Universities in Germany: University vs University of Applied Sciences

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Updated on: Feb 2025

TL;DR: The two main types of universities in Germany are the University and the University of Applied Sciences. The former is more research-focused while the latter is more application-based. The following article will also compare these two types of universities based on the focus of curriculum, the degrees and courses being offered, teaching method, qualification of teaching staff, as well as student population.

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:

University
University of Applied Sciences
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.

Focus of Curriculum

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.

Degrees Offered

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.

Courses Offered

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.

Teaching Methodes

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.

Lecturers' Qualifications

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.

Student Population

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.

Which is More Suitable for You?

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

Don't Just Look at Rankings

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.

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

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