Technical Universities and the Universities of Applied Science

While the classical university is dedicated to pure science and scholarship and covers the entire spectrum from ancient studies through to economics, the technical universities (TU) focus on engineering and the natural sciences. This is closer to the system Australia used to have up until the 1990s when institutions such as the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology or University of Technology in Sydney converted to full universities.
Since the late 1960s, another special institution has evolved in the German education system: the university of the applied sciences (FH). Currently, there are 167 Fachhochschulen (FHs) in Germany. More than a quarter of all students in Germany attend a FH, or a so-called “vocational academy” as it is known in some German states – these institutions collaborate closely with corporations. Students are attracted to the universities of the applied sciences above all by the fact that the track to a job is shorter – an FH degree course lasts three years as a rule – and the curriculum is more practically oriented. These institutions also conduct research, albeit with a strong focus on potential applications and industry’s needs.

Private & Church maintained Institutions

Private Universities
Private universities have established themselves in the German higher education landscape over recent years. There are 63 such institutions in Germany at present. Despite the occasionally high tuition fees – around 1,800 to 4,700 euros per semester – they are becoming an alternative tostudying at a state institution. Some of the reasons for this lie in the good reputation that theprivate universities have: small study groups, strong ties with business and industry, very practical focus, strong international orientation, short studies, good career prospects. But you must make sure to check that it is state-recognised. Because without this state recognition, you may not be eligible for a visa and any academic degrees you gain will not be recognised in Germany and most likely therefore in Australia as well.

Church-maintained Colleges
The profile of the 41 church-maintained colleges in Germany is much broader than you might expect. The colleges range from educating priests and theologians, to training and qualifying future religious education teachers as well as inclusive education teachers with a specialisation in social work and education, special needs education or curative/therapeutic education, plus nursing and health care professionals, and church musicians. Most of these degree programmes are offered by Fachhochschulen run and financed by the Protestant or Catholic Church, respectively. This church sponsorship is partly reflected in the admissions requirements. For example, applicants often have to prove their affiliation with the church in selection interviews or through references. However, that is different at the College for Jewish Studies, Heidelberg. It is open to students of all denominations, religions and faiths.

Colleges of Art, Film and Music

There are 52 state-recognised Colleges of Art, Film and Music in Germany. The range of programmes extends from painting, design and architecture to directing, music and drama.

The following applies to colleges of music, colleges of art and colleges of film alike: the number of study places is strictly limited. Only applicants who pass an aptitude test to prove that they have the right feeling for rhythm and have an outstanding ear have a chance of being accepted. And without a portfolio of their own art work, references and frequently entrance examinations, there will be no admission to colleges of art or film either. On the other hand, particularly talented applicants can be admitted tostudies, even if they don't hold a higher education entrance qualification.