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Germany has more than 400 higher education institutions offering more than 20,000 courses. Educational institutions in Germany are mainly classified into two types: 4,444 public schools and private schools. Public universities are run and operated by the German government. Private universities are also recognized by the state but are managed by the private sector. With so many universities and courses in Germany, it can be difficult to choose which one is best for you.
There are big differences between public and private universities in Germany. Understanding these differences is key to identifying the right college. This article aims to cover important points regarding public and private universities in Germany.
But first, let’s take a look at some of the most important public and private universities in Germany.
Education system in Germany
Education system in Germany Germany’s higher education system is renowned for its academic rigor and world-class institutions. The two main types of higher education institutions in Germany are universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Universities are research-oriented and offer a wide range of study programmes, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, while universities of applied sciences are more practical and career-oriented. Rather, it mainly offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Most university programs in Germany last three years. The school year is divided into two semesters and students are required to attend classes, participate in seminars, and complete assignments and exams.
Master’s programs in Germany last two years and are either research-oriented or application-oriented.
To earn a doctorate, students must complete a master’s degree and then enroll in a doctoral program.
In Germany, the government mainly funds higher education and tuition fees are very low or non-existent, making this an affordable option for students. However, students must pay a semester fee, which covers administrative costs and contributions to student services.
Overall, the German higher education system is highly regarded for its academic and research excellence, and many German universities are ranked among the best in the world.
Also Read : Job opportunities After Master in Germany: Salary, Top Recruiters
Types of degrees offered in Germany
Bachelor’s degree (Bachelor)
This university degree usually lasts three to four years.
Master’s degree (Master)
This graduate degree usually takes two years after a bachelor’s degree.
Diploma (Diploma)
This diploma was previously awarded in Germany, mainly in technical subjects. This process usually takes 4 to 5 years and is equivalent to a master’s degree.
Doctoral (Doktor)
This postgraduate degree usually lasts three to five years after a master’s degree.
State Examination (Staatsexamination)
This is a diploma awarded in fields such as law, medicine and pharmacy. It is generally necessary to practice certain professions.
Magister Artium (Magister)
This degree was previously offered in Germany, mainly in the humanities and social sciences. This process usually takes 4 to 5 years and is equivalent to a master’s degree.
Studying in Germany with no tuition-fees
Germany is one of the few countries to provide tuition-free education. Public universities in Germany provide tuition-free education for international and domestic students. Since 2017, only Baden Württemberg state has enforced tuition fees in its public universities.
However, enrolment, administration, and confirmation expenses change across institutions. Every student must buy a ‘SemesterTicket’ for six months or more, covering public transport expenses. And the bottom line is that the tuition fee is free, but the students must cover other expenses.
| Tuition Fees exempt | Public universities |
| Tuition Fees | Private Universities Public universities in the state of Baden Württemberg |
Popular public universities in Germany
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- University of Hamburg
- University of Munich
- Heidelberg University
- University of Bremen
- University of Cologne
- Technical University of Munich
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- University of Düsseldorf
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- University of Bonn
Popular private universities in Germany
- IU: International University of Applied Sciences
- Cologne Business School
- Munich Business School
- ISM International School of Management
- Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
- SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences
- Steinbeis University School of Management and Innovation
- EU Business School Munich
- Kuehne Logistics University
- GISMA Business School
- Arden University Berlin
- University of Europe for Applied Sciences
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The differences between public and private universities in Germany
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are one of the main differences between public and private universities in Germany. Many public universities are free. However, universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg require international students from outside the EU to pay tuition fees of 3,000 euros per year. This number is still much lower than that of many private universities.
For all public universities (free or not), students must pay semester fees. These fees can range from 150 to 400 EUR per semester or from 300 to 800 EUR per year. International students should remember that only tuition fees at public universities are subsidized. Students must have enough money to cover living expenses in Germany, which amount to approximately 10,400 euros per year.
Private universities in Germany charge tuition fees. The range is very variable. Typically, private universities have tuition fees ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 euros per year. Some universities, like IU International University of Applied Sciences, offer programs at surprisingly low costs. On average, the annual tuition fee for an IU on-campus study program is 4,000 to 5,000 euros.
It should be noted that although tuition fees at private universities are more expensive than public universities, they are still cheaper than studying in English-speaking countries.
Medium of Instruction
The language of instruction for most courses at public universities in Germany is German. However, there are still exceptions. Leading public universities, such as FH Aachen, offer some courses entirely or partly in English. There are currently nearly 1,800 programs taught in English in Germany. Private universities offer a fair number of English-taught programs as well as German-taught programs.
Personal Attention
There are more than 400 higher education institutions in Germany. More than 120 of them are private universities. According to statistics published by DAAD, in the winter semester 2019/20, there were only 23,600 international students enrolled in private universities. In contrast, there are about 296,300 international students studying at public universities. In addition, only about 5.5% of students study at private universities.
These data clearly show a widespread preference for public universities in Germany. But this also means class sizes at public universities will be larger. Students who prefer smaller classes and personal attention should consider private universities.
Numerus Clausus
Most public universities in Germany follow the so-called “Numerus Clausus”. This regulation limits the admission of students to specific programs. With a limited number of students, securing a place at a public university is not guaranteed.
The scenario is much simpler for private universities in Germany, which generally do not follow Numerus Clausus. This gives students a better chance of being admitted to the program of their choice at a private university.
Admission criteria
Following the above point, Numerus Clausus could lead to strong competition in public universities. Simply meeting the basic entry criteria for a program of study is not enough. Students must demonstrate excellent academic and extracurricular achievements.
However, private universities have less stringent admission criteria than public universities. If a student does not meet the eligibility criteria, they can still get a fair chance by taking a preparatory course. Foundation courses at university help fill students’ learning gaps and prepare them for degree courses.
