3. Study options
Get to know the higher education system
Find out more about Germany’s higher education system, the different types of institutions and qualifications.
Info
Education is not centrally organised in Germany. All 16 German states have their own higher education laws and regulations. German institutions of higher education are also very independent. From admission to application deadlines, much is decided by the individual university or college. That is why it is important always to find out which rules apply at the university of your choice.
Types of Universities
In Germany, you can choose between different state and private higher education institutions. There are universities, universities of applied sciences and schools of art, film and music. Selecting the right one depends, amongst other things, on what you want to study. All institutions are comparable in terms of quality.
More than 400 state-recognised institutions of higher education can be found across Germany. Together, they offer some 20,000 different study programmes. You can find out all about the study opportunities in Germany via the . You can attend a German higher education institution:
- To study for a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- To spend a semester or year abroad
- After completing your first degree course
- To study for a doctorate
The following types of higher education institutions exist in Germany:
These degrees can be acquired in Germany
Every study programme is linked to a particular type of qualification. When you decide on your course, you are also deciding on the qualification that you hope to attain. German higher education institutions offer many types of courses and qualifications.
Subject groups
Here you can find information about the various subject groups on offer at German higher education institutions and the career opportunities open to you after completing your studies.
International Programmes
Many German higher education institutions also offer international programmes. There are four reasons for a study programme to be qualified as international:
- if it is taught in English (or another language apart from German) and/or you do not have to have a high proficiency in German.
- if it is a double degree programme; i. e. you receive a degree from both the German university and a second institution, which, together, jointly host the study programme.
- if it offers subject supervision or extracurricular services explicitly for international students, e. g. your university might offer a Welcome Week or a Buddy Programme for international students etc
- if there are specific international elements in the study programme, e. g. aspects of the curriculum are explicitly international, or the course involves times spent studying abroad etc.
Who to turn to with my questions?
There are various groups of people at the university who can help you with your various concerns. However, it is often not easy to find out who the right contact person is at first. There is the Student Advisory Service, the Student Administration Office, the student councils, teaching staff and other people and groups who are the best point of contact for you depending on your concerns.
International Offices
All higher education insitutions in Germany have international offices or – „Akademische Auslandsämter“. They advise and support international students and are often your first point of contact on campus. They also organise events and put you in touch with other international students.
3. Study options