Confused about how German universities work? Learn about degrees, semesters, exams, and more with this simple guide.
Germany’s education system can feel overwhelming at first. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Credits: Based on the ECTS system — 30 credits per semester typically.
Types of Universities: Universität (research-focused), Hochschule (application-oriented), Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences).
Degree Structure: Bachelor (3–4 years), Master (1–2 years), Doctorate (3–5 years).
Semesters: Two semesters — Winter (Oct–Mar) and Summer (Apr–Sep).
Exams: Mostly written, sometimes oral; continuous assessment is less common.