After completing the foundation course, students are guaranteed a place on the program.
Teaching style
Students should know that higher education institutions in Germany are classified into three. Educational institutions in Germany are “universities”, “universities of applied sciences” or “colleges of arts and music”. In the German educational context, the term “university” refers to institutions focused on research. They also offer a variety of courses.
“University of applied sciences” is a university specialized in transmitting technical knowledge. Education at UAS is aimed at the acquisition of professional and practical skills. U.A.S. may be specific to that field, such as a business school or technology facility.
Most private universities in Germany are “universities of applied sciences”. Therefore, teaching at private universities uses a combination of different methods. Students will receive rigorous training through in-person and online lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies, projects, lectures, and field trips.
Public universities, on the other hand, may not be as specialized as private schools when it comes to teaching methods. But if students want research to be the focus of their education in Germany, they can choose to study at public universities.
Drop-out rates
According to a study conducted by Hublein in 2014, the rate of first-year students dropping out of bachelor’s programs at public universities is significantly higher than at private universities. It was observed that about 30% of students dropped out of public universities in Germany. At private universities, this rate is significantly lower, at 8%.
The reason for the high dropout rate in public schools lies in the support they provide to students, which is symbolic. Lacking personal attention and limited student support, many choose not to study at a public university. Let us compare this to a private university.
Private universities in Germany are for-profit institutions. The number of graduates and satisfied students plays an important role in the reputation of a private university. Therefore, many private universities invest resources in mentoring students. Personal attention is high and students have access to a range of support services.
Scholarships
In addition to having low tuition/semester fees, public universities in Germany also offer many scholarships to students. It can be said that the possibility of obtaining scholarships at public universities is higher. There are several scholarship criteria, such as merit, need, country characteristics, etc.
Compared to public schools, private school scholarships are less. But this is gradually changing. Private universities are catching up to make their education accessible to deserving students. However, most private university scholarships are merit-based. This means that the best students are most likely to receive financial aid at private universities in Germany.
Future prospects
As mentioned earlier, support from public universities may not be enough for students. Higher education institutions must provide support in a variety of ways to help streamline students’ careers. At private universities, career support services are increasingly emphasized. Many private universities have dedicated career centers. They offer services like career consulting, resume reviews, personality development, interview skills, and more.
Private universities also have partnerships with many different industries. Industry networks can be a useful source of information for students to find suitable jobs. Private universities also organize career fairs and other similar events to help students get internships.
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Comparison Highlights
| Basis | Public Universities | Private Universities |
| Tuition Fees | Low to no tuition fees. (apprx 200-800 euros per year) | usually high, but differs with each university (apprx 4,000-20,000 euros per year) |
| Medium of Instruction | Mostly German, with a few options of English | Many programs are available in English language |
| Personal Attention | Students may not get personal attention due to bigger class sizes | Smaller class sizes resulting increased personal attention and support |
| Numerus Clausus | Mostly Prevalent | Usually does not exist at private universities |
| Admission criteria | Strict and competetive | Less competitive than public universities. |
| Teaching style | Traditional and research intensive | Modern and innovative using various tools and methods. |
| Drop out rates | Significantly high at 30% | Low at 8% |
| Scholarships | Many scholarship options | Scholarships low compared to public universities |
| Future prospects | Limited career support services | Elaborate career services, mentorship, and guidance |
Top study programs offered in Germany
Germany has a reputation for providing high-quality higher education programs, and many excellent study programs are available. Here are some top study programs in Germany for higher education:
1. Engineering
2. Computer Science
3. Business and Management of Munich
4. Medicine
5. Natural Sciences
6. Arts and Humanities
These are just a few examples of the top study programs in Germany for higher education, but many other excellent programs are available in various fields.
University campuses in Germany
Your university campus will probably be a little different from the university campus you know in American Hollywood movies. Of course, there are also university campuses with large areas, full of university facilities, but this is a quite rare sight. But of course, you will definitely encounter many busy students as well as professors who stand out from the crowd.
In contrast, organizations such as sororities and student unions with impressive club buildings are not a common sight in Germany. Large universities often have different campuses scattered throughout a city, or sometimes in different cities, with each campus having different specifications. You’ll also likely find specialized academic libraries, classrooms, student offices, and hopefully a cafeteria with affordable food.
Laboratories and other testing spaces are often found on campuses that specialize in fields that require them.
At the same time, you can also find universities located in unique historical locations. There are universities that teach in old castles (e.g.in Mannheim) or in old government buildings such as the former state council building of the East German government where the European School of Management and Technology is located ESMT headquarters.
In most cases, you will find a place at university that you can use to study. These may be dedicated classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, or in some cases separate rooms with desks and computers.
Sometimes, you can even book a meeting room in one of the university buildings to work on a project or simply study for upcoming exams (be quick, meeting rooms tend to sell out very fast place). Of course, relaxing and spending free time with friends and fellow students is also an important part of student life.
Many universities have large meadows that can be used for picnics or simply to sit together and spend time together outdoors or in common areas where students can hang out. If you’re lucky enough to study at one of the older universities, you can even see fascinating old buildings that often have rich historical pasts.
Study culture
Good grades at German universities are often achieved through collaboration with other students. It’s common to share and compare class notes with other students, organize sample exams from previous students, or form study groups to prepare for the next exam. Joining forces with other students can help you speed up your studies and get good grades.
For many subjects, you also need to prepare by reading articles or completing assignments that are then discussed in class. Follow-up work is also a task that students must complete to remember the information taught in class and better understand the entire material. The amount of time you spend on it depends on how quickly you learn and memorize the material, but the general recommendation from most universities is to spend plenty of time preparing and following the course. This means that for a 2-hour course, you also have to spend 2 hours preparing and following along.
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