Good to know: German (Fach-)Hochschule vs. Universities & Colleges in UK and USA

In Germany, the terms “Hochschule”, “Universität” and “Fachhochschule” (FH) refer to different types of higher education institutions.

Here are the main differences between them:

1. Hochschule: The term “Hochschule” is a general term for all types of higher education institutions in Germany, including universities, technical universities, and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Hochschule is a broader term that encompasses all institutions of higher education in Germany, while “Universität” and “Fachhochschule” refer to specific types of institutions.
2. Universität: A “Universität” is a type of research-oriented university that offers a wide range of academic programs in a variety of fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Universities in Germany are typically larger and offer a wider range of programs and research opportunities compared to Fachhochschulen.
3. Fachhochschule: A “Fachhochschule” (FH) or “university of applied sciences” is a type of higher education institution that focuses on practical, career-oriented education in specific fields such as engineering, business, and social work. Fachhochschulen generally have smaller class sizes, more hands-on learning opportunities, and stronger connections to industry than universities.

Overall, the main difference between Hochschule, Universität, and Fachhochschule is their focus and approach to higher education. While universities in Germany are known for their research and academic excellence, Fachhochschulen are known for their practical, career-oriented approach to education. Hochschule, on the other hand, is a general term that encompasses both types of institutions.

As a example of the variaty of german University landscape i put a few examples of german here in a list. For further information please have a look at our other articles on this blog below this article or subscibe out newsletter and social media for all updates.

The ways of applying for this different types of universities:

In Germany, the application process for universities, Fachhochschulen (FH), and other higher education institutions typically involves several steps. Here are the general steps to apply for each type of institution:

1. Applying to a Universität: To apply to a Universität in Germany, you will typically need to submit an application through an online portal called “uni-assist.” You will need to create an account, select the universities and programs you want to apply to, and upload the required documents, such as transcripts, language proficiency certificates, and letters of recommendation. The specific application requirements may vary depending on the university and program you are applying to.
2. Applying to a Fachhochschule: To apply to a Fachhochschule in Germany, you will typically need to submit an application directly to the institution. You can find the application form and instructions on the FH’s website. The application requirements may include transcripts, language proficiency certificates, and letters of recommendation, as well as a statement of purpose or motivation letter.
3. Applying to other types of institutions: There are also other types of higher education institutions in Germany, such as art and music schools, technical colleges, and vocational schools. The application process for these institutions may vary depending on the institution and program you are applying to. In general, you will need to submit an application form, transcripts, and other supporting documents.

In addition to the above steps, you may also need to take an entrance exam or attend an interview as part of the application process for certain programs or institutions. It’s important to check the specific application requirements and deadlines for each institution and program you are interested in, as they can vary widely.

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This is just a short list of universities you can find when you follow this link to another page in this blog:

List of all privat and public universities in Germany