You want to study? You already know which subject you want to study, but the difference between a university and a university of applied sciences is not yet clear to you? There are a few characteristics that distinguish both types of universities. However, the differences have softened somewhat in recent years. Due to the Bologna Process, teaching has become more and more aligned and the differences are no longer as great as they used to be.
What are the characteristics of a university?
For many prospective students, the university is the first idea and THE place to go when it comes to studying. After all, a university is the highest educational institution in Germany. Universities fully represent the sciences.
What are the characteristics of a university of applied sciences?
A university of applied sciences is a university that offers application-oriented courses of study. It is about applied research. The English translation already makes it clear: universities of applied sciences are "universities of applied science". Like universities, they offer a wide range of courses in the natural sciences, social sciences, economics, technology and the arts.
When studying at a university of applied sciences, the main aim is to establish a reference to application. This is achieved through structured curricula and an internship semester to get a taste of the "working world" at an early stage. Many universities of applied sciences also have technology transfer centers that establish links with industry.
What is the difference between a university and a UAS?
It can be said that the teaching at UASs is more practically oriented than at universities. In addition, the seminars are often smaller and more manageable than at universities. This makes the atmosphere more personal, because the teachers get to know the students more quickly. In the past, the timetable at UAS was much more strictly prescribed than at universities. It was said that the system at UASs was more school-like. In return, there were fewer opportunities to set individual focal points in the course of study and to deepen one's own interests. But with the modularization of studies, this is now affecting universities as well. The tight schedule is no longer a unique selling point of universities of applied sciences.
And another thing: Before the changeover to bachelor's and master's degrees, a distinction was made between university and UAS degrees by noting "(FH)" if the degree was earned at a UAS. This is also no longer the case. With Bachelor's and Master's degrees, there is no longer any difference in the title between Uni and FH.
Why are many universities of applied sciences simply called universities of applied sciences?
Most universities of applied sciences now omit the "Fach" from their names and call themselves simply "Hochschule. In this way, they want to make it clear that they are similar to universities. And now it gets even more confusing.
Under which university names is a "university" hidden?
Universities on an equal footing with universities include
Pedagogical universities
Music colleges
academies of the arts
and sports colleges
In addition, many ecclesiastical universities also have the right to award doctorates. The general university entrance qualification is then normally required for enrollment.
What school-leaving qualifications do I need to apply to universities and universities of applied sciences?
For an application to a university, the Allgemeine Hochschulreife is the standard. And even with a subject-linked higher education entrance qualification, it is also possible to study the subjects of the respective subject area at universities. For an application to a university of applied sciences, the Fachhochschulreife is sufficient. Colloquially, Fachhochschulreife is often referred to as Fachabi. However, there is a difference whether the Fachgebundene Hochschulreife or the Fachhochschulreife is meant.
Is it still possible to study at a university with a technical college entrance qualification?
It is easiest in Hesse, Brandenburg and Lower Saxony. There, school-leavers with a technical college entrance qualification can also apply for bachelor's degree programs offered at universities. This means that the school-leaving qualifications are practically equal in these states. In Lower Saxony, however, a subject-related qualification is expected. Most of the federal states also allow a subject-related transfer after a successful UAS basic study program.
In Baden-Württemberg, there is the delta examination: the delta examination is intended to facilitate or open up access to the state universities and colleges of education in Baden-Württemberg for applicants with the Fachhochschulreife or the Fachgebundene Hochschulreife.
In addition, anyone who has earned a bachelor's degree at a university of applied sciences can, of course, also apply for a master's program at a university, since they now have a first degree that qualifies them for a profession.
Can I do a doctorate with a master's degree from a university of applied sciences?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to make a blanket statement here. The universities can regulate the selection of their students themselves. At the moment, however, many universities are making an effort to allow graduates of universities of applied sciences to do a doctorate - if certain requirements are met.
Can I do a doctorate directly at a UAS?
That is also possible. In some federal states, UASs have the right to award doctorates. Examples are Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia. Thirteen ecclesiastical universities also have the right to award doctorates.
How can I enroll at a university of art or music?
Only about 2% of all students are enrolled at artistic universities. If you want to study at a college of art or a college of music, you have to prove your special aptitude. The aptitude test takes place on site and requires the applicant to prove his or her talent and artistic potential. For a fine arts or design course, the first major hurdle in advance is the portfolio. This means that only those whose work samples are convincing will be invited to take the aptitude test.
Do I need a high school diploma to study at an art college?
In the case of outstanding artistic achievement, many higher education laws provide for the possibility of waiving a university entrance qualification in an artistic course of study. However, the term "outstanding artistic" performance should not be underestimated.
How meaningful are university rankings?
Rankings can certainly play their part in the overall decision when choosing a course of study, but as the sole basis for career planning they are overrated. For the simple reason that not all criteria can be taken into account and, in addition, different criteria are decisive for each prospective student. Ultimately, what counts is the impression you get directly on site. Maybe there is the possibility to participate in one or the other event. It is also advisable to get in touch with the student council, which is usually made up of higher semesters who can tell you more about everyday life at the respective university.
