If you choose to study in Germany, you need to know what types of higher education institutions are offered. The university system in Germany is more diverse than other countries, structured around specific focus areas.
Basically, there are three types of higher education institutions in Germany: Universitäten, Fachhochschulen, and Kunst und Musikhochschulen.
- Universität (Uni) is a more research-oriented university with an academic, theoretical, and scientific focus. In addition, some of these universities have options for specialized areas, such as technology, medicine (Medizinische Hochschulen), or pedagogy (Pädagogische Hochschulen). Undergraduate courses are taught in German at the universities, but thousands of master’s and doctoral degrees are offered in English.
- Fachhochschule (FH) – School of applied sciences. It has fewer courses than universities, and its main distinguishing feature is practical application. Fachhochschule courses aim to meet the technical requirements of the job market and include internships in specific companies or departments. The undergraduate and master’s degrees are offered in English or German.
- Kunst und Musikhochschule – School of Art, Film and Music. It is oriented toward arts, such as design, film, music, or fashion. Classes cover both theory and practice. In addition, art colleges take portfolios and previous experience into account when selecting new students. In this type of institution, it is also common to find undergraduate and master’s programs in English or German.
Want to know which of these institutions suits you best? Contact Germanics and find out more about what each university can offer you in Germany.