Higher Education Institutions

The German higher education system offers five different types of universities.

Universities and equivalent Higher Education Institutions

There are universities which cover all scientific subjects and equivalent institutions that focus on specific fields, such as technical universities and universities of education. Most of the academics are educated at universities and equivalent institutions.

Universities of Applied Science

In comparison to universities, universities of applied science rather focus on a practical approach to the subject matter. Usually, the duration of study is shorter and the student is explicitly prepared for the demands of professional life.

Academies of Art, Music and Film

Academies for art, music and film offer their students a less restricted organisation of studies. However, the students are guided and advised by personal tutors. Admission to these academies is limited and the terms of admission vary according to the instituition. In most cases the applicant has to take a test to demonstrate their artistic talent.

Private Universities

Only a small percentage of Germany’s academic system consists of private universities. The advantage of studying at a private university is the access to an excellent business network, which simplifies starting a professional career. The admission to such private universities depends on a successfully passed selection test and also on the financial situation of the applicant as such universities require fees that are much higher than those at public universities.

Dual Higher Education Institutions

Dual higher education institutions, or universities of cooperative education, are a new kind of institutions that have emerged in the last few years. Here, the education does not only take place at university but also in a cooperative company, similar to a non-university apprenticeship. The academic year is typically divided into four phases, each of which lasts three months. Dual degrees are often offered in the fields of economy, engineering and social sciences.

In comparison to traditional higher education institutions the application process does not take place at the university but at the company or the respective institution. In some cases students also have to apply separately at the higher education institution after successfully applying at the company. This process is not uniform.

An advantage of dual degrees is the practice-oriented education of the students. Normally students will be employed by the respective company. Another advantage of these degrees is the financial aspect; students are officially employed at these companies and are getting paid for their work.
The limited offer for master degrees at higher education institutions, however, is a disadvantage of dual degrees. Furthermore, students might feel pressurised by the amount of work at university and at the company. A lack of independence of the respective universities is also often criticised.

Overview of universities of cooperative education in Germany.
Overview of dual degrees in Germany.