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Universities in Germany: University vs University of Applied Sciences

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Updated on: July 2025

University vs university of applied sciences

Key Takeaways

  • Germany’s higher education system offers a variety of institutions, each catering to different academic and career goals, whether through research or practical industry training.
  • Traditional research universities focus on providing in-depth theoretical knowledge and research opportunities. They offer a wide range of programmes and PhD options, making them ideal for students pursuing academic careers or research roles.
  • Universities of applied sciences are more practice-oriented and specialize in fields such as engineering, IT, and business. These institutions focus on equipping students with technical and professional skills, often providing internships and strong industry connections that lead to excellent job prospects.
  • When choosing between the two, students interested in research or academia should consider traditional universities, while those seeking hands-on, industry-specific experience may find universities of applied sciences more suitable.
  • If you care about ranking, you will want to study at a traditional university as universities of applied sciences are not ranked. They are both equally recognised in Germany and in other European countries.
  • Even if you have completed your Bachelor’s degree from a university of applied science, you can choose to study your Master’s degree at a university.

Germany is known for its high-quality universities, and one great benefit is that education is tuition-free for both German and international students. With over 400,000 international students, Germany is a popular study destination.

But many people don’t realize that there are three types of universities in Germany:

  1. University
  2. University of Applied Sciences
  3. College of Art, Music, or Film

Each has its own unique features, and depending on the programme you choose, one might be a better fit for you than the other. In this article, we’ll compare the two most common types: University and University of Applied Sciences.

Germany is known for its diverse and highly respected higher education system. Whether you’re aiming for academic research, hands-on training, or creative fields, there are different types of institutions to match your learning preferences and career goals. Understanding the structure of universities in Germany is crucial to choosing the right path for your future.

Traditional universities in Germany focus on academic and theoretical knowledge. These institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across fields such as medicine, natural sciences, humanities, law, and social sciences. They are ideal for students interested in research, teaching, or professions that require in-depth academic study.

Universitäten also offer the opportunity to pursue PhD degrees, making them a preferred option for students aiming for a career in academia, research or specialised professions.

Universities of applied sciences are more practice-oriented and closely linked to industry needs. These institutions focus on equipping students with the skills needed in the job market, especially in fields like engineering, IT, business and hospitality.

Unlike traditional universities, they do not typically offer doctoral programmes, but many have partnerships with research universities that allow graduates to pursue further academic study. The advantages of universities of applied sciences include smaller class sizes, structured learning, and strong employment prospects.

This model is often compared to TVET-style education, but with the added benefit of a university-level degree and international recognition.

Both types offer accredited degree programmes and are respected across Europe, but they serve different academic purposes and career outcomes. Traditional universities are more research-focused and academically intensive, whereas universities of applied sciences place greater emphasis on practical training and real-world application.

In this section, we break down the key differences to help you decide which type of institution aligns best with your personal interests, learning style, and future ambitions.

Universities: German universities are mostly focused on research and theory. They have a long history of important discoveries, such as the Bunsen burner created by Robert Bunsen at the University of Heidelberg. These universities have also produced many Nobel Prize winners, contributing to Germany being one of the leading countries for Nobel laureates.

University of Applied Sciences: On the other hand, universities of applied sciences focus more on practical, hands-on education. Many programmes require internships and real-world projects with companies. These universities have strong ties with industries, making their programmes very relevant and up to date.

Universities: Offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

University of Applied Sciences: Usually only offer undergraduate and master’s degrees, though some are starting to offer PhDs in recent years. Both types of universities award degrees of equal value, so graduates from a university of applied sciences can also continue their studies at a university if they wish.

Universities: Offer a wide range of subjects, from science to arts to social sciences.

University of Applied Sciences: Offer fewer types of courses, typically focusing on:

  • Engineering
  • Computer science
  • Business and management
  • Design
  • Social work
  • Tourism and hospitality

Some programmes, like medicine or law, are only available at traditional universities.

At both universities and universities of applied sciences, lectures are the main teaching method, along with smaller tutorials and lab sessions. However, universities tend to focus more on research projects, while universities of applied sciences focus on real-world, industry-related modules.

A big plus for universities of applied sciences is that students are often required to do internships, sometimes for a full semester. Not only do these internships give students valuable experience, but they also usually offer a stipend to help cover living costs. Many students also end up working with the companies they interned for, either during their studies or after graduation.

Universities: Lecturers typically have a PhD and years of research experience. They also work on research projects alongside their teaching.

University of Applied Sciences: Lecturers must have a PhD and at least five years of work experience in the industry. They connect the university with real-world projects, ensuring that students are learning the most up-to-date skills.

