Diffrent Schools

Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen)

These institutions generally offer a four-year course of study that leads to credentials at the bachelor's level and a Diplom (FH) degree. There are more practice-oriented programs. Emphasis is on technology, business, social science and design. More and moreFachhochschulen also offer master's programs for those students eligible for further study. TheFachhochschulen do not offer Doctorates nor are there medical or law schools. However, qualified graduates may go apply to other schools to pursue a Doctorate or other professional studies.

Colleges of Art, Music and Film (Kunst, Musik-und Filmhochschule)

These schools are of equivalent status to universities. The 53 state colleges of art, music and film admit students who successfully complete an entrance examination. Germany’s 23 music colleges are popular with foreign students, which comprise over one-third of the student body at these schools. Although the entrance requirements for these schools are quite stringent, the education and training are very high quality.

State/Private Cooperation

There are over three dozen Universities of Cooperative Education in Germany (BA –Berufsakademie) While they are not technically regarded as state institutions of higher education, some of their qualifications are recognized as comparable with of those of universities of applied sciences and many programs may lead to a Bachelor’s degree. These institutions normally integrate vocational training and theoretical studies. These institutions offer specialized education in different businesses, technology and the social sciences. Study at a Berufsakademie is often dependent on having a trainee contract with an employer. Graduates job prospects are quite good.