Types of Universities
In Germany, you can choose between different state and private higher education institutions. There are universities, universities of applied sciences and schools of art, film and music. Selecting the right one depends, amongst other things, on what you want to study. All institutions are comparable in terms of quality.
More than 400 state-recognised institutions of higher education can be found across Germany. Together, they offer some 20,000 different study programmes. You can find out all about the study opportunities in Germany via the Higher Education Compass. You can attend a German higher education institution:
- To study for a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- To spend a semester or year abroad
- After completing your first degree course
- To study for a doctorate
The following types of higher education institutions exist in Germany:
Universities
Universities mainly teach theoretical knowledge. Courses have a strong academic emphasis and there are many different types of subject groups. Some universities specialise in particular subject areas and call themselves, for example, universities of technology (TU) or universities of education (PH). You can also study for a doctorate at a university. This is not possible at most universities of applied sciences (FH).
Are you planning to come to Germany before, during or after your studies? You can choose between different options: for example, a language course, an exchange semester at a German higher education institution, or an internship at an exciting company. Another alternative is to make Germany your home for several years by deciding on a complete degree course or a PhD.
Universities of Applied Sciences
Study programmes at universities of applied sciences are very practice-orientated. More emphasis is placed on vocational application than theory. Courses are tailored to meet professional requirements. Just as in other universities, however, the first degree is a bachelor’s and the second a master’s. The subject areas on offer include technology, business, social services or media. Some courses contain fixed periods where you go on work placements or conduct projects in companies in Germany or abroad. These internships or projects can last from one semester to several semesters depending on the particular study programme. You can study for a doctorate at a few universities of applied sciences.
Universities of Art, Film and Music
You can study creative subjects at art, film and music schools, such as music, architecture, fine arts, acting, dance, industrial and fashion design. Directors, camera operators, screen writers and other film and TV professions are taught at universities for new media. These types of study programmes require particular aptitude. You have to prove that you meet these requirements in an entrance examination. Sometimes, particularly gifted individuals are admitted to study even if they do not meet formal university entrance qualification requirements. Please note that most art, film and music school courses are taught in German.
Duale Hochschulen
A dual study programme enables you to combine your academic studies even more closely with your career ambitions than the conventional study programmes offered by universities of applied sciences. If you like learning by doing, have a good command of German, and are highly motivated, then a dual study programme is the right choice for you. These programmes are offered primarily by universities of applied sciences and vocational academies (Berufsakademien). But a few other universities also offer dual study courses. If you decide to embark on a dual study programme, you will have to sign a contract with a company, too. Education and training normally takes place in two locations: in the company and at a higher education institution. In most cases, the company will pay you for your work and cover your study fees.
State-Funded and Private Universities
Most universities and colleges in Germany are state-funded. Some are church-run. In addition, there are more than 120 private universities whose degrees are recognized by the state. Many private universities are universities of applied sciences. The majority of students in Germany are enrolled at state-funded universities. Only some 5.5 percent attend private universities. In part, you have to pay high study fees at private universities.
TIP
Do you want to know
- Short Stays – German higher education institutions run a variety of short-term courses in the summer and winter academic breaks. Specialist and language classes can deepen your knowledge, provide opportunities to meet others and are a lot of fun.
- Exchange Semester – An exchange semester will allow you to get to know a new culture and improve your language abilities while continuing your studies.
- Internship – Internships give you first experiences in the working world. There are many companies in Germany that offer internship opportunities.
- Full Degree – It’s worth doing some research. German higher education institutions offer a wide range of courses ending in internationally renowned degrees.
- Doctorate – Germany is a popular host country for doctoral candidates from all over the world. The research landscape is excellent.
To study at a German institute of higher education, you will need a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB – a certificate of aptitude for higher education), in other words a secondary-school degree that qualifies you to study in Germany. If your secondary-school degree isn’t recognized in Germany, you will usually need to attend a preparatory college (Studienkolleg).
Subject groups
Here you can find information about the various subject groups on offer at German higher education institutions and the career opportunities open to you after completing your studies.
- Medical Studies and Specialist Training
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, Forestry, Ecology, Nutritional Sciences
- Law, Economics and Social Sciences
- Humanities, Linguistics and Cultural Studies
- Art and Music
International Programmes database
In the DAAD International Programmes database you can find bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral study programmes that are internationally oriented and internationally accredited.