Because universities offer a wider variety of subjects, they usually have more students. A university can have up to 50,000 students, while a university of applied sciences might have only 5,000. This means universities often have larger classes (sometimes with 250 students), while universities of applied sciences have smaller classes, which might be around 50 students.

At universities of applied sciences, this smaller class size can mean more individual attention from professors.

University vs University of Applied Sciences: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between a university and a university of applied sciences depends on what you want out of your education. If you’re looking for a more research-focused education with a broad range of subjects, a traditional university might be the best fit. However, if you prefer hands-on learning, with a strong connection to the industry and practical experience, a university of applied sciences might be more suitable.

Here’s a chart we like to use to help guide our students

Types of universities in Germany

Traditional universities are the ideal choice for students who are interested in pursuing in-depth academic study and a research-oriented career. If you’re aiming to become an expert in fields such as social sciences, engineering, medicine, or law, a traditional university offers the academic rigour and depth of knowledge you will need.

  • Research Opportunities: Access to cutting-edge research and labs in fields such as arts, natural sciences, and humanities.
  • Doctoral Programmes: If you aim to pursue a PhD or an academic career, traditional universities offer doctoral studies in various disciplines.
  • Flexibility: There is a wider range of subjects and courses to choose from, allowing you to explore interdisciplinary fields.

Who Should Choose This Path?

  • Those looking to work in research, academia, or specialised professions that require in-depth theoretical knowledge.
  • Students who wish to continue their studies with postgraduate and doctoral degrees.

Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) are designed for students who want to quickly gain practical skills and industry experience. These universities focus on offering applied knowledge in fields like engineering, business, and IT.

  • Industry Partnerships: Many universities of applied sciences have close ties with businesses, meaning students often participate in internships or cooperative placements.
  • Career-Focused Programmes: The curricula are designed to equip students with the specific technical and professional skills needed for the workforce.
  • High Employability: Graduates are often hired by the companies where they did their internships, as these institutions are highly regarded by industry professionals.
Who Should Choose This Path?
  • Students who want to start their careers as soon as possible and prefer a hands-on, practical approach to learning.
  • Those who prefer smaller class sizes, more personal interactions with professors, and structured learning environments.

Many students focus on university rankings when deciding where to study. While prestigious institutions like Technical University Munich and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich are highly ranked, these rankings often don’t include universities of applied sciences. This is because rankings mainly focus on research output, and universities of applied sciences are more focused on practical training rather than research.

In fact, there are more universities of applied sciences in Germany (over 200) than traditional universities (about 100). Many of these universities are well-known for offering excellent programmes in specific fields, so be sure to consider both options when choosing a university in Germany.

FAQ

Yes, it is possible to transfer from a university of applied sciences to a traditional university, but the process can vary depending on the programme and university. Some universities may allow you to transfer credits from your university of applied sciences studies, particularly if you wish to pursue a Master’s degree or switch to a research-based field. However, transferring to a traditional university may require meeting specific academic requirements, and the number of credits recognised will depend on the institution.

In Germany, public universities are state-accredited, meaning their degrees are automatically recognised within Germany and across the EU. However, if you want to check if it’s recognised in Malaysia, you will want to check with a relevant professional body like the Board of Engineering Malaysia, Board of Architects Malaysia and the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.

Both universities of applied sciences and traditional universities offer great job opportunities, but the choice largely depends on your career goals and industry preferences.

  • Universities of applied sciences tend to focus more on practical, industry-specific training, which can lead to direct employment in fields like engineering, IT and business. Graduates often find work quickly due to the strong industry connections and internship opportunities.
  • Traditional universities provide more flexibility and are often better suited for research-intensive careers or positions in sectors that require advanced theoretical knowledge, such as medicine, law, or academia. These universities are well-regarded for producing graduates who go on to PhD programmes or research-based roles.

Ultimately, if you’re aiming for a hands-on career in specific industries, universities of applied sciences may be the better choice. If you are considering higher academic qualifications or a career in research, a traditional university might offer more opportunities.

Conclusion: Choose the Right University for Your Future

Germany offers a diverse and world-class higher education system with a variety of institutions to suit different academic and career aspirations. Whether you choose a traditional university for its research-focused academic programmes or a university of applied sciences for practical, industry-driven training, both paths provide excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth.

By understanding the key differences between universities in Germany, you can make an informed decision based on your learning style, career goals, and interests. Germany’s reputation for providing high-quality, affordable education, along with strong industry links and global recognition, makes it an attractive destination for international students.

No matter which type of university you choose, studying in Germany is an investment in your future. With the right preparation, language skills, and guidance, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your academic and professional goals.

Want to get started? Check out our 3 steps guide to help students study in Germany.
3 Steps Guide

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