable degree)
Standard period of study: between two and four semesters
Serves for example to enhance knowledge from a prior Bachelor's degree or to specialise in a particular area
Prepares students for academic work at higher education institutions; a subsequent doctorate is possible
Is required in some professions