The Right University

in the cafeteria

Prospective students can choose between different types of higher education institutions in Germany: there are universities, universities of applied sciences, private universities and universities of cooperative education in many different German cities. Every type of higher education institution has particular areas of specialisation.

Types of higher education institutions

Funding bodies

There are several different funding models for higher education institutions in Germany. Most higher education institutions are state-run; others are operated privately, and some by the church.

TIP: A degree from a private or church-run higher education institution in Germany is only valid on the international labour market if the higher education institution is state-approved. The German Rectors' Conference maintains a current list of all state-run and state-approved higher education institutions in Germany.

Location

Choosing the right location for studying is also important. Would you prefer a major university town such as Munich, Cologne, Berlin or Hamburg? Or a smaller city that nonetheless has many students among its population, like Heidelberg or Göttingen? Places that are not so very well known for their higher education institution often have the advantage that and professors are more accessible; finding accommodation is also easier.

DAAD - Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst - German Academic Exchange Service