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Germany's higher education system is characterised by a particular variety and versatility. From the practice-focused universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) to classical university training and all the way through to internationally-renowned vocational academies - Germany offers it all. Germany's universities and colleges are located throughout the country - whether in the major cities or in the rich green countryside. The spectrum ranges from time-honoured to highly modern, from small and welcoming to large and dynamic.

The variety of German universities

Currently, there are 268 state (public) higher education institutions (HEI) in Germany, 41 church-maintained colleges and 63 private universities. Depending on the type of HEI, the subject profile, qualification options and admission requirements will differ quite considerably (for details, click here).

Here an overview of the key types:

• "Hochschule" is the generic term used to refer to any institutions of the German higher education system.

• A "Universität" is a doctorate-granting institution. After completing an intermediate examination, Universität students work towards the final examination, leading to a “Bachelor”, “Master”, "Diplom", "Magister Artium", or the "Staatsexamen", depending on the area of study. A "Promotion" (PhD) can follow.

• Originally, a "Technische Universität" restricted its teaching to technical and engineering disciplines. However, in the course of time, technical universities have developed into more comprehensive higher education institutions. Hence, students can now also study arts and humanities degree courses at the technical universities. Nevertheless, the focus of their activities continues to be directed towards engineering and science.

• A "Fachhochschule" is an institution with emphasis on professional and practical training in a specialized area. After completing eight semesters (which may include one or two semesters of practical work or internships), the student receives a Diplom, Bachelor or Master. These smaller, more specialized institutions are becoming increasingly popular.

• A "Kunsthochschule" and a "Musikhochschule" are like fine arts schools or music conservatories. They offer curricula in the fine arts and music, respectively, or in related professional areas.

• Research Institutions: Additionally, there are many highly respected institutions that specialize in advanced research only, for example the well known institutes of the Max Planck Society and the Fraunhofer Society, as well as several research institutions of federal agencies. Click here for more information about the major research institutions in Germany.

Tuition fees – yes or no?

Tuition fees used to be unknown in Germany. But the situation has changed over recent years. Now, some federal states charge tuition fees for first degree (undergraduate) courses, such as Bachelor's, Diplom, or Magister programmes. As from the winter semester 2006/2007 you will, depending on your federal state and university, have to reckon with fees of around 500 euros per semester.

Since education in Germany is subject to each Federal State’s legislation (and the universities, in addition, enjoy a certain degree of autonomy), it is impossible to give general information about fee structures and admission requirements at German universities. It is essential to inquire those details at each university directly.

Fees for long-term students: Some universities charge around 500 euros per semester for students whose studies have lasted three to four semesters longer than the standard time to obtain a degree.

Study accounts/Fees for second degrees: Some federal states have introduced a study account model. Those who take up a second degree course or exceed a certain number of semesters (1.5 times the standard time to degree) have to pay around 500 to 650 euros per semester.

Graduate and postgraduate programmes: Most Master's programmes are fee-charging. Tuition can amount to between 650 and several thousand euros per semester.

Germany’s strong international focus

Germany's higher education institutions are proud of their traditions and nurture these. The founding of the oldest university, the Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, dates back to 1386. But that does not stop them from addressing and engaging in the advancing internationalization that is taking place in the education and labour markets.

The Bologna Process is an intergovernmental initiative which aims to create a European Higher Education Area (EHEA) by 2010 and to promote the European system of higher education worldwide. It now has 45 signatory countries and it is conducted outside the formal decision-making framework of the European Union. Decision-making within the Process rests on the consent of all the participating countries.

It was launched in 1999 when Ministers from 29 European countries met in Bologna and signed a declaration establishing what was necessary to create a EHEA by the end of the decade. The broad objectives of the Bologna Process became: to remove the obstacles to student mobility across Europe; to enhance the attractiveness of European higher education worldwide; to establish a common structure of higher education systems across Europe, and; for this common structure to be based on two main cycles, undergraduate and graduate.

In this context, the German universities transform their former German degrees such as “Diplom” or “Magister” (both equivalent to a Master’s degree) into international degrees like “Bachelor” and “Master” (and PhD), they even offer a considerable and growing number of them in the English language. About half of the courses already underwent this transformation and lead now to those international degrees.

In its drive to improve the quality of higher education and, in turn, human resources across Europe, the Bologna Process will play a key role in contributing to the EU’s Lisbon Strategy goals which aim to deliver stronger, lasting growth and to create more and better jobs. Since 1999 Ministers have met three times to assess progress towards the creation of the EHEA – in Prague in 2001, in Berlin in 2003 and in Bergen in 2005.

The UK will host the next ministerial summit in London in 2007.