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Higher  education sector is regulated partly at the central and predominantly at  the state level. This education is catered by a number of institutions primarily by the universities. These grant degrees at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. They also provide other types of professional and vocational certification to students.

Universities in Germany are separated on two distinctive factors. One, on the basis of their specialisation and the other, based on their funding. Since you are going to study in Germany, both of the factors play an important role and you must understand them. By understanding the types of university in Germany and their courses, you will be able to choose the best course type, university and degree you wish to secure from Germany.

Suggested: A Complete Guide to Higher Education System in Germany

As discussed above, based on the different areas of specialisation, universities are divided into three types:

1.  Universities (German: Universität)

German Universities focus on your academic soundness. The key factors of Universities in Germany are the knowledge-based and the research-based learning systems. By studying at a German University, you can be assured to theoretically master the subject as a whole.

Nature Of Universities:

1. Academically sound
2. Research-based learning
3. Offers recognised Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees
4. In-depth study in various fields such as Medicine, Law etc

Who should opt to study in Universities?

Students keen on achieving overall theoretical knowledge on a particular subject; or students interested in research, doctorate degrees or one’s aspiring to be experts in their fields must study at Universities.

Furthermore, if you want to pursue a PhD in the future, then this is for you.

In case you are also wondering about Technical Universities in Germany, Tutoring Universities etc. These are sub-type of Universities. Branched under Universities, they focus on specialised topics to expertise.

Some of the Sub-types of Universities are:

1. Technical University (TU)
2. Theological University (Theologische Hochschulen)
3. University of Education (Pädagogische Hochschulen)
4. University of Public Administration

Top Universities in Germany:

1. Heidelberg University
2. Leipzig University
3. University of Bonn
4. University of Stuttgart
5. University of Freiburg
6. Technical University of Berlin
7. Technical University of Munich
8. Philipps University, Marburg
9. Dresden University of Technology
10. Humboldt University of Berlin

2.  University Of Applied Sciences (German: Fachhochschule / Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften)

Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany offer a practical approach to learning. Courses at the University of Applied Sciences in Germany are practice-based along with basic theoretical knowledge on the particular subject. To implement the same, you will need to take up internships, projects and collaborations in Germany to successfully complete your course.

Nature of University Of Applied Sciences:

1. Practical-based teaching
2. Includes working at various companies to complete the course.
3. Offers Bachelors and Masters degree (Cannot offer a doctorate degree)
4. Provides first-hand experience in various fields such as Business, Engineering etc.

Who should apply to a University Of Applied Sciences?

Students eager to work must take up courses in these universities. If you are interested in learning on the job and want to gain practical experience while you understand the theory of subjects, the University Of Applied Sciences is for you.

Top Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany:

1. RWTH Aachen
2. FH Aachen
3. HTW Berlin
4. Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
5. Fachhochschule Lubeck
6. Leibniz Universität Hannover
7. Esslingen University of Applied Sciences
8. Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
9. Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin
10. Hochschule Hannover

3.  University of Art, Film and Music

Art colleges in Germany specialise in teaching art, music and other creative subjects. Artists polish their skills and become artistically sound from these Universities in Germany. Students enrolling in these universities will have to make a portfolio and submit their work to German art colleges to be chosen.

You might also have to learn German C2 level since most of the courses at art, film and music courses are taught in German. A few universities offer English-taught courses however, they are few in number. 

Nature of Art, Film and Music Universities:

1. Talent based learning
2. Offers Bachelors, Masters, Doctorates and other Artistic degrees.
3. Exceptionally talented individuals elected for the course
4. Need to know German

Who should apply to a University Of Applied Sciences?

Talented artists can apply for this course. To specialise in your art pursuing courses in these universities will give you a recognised degree and polish your talent. 

Various Universities Of Art, Film and Music in Germany:

1. Bauhaus University, Weimar
2. Berlin University of the Arts
3. University of the Arts, Bremen
4. Braunschweig University of Art
5. Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences
6.  University of Fine Arts, Münster
7. State Academy of Fine Arts, Stuttgart
8. The Academy of Fine Arts, Leipzig

The above-mentioned universities are devised based on the specialisation. Here is a quick summary at the three :