Check out the International Programmes database
The Formalities
Do you need a visa? That depends on which country you come from and how long you want to stay in Germany.
All students, however, need two documents. One is a proof of financial ressources (Finanzierungsnachweis) that shows you have enough money to support yourself during your studies. The minimum is currently 10,332 euros annually. You will also need to prove that you have health insurance while studying in Germany.
Choose your study options
Germany’s university towns are very diverse: from places with historic centres full of cultural treasures and cosy bars to big cities famous around the world. But not every higher education institution will necessarily offer the course you’re interested in. So take a close, preferably first-hand, look at the various options.
Your College or University
Whether you’re interested in geography, economic psychology, film or violin, Germany’s higher education institution landscape has something for everyone. You can choose between three types of higher education institutions in Germany:
- universities
- universities of applied sciences
- film academies, universities of the arts and conservatories.
There are 400 state-recognised universities in Germany. They can be found in various locations throughout the country and offer a total of over 20,000 different degree programmes to choose from.
Which choice is best for you depends on your degree programme or study aspirations.
Financing
Whether it’s rent, food, public transport, semester fees or health insurance, you should prepare financially.
Application
Whether you’re applying for a spot at a German university or an internship with a company, there are important requirements and deadlines.
German classes
As a rule, you need to prove you have German skills to be admitted to a degree course, although in internationally oriented disciplines, German language proficiency isn’t always a must.
Enrolment
Your confirmation of enrolment is proof that you’re registered at a German higher education institution and is an important document. Once you have enrolled you will receive your student ID.
You can find internships here
Bundesagentur für Arbeit
Career Service
ELSA
IAESTE
The DAAD service My GUIDE will help you to find a study programme that matches your interests and your academic qualifications. Discover what opportunities await you.
more about courses
https://www.myguide.de/en/degree-programmes
https://www.myguide.de/en/international-programmes-bachelor
https://www.myguide.de/en/international-programmes-master
https://www.myguide.de/en/scholarships-for-prospective-international-students
Do you want to know how a university measures up in the subject of your choice? Click here to go to CHE University Ranking
Aachen
Aachen
#RomanCity #Carnival #Tri-boarderRegion
Aalen
Aalen
#RomanCity #Limes #ThermelBaths
Augsburg
Augsburg
#FuggerCity #CathedralCity #CityofMozart
Bamberg
Bamberg
#WorldHeritage #BambergCathedral #SmokedBeer
Bayreuth
Bayreuth
#GreenCity #Wagner #Festspielhaus
Berlin
Berlin
#Capital #Metropolis #Multicultural
Bielefeld
Bielefeld
#Oldtown #MythosBielefeldDoesNotExist #ManufactureOfLinen
Bingen
Bingen
#Rhine #Vineyards #HildegardVonBingen
Bochum
Bochum
#RuhrRegion #IndustrialRegion #CapitalOfCulture
Bonn
Bonn
#Beethoven #Politics #Carnival
Brandenburg
Brandenburg an der Havel
#Havel #Lakes #Nature
Braunschweig
Braunschweig
#Innovation #Tradition
Bremen
Bremen
#BremenTownMusicians #Weser #SVWerder
Bremerhaven
Bremerhaven
#Sea #NorthSea #MaritimeMuseum
Chemnitz
Chemnitz
Diversity in numbers*
- Germany’s total population: approximately 83.9 million
- People with migrant backgrounds: about 24.9 million
- People with severe disabilities: about 7.8 million
- People with religious affiliation: about 44.5 million
- Diversity Charter signatories: 5,900 companies/public institutions
- *Source: deutschland.de/fowid, 2025
1. Types of Stay
Finding the right Course
Full-time study, doctorate, exchange semester, internship or short stay. There are many options for your academic stay abroad in Germany. Find out which type of stay suits your goals.
FULL TIME STUDY
Short & Sweet
Every course leads to a certain type of degree. This allows you to start your career.
So when you choose your course, you’re also choosing your degree.
German universities offer many courses of study and suitable degrees.
The Choice is Yours
You can pick and choose among 400 state-accredited higher education institutions. And if that weren’t enough, there are over 20,000 courses, most of which are full time.
Skilled workers