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.
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
Filters Reset
Filters change the page address. Ready-made selections have their own pages.
We will pick universities and programmes for your future profession
The catalogue shows every university but does not tell you where to apply. We start from the profession and your details — school certificate and grade on the German scale, language, budget, dates — and leave a short list of programmes you can realistically get into.
Not chosen a profession yet? Career guidance →
Ready-made selections
Popular combinations of filters — each with its own page and a short explanation.
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.