Germany is home to some of the world’s most renowned universities. Twelve of the country’s universities are among the top 200 in QS World Rankings.
- Total number of state-accredited colleges and universities in Germany – 426 in nearly 170 towns and cities
- Total number of degree programmes offered at German universities and colleges – 18,650-degree programs
- Number of courses taught in English: 1,104
- Total number of students enrolled per semester – 2.75 million+ students
A tuition-free university education has made Germany an attractive option for prospective students. Ranked as the fourth most popular destination for international students in the world (after the US, UK, and Australia), universities in Germany witnessed 358,895 enrollments in 2018.
Universities
- Ideal for those interested in a scientifically-oriented education and for those who would like to pursue a doctoral program in Germany
- Universities mainly focus on theoretical knowledge and offer a broad range of courses and subjects.
- Their curriculum is academically oriented with many different subject groups.
- Some schools specialize in specific disciplines such as advanced technology, medicine, and
- education. They are called technical universities (Technische Universität) or colleges of education (Pädagogische Hochschule).
Universities of Applied Sciences
- Ideal for those looking for a more practice-oriented education.
- These institutions focus more on professional application than theory.
- Their curriculum is tailored to the demands of professional life.
- Usually include internships and a practical module that last one or more semesters.
- Subjects include technology, economics, social work, and medicine.
- You can not study for a doctorate (doctoral degree) at most Universities of Applied Sciences.
Colleges of Art, Film, and Music
- Ideal for those who wish to study an artistic or design-oriented subject such as instrumental music, graphic arts, drama, dance, architecture, industrial and fashion design.
- Most courses in these colleges are taught in German.
- Colleges of modern media train students to become directors, producers, cinematographers, screenwriters, and other film and television technicians.
- You must exhibit a high degree of artistic talent in an aptitude test.
- Exceptionally talented students can apply without a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (certificate of aptitude for higher education).
Difference Between Public and Private Universities in Germany
Most universities in Germany are public which means they are funded by the federal government. Some are even financed by religious organizations. These public institutions do not charge any tuition fee.
Apart from these subsidized universities, there are nearly 120 private universities which grant degrees. Most of them include universities of applied sciences. These private universities charge high tuition fees.
More than 90 percent of students are enrolled in public universities and only 7.1 percent of students attend a private institution. However, both types of universities maintain high standards of education.