German Higher Education System has three major types of Universities
- Universitäten – Academic Universities
Universities or Academic Universities mainly impart theoretical knowledge and suitable for students interested in research. The courses are academically oriented with multiple subject groups. The most specialized and popular of the lot are the “Technical Universities” (famously called as Technische Universität, TU) or Colleges of Education (Pädagogische Hochschule, PH). Students can also study for a doctorate (doctoral degree) in a University. The same is not possible in most Universities of Applied Sciences.
- Fachhochschulen – Universities of Applied Sciences
Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen and Hochschulen für angewandte Wissenschaften) follow practical approach and specialize in offering practice based academic programs. Theory takes a back seat here and more focus is given on professional applications helping students adapting to the professional world. Students enroll in these universities either for the Bachelor’s or for the Master’s. The degrees are awarded in the fields of economics, technology, medicine or social work.
- Specialist colleges of Art, Music, or Film
In art, film and music colleges one can study creative subjects like music, drama, acting, architecture, visual arts, dance and designing. College/s may test you for specific talent in the creative field you want to take admission in. Students must have sufficient German language skills as most of these colleges would teach in German.