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Step 3 of the method · choosing a university

Universities in Germany and Austria

436 universities: public universities, technical universities, universities of applied sciences (Hochschule) and private universities. The type of university shapes both the requirements and the cost: public universities in most federal states charge no tuition even for international students, private ones charge a fee but often have no competition of grades.

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Worth knowing before you choose
  • ·Choose the university for the programme, not the other way round: requirements and deadlines differ between programmes of the same university
  • ·Universities of applied sciences (Hochschule) focus on practice and are usually less competitive; universities focus on research and lead to a doctorate
  • ·Apply to 3–5 universities: the competition of grades is unpredictable
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Country
Germany 0Austria 0
University type
University 0Technical 0Applied sciences 0Art and music 0
Ownership
Public 0Private 0Church-run 0
Language of programmes
German 0English 0
Tuition for international students
Tuition-free 0Up to €1,500 per semester 0
Has a Studienkolleg
At the university 0Refers to a partner college 0Foundation 0

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Frequently asked questions about choosing a university

What is the difference between a university and a Hochschule?
A university offers academic education, research and the right to award doctorates. A university of applied sciences (Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften, formerly Fachhochschule) focuses on practice: projects with companies and usually a compulsory practical semester. The bachelor's degree is equivalent, and competition at universities of applied sciences is usually lower. A doctorate after a Hochschule takes an extra step — as a rule, via a university.
How much does it cost to study at a public university?
Most federal states charge no tuition fee, including for international students: you only pay the semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag), usually €100 to €400 per semester and often including a public transport ticket. Baden-Württemberg charges international students €1,500 per semester; in Bavaria and Saxony universities may set such fees themselves — the university's page says so. The main cost is not tuition but accommodation.
How many universities should I apply to?
Three to five. The grade competition changes every year and is not known in advance. Applying via uni-assist costs €75 for the first programme per semester and €30 for each further one — cheaper than losing a year.
Do I need a Studienkolleg?
That depends on your country and school certificate, not on the university. If your certificate does not give direct access, you first need a Studienkolleg and the Feststellungsprüfung — a year more in your plan. The university card shows whether it has its own college and which colleges it accepts graduates from.
Is a private university worse?
Not worse, but different: usually no grade competition, more frequent intakes and more programmes in English, but tuition is charged. Check that the university is state-recognised (staatlich anerkannt) and the programme accredited — otherwise the degree may not be recognised.

A university is chosen for the programme

Requirements, language and deadlines differ even within one university. Start with the programme — the catalogue shows which universities offer it.

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