German University Types

TL;DR

• Germany has several types of higher education institutions. The most common are Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences, and Technical Universities.
• All types award internationally recognised Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
• The main difference is in teaching style: some are more theoretical and research-focused, others are more hands-on and career-oriented.
• Your choice should depend on your goals, your preferred learning style, and whether you plan to pursue a PhD.
• University type matters less than what you actually learn and do during your studies.

What is a Hochschule?

Before diving into the types, one word you will see everywhere: Hochschule. In German, Hochschule is simply the umbrella term for any institution of higher education. It covers universities, applied sciences schools, art academies, and more.

When a school calls itself just "Hochschule" without further specification, it usually means a University of Applied Sciences. But technically, even a large research university is a Hochschule. Do not let the terminology confuse you.

The Main University Types

German higher education institutions fall into a few main categories.

University

The classical university, focused on academic research and theory. Universities offer the widest range of subjects, from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences, engineering, law, and medicine.

• Strong emphasis on theoretical foundations and scientific methods
• Larger class sizes, especially in the first semesters
• Students are expected to organise their studies independently
• The only institution type that can directly award doctoral degrees (PhD)
• Best suited if you want to go into academia or research

Well-known examples include LMU Munich, Heidelberg University, and Humboldt University of Berlin.

University of Applied Sciences

Known in German as Fachhochschule (FH) or Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften (HAW). These institutions focus on practical, career-oriented education.

• Smaller class sizes and a more structured, school-like schedule
• Courses are designed around real-world application
• Internships and industry projects are often built into the curriculum
• Many students start working part-time in their field while still studying
• Cannot directly award doctoral degrees, but graduates can transfer to a university for a PhD

Universities of Applied Sciences make up the largest group of higher education institutions in Germany. They are especially strong in engineering, business, IT, social work, and design.

Technical University

A Technical University is a full university with a strong focus on STEM fields: engineering, computer science, natural sciences, and mathematics. TUs have the same academic standing as any other university, including the right to award doctoral degrees.

• Combine deep theory with applied research
• Particularly well-regarded for engineering and technology courses
• Often have strong ties to industry and research institutes
• Tend to be larger and more competitive

Prominent examples include TU Munich (TUM), RWTH Aachen, and TU Berlin, which are part of the TU9 group of leading technical universities.

Academy of Fine Arts

These specialised institutions offer courses in fine arts, performing arts, music, film, and design.

• Admission is based on artistic talent, typically through auditions or portfolio reviews rather than grades alone
• Offer degrees in areas like visual arts, music performance, composition, film directing, and design
• Small, intimate learning environments with close mentorship from practising artists and professionals
• Graduates typically pursue careers in the arts, freelance creative work, or teaching

University of Cooperative Education

These institutions offer dual study courses that combine academic learning with practical training at a company. Students split their time between the classroom and the workplace, and they are usually paid by the company during their studies.

• Very structured, alternating between theory phases and work phases
• You need a contract with a partner company before you can enrol
• Strong path to employment, since many students are hired by their training company after graduation
• Most common in business, engineering, and IT

Business School

Business Schools in Germany are specialised institutions focused on management, economics, finance, and related business fields. Most of them are privately run and state-recognised, though a few operate under public funding.

• Courses are often taught entirely in English, making them popular with international students
• Strong emphasis on case studies, group projects, and real-world business scenarios
• Typically offer Bachelor's and Master's degrees in business administration, management, finance, or related areas, as well as MBA courses
• Class sizes tend to be small, with a more personalised learning environment

Business Schools can vary widely in quality and reputation. Some are well-established with strong international accreditations, while others are newer and less proven. Always check whether a Business School holds recognised accreditations such as AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA, and whether the degrees are state-recognised in Germany.

Well-known examples include Mannheim Business School, WHU, ESMT Berlin, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

Other Schools

Germany also has a small number of specialised institutions such as administrative colleges, church-run institutions, and other niche schools. These serve specific professional or denominational communities and are less commonly relevant for international students.

How to Choose the Right Type

There is no single "best" type of university in Germany. Your choice depends on your goals, your preferred learning style, and your career plans. A student who wants a hands-on education with industry contact will thrive at a University of Applied Sciences. Someone aiming for a research career or a PhD is better served by a University or Technical University. If you want to study art or music, an Academy of Fine Arts is the natural fit.

Are the Degrees Equal?

Yes. Both Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences award Bachelor's and Master's degrees under the Bologna system. These degrees are legally equivalent and internationally recognised.

The key difference is at the doctoral level: only Universities (including TUs) can directly award a PhD. If you graduate from a University of Applied Sciences with a Master's degree, you can still pursue a doctorate, but you will need to apply to a university's doctoral programme.

Public, Private, and Church-run

Beyond institution type, every German university also falls into one of three funding categories: public, private, or church-affiliated. This affects tuition, class sizes, and teaching style, but not the value of your degree. For a full breakdown, read our dedicated guide on public, private and church-affiliated universities.

FAQ

Is a Fachhochschule easier than a Universität?

Not necessarily. The content and difficulty depend on the specific course and institution. Universities of Applied Sciences tend to have more structured schedules and smaller classes, which some students find more supportive. Universities can feel more demanding because students must manage their time and learning independently. The challenge is different, not necessarily greater or lesser.

Can I switch from a Fachhochschule to a Universität?

Yes. You can complete your Bachelor's at a University of Applied Sciences and then apply for a Master's at a University, or the other way around. You may need to take additional courses in some cases, but the degrees are compatible.

Do employers prefer Universität graduates?

In most fields, no. Many German employers value the practical experience that graduates from Universities of Applied Sciences bring. For research-heavy roles or academic careers, a university background may be preferred. For industry jobs, especially in engineering, IT, and business, a Fachhochschule degree is often equally or even more valued.

What is a Technische Hochschule (TH)?

A Technische Hochschule is typically a University of Applied Sciences with a focus on technical and engineering fields. Despite having "Hochschule" in the name, it is not the same as a Technische Universität (TU). A TU is a full university with the right to award doctoral degrees. Some historic THs have full university status, so always check the specific institution.

Can I do a PhD at a Fachhochschule?

Fachhochschulen generally cannot award doctoral degrees on their own. However, many have partnerships with universities that allow students to pursue a PhD through cooperation. Some FHs also have their own doctoral programmes in partnership with a university. It is possible, but the standard path is to complete your Master's and then apply to a university doctoral programme.

What about foreign universities operating in Germany?

Some international universities have branch campuses in Germany. These are classified separately as Foreign Universities. They follow their home country's academic system and may have different fee structures and degree formats. This guide focuses on German institutions.

Related Guides

• German University Rankings: What Matters and What Doesn't
• Public, Private & Church-Affiliated Universities in Germany
• MBA in Germany: Is It Worth It for International Students?
• What Is Studienkolleg?