There are lots of great reasons to study abroad in Germany. Students not only benefit from a more affordable cost of living while studying, but also established pathways to post-study work. And, if you’re considering studying in Germany, you have a lot of options: it’s home to ! Depending on your interests and study goals, your best fit might be a research or regular university (Universität), a technical university of applied sciences (Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften or Fachhochschule), or a college of art or music.
In this post, we’ll look at five German universities of applied sciences which offer excellent study options. Plus, all of these private universities’ programmes are accredited by the state through bodies like the , which ensures their teaching and learning quality meets national standards. Some programmes, like MBAs, may have further accreditations.
Learn how a research university is different from a university of applied sciences—and which option suits your goals—in our guide to the German education system!
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University of Europe for Applied Sciences
With a of over 90%, the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) sets its students up for career success. Programmes at UE include language classes, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and executive education. With locations in Berlin, Hamburg, Iserlohn, and Potsdam, international students can choose from four cutting-edge campuses.
UE’s programmes are also accredited by , a European accreditation agency guided by the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ESG).
Unique Features
UE Potsdam is located in . Students may connect with professionals from companies like Oracle, the Volkswagen Group, and SAP’s Innovation Centre Network, all of which operate out of this future-facing city. On campus, programmes focus on technology, data, and design. If you’re interested in creative entrepreneurship, the Gründerwerkstatt workshop at UE Berlin can connect you with projects and mentors to build your skills.
Passionate about business and professional sports? Build a career which bridges these worlds with UE’s Sport & Event Management programme. It’s offered at multiple campuses, and this programme hones your sport-specific knowledge with esports, soccer, or basketball management specializations.
Did you know: UE is one of the most diverse institutions in Europe? Students from over 140 nationalities study there!
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Gisma University of Applied Sciences
Gisma University of Applied Sciences (Gisma) has campuses in Berlin and Potsdam. Both cities are key economic hubs for Germany, and Gisma has leveraged this to build strong industry partnerships. That way, its students benefit from a mix of in-class and hands-on learning.
Gisma’s academic programmes are taught in English, making them accessible to more international students. And, with specialties in business, engineering, and technology, there’s bound to be a programme that suits your career goals!
Plus, current students can network with Gisma’s engaged alumni body for mentorship and career guidance. That network, combined with the skills you’ll learn in class and at placements, really works: .
Unique Features
Attending classes at the Berlin campus? Take to build your language skills. Tuition fees also include access to SAP materials, programmes, and internships thanks to the university’s SAP Alliance membership.
If you’re interested in global business leadership, Gisma’s business school is highly regarded and offers a Global MBA programme which is accredited by the prestigious Association of MBAs (AMBA).
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International University of Applied Sciences (IU)
As one of Germany’s largest private universities, International University of Applied Sciences (IU) offers international students 70+ programme options in English. Students also benefit from affordable tuition and flexible learning opportunities. IU’s bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes cover in-demand fields from health management to engineering, and are accredited by the German Council of Science and Humanities. IU also offers a highly sought-after Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI), which focuses on the practical applications of AI.
IU’s instructors use virtual classrooms, digital platforms, and more to prepare students for a digital workplace. Plus, internships give students space to learn, practice practical skills, and build their network in some of Germany’s top companies.
IU’s Berlin campus is centrally located, so students are surrounded by everything Germany’s capital offers, including citywide access to libraries and learning facilities.
Unique Features
If you’re a self-starter who enjoys a mix of in-person and online learning, IU could be a perfect fit. The university’s digital platform uses AI tech like ChatGPT and Syntea to customize students’ learning experiences to align with their needs—and their schedule.
Often, Â and the rest of the week is self-guided study. But, any time students have questions, they can contact IU’s study and career coaches for support. Students also have access to extensive study guides tailored to their programme.
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Macromedia University of Applied Sciences
Macromedia University of Applied Sciences specializes in creative, digital media, and business communication programmes. With over 100 specializations, whether you’re aiming for a future in brand management, UI/UX design, or filmmaking, programmes are built to address industry needs and a wide range of student interests.
Whether you choose the Macromedia campus in Berlin or Munich, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant city life. Plus, you’ll benefit from Macromedia’s closely-knit network of over 500 industry partners when it comes to internship choices, mentorship opportunities, and more.
Unique Features
Learning at Macromedia is designed to give you practical skills for your future career. Programmes include projects, workshops, and practical (work) semesters to help you understand what a day in your dream job really looks like.
Meanwhile, the small class sizes and group learning opportunities will help you bond with fellow students. You’ll also have lots of chances to interact directly with your instructors and other faculty.
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Hochschule Fresenius
From bioanalytical chemistry to business management, instructors at Hochschule Fresenius (Fresenius University of Applied Sciences) have been inspiring students and preparing them for their future careers since it was founded in 1848 (as Chemisches Laboratorium Fresenius). Today, students from around the world learn at nine HF campuses in cities like Berlin, Idstein, Munich, and Wiesbaden.
Programmes at the undergraduate and graduate levels are taught in English. And, no matter which programme you choose, expect a strong emphasis on building career-ready skills through internships, case studies, and collaboration with local industry.
Unique Features
Becoming an international student is an amazing opportunity for personal and academic growth. Want to build your German language skills, go on a field trip, or attend a business plan workshop? You can easily keep track of and join different extracurricular activities Hochschule Fresenius offers by using its .
Did You Know: If you want to try living in a few different parts of Germany as an international student, many programmes at Hochschule Fresenius allow you to !
We hope that this look at five popular academic institutions in Germany has inspired your own study abroad journey! To learn more about studying in Germany, check out Ï㽶ÊÓƵ’s study guide.
Ready to go? Search for a study programme in Germany that suits your goals on the Ï㽶ÊÓƵ platform.
