Universities and University Colleges in Germany
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The diversity of Germany's higher education system may perhaps confuse you as you start your search for an opportunity to take up a course of studies in Germany. But with a bit a patience you will quickly understand the main characteristics of the various types of higher education institutions so that you can make the right choice for your studies. Germany's higher education institutions enjoy a continuing popularity among students from abroad.
Universities
Universities are the classical form of higher education institution. The 102 universities operating in Germany at present focus of teaching methodological and theoretical knowledge. Research and teaching are closely combined with each other. Most of the universities are so-called full universities which offer the whole spectrum of academic subjects. As a rule, these include law, arts and humanities, cultural studies, natural sciences and economics/business administration, teacher training and, with some exceptions, medicine.
Some universities have a strong technical/engineering focus and consequently call themselves technical universities or universities of technology, even though students can also increasingly study arts, humanities and social sciences subjects there today.
Private universities
Private universities have established themselves in the German higher education landscape over recent years. Within just ten years their number grew from 24 to 63 at present. Despite the occasionally high tuition fees - around 1,800 to 4,700 euros per semester - they are becoming an alternative to studying at a state institution for ever more first-year students and undergraduates. Some of the reasons for this lie in the good reputation that focus, strong international orientation, short studies, good career prospects. the private universities have: small study groups, strong ties with business and industry, very practical.
But far from all the private universities meet these expectations. If you are seriously considering studying at a private university, you must make sure that it is state-recognised. Because without this state recognition, any academic degrees you gain will not be recognised, which could lead to major problems when you start looking for a job after graduating.