Hochschule and University
Hochschule and University
About Hochschule and University
What’s the difference between Hochschule and University? This is a vital question that needs immediate attention. Since international students consider Germany as a paradise for education. Hence, it is of utmost importance to get a hold of the education system and the terms associated with it. Moreover, in Germany, all higher education institutes are attributed using the umbrella name Hochschulen. However, this can be further subdivided into University and Fachhochschule(University of Applied Sciences). Furthermore, Fachhochschule is generally termed as Hochschule in day-to-day usage.
German Universities
German universities mainly focus on traditional higher education offering a broad range of disciplines. Furthermore, they are theory-based and research-oriented institutions. They are not so high on practical hands-on experiences except for an internship. Meanwhile, they have a long history since they came up in the 90s. In addition to that, they have one of the highest degrees of reputation in Germany.
Hochschule
Hochschule offers more specialized courses intended for the labor market. Also, they have a close relationship between the education system and the employment market. Moreover, due to their practical orientation, they seem lucrative options to employers. Furthermore, they are almost twice in number compared to universities. Hence, students who wish to study from their home can avail this option. Also, students have the opportunity to learn relevant experiences and knowledge of the business market.
What are the differences between Hochschule and University?
| Category | Hochschule | University |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Degree | One can easily pursue Bachelor’s or Master’s degree over Hochschule. However, when it comes to Ph.D., there’s no possible scope. Furthermore, the course duration for the degree program is fixed. For instance, for a Bachelor’s degree, it takes 3-3.5yrs which is 6-7 semesters. On the other hand, the duration of a Master’s degree is usually 1.5-2yrs, which rounds up to 3-4 semesters. Apart from that, it’s daunting to get acceptance to a Doctoral program after completing a Master’s from Hochschule | Universities across the globe offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. If you aim for Ph.D. at some point in your career, then opting for university will be the safest option. However, the course duration is not written in stone. Hence, you can extend the duration of the course and finish at your own pace. |
| 2. Variety of Courses | You will study courses related to employability, which hold importance in today’s economy. For instance, computer science, business, and management, engineering, communication studies, social service, and engineering, all are professional fields. Hence, they mainly deal with practical courses. | If you want to be a teacher, the University is the go-to place for you. Apart from that, education on history, German studies, philosophy, and other humanities subjects, you can only receive at University. They will give you more theoretical knowledge. |
| 3. Focus of Education | Each Hochschule possesses a strong connection with companies. Hence, the study course is designed to extricate practical knowledge and experience among students. Moreover, every student needs to finish a 3-month internship under these companies as part of their curriculum. Furthermore, the experience gained during the internship is regarded as a study achievement. Sometimes, they need to spend an entire semester abroad. This actually bodes well for them as it helps the resume stand out. In a nutshell, Hochschule provides theoretical background along with hands-on experience in the professional field. | A University mostly imparts theoretical knowledge with a focus on research work. Moreover, they offer computer science, technology, medicine, mathematics, and engineering. However, their curriculum gives way for higher-order thinking, facilitating the research field. Apart from that, they have no compulsion when it comes to internships or studying abroad. |
| 4. Entry Requirements | You can get admission with a high school diploma or equivalent (Abitur/Fachabitur). In short, you will either need to finish 12-13yrs of high school (Abitur). Alternatively, if you finish higher secondary vocational school (Fachabitur), it holds more relevance for some institutes. Before applying, you need to make sure that the school diploma is equivalent to the German school certificate. Moreover, a few applicants may need to have work experience before applying to Hochschule. Furthermore, people who are a bit older, with a bit of real-life experience can happily apply. | The University doesn’t accept higher secondary vocational schools (Fachabitur). Furthermore, real-time work experience doesn’t matter. However, the only thing they count is a high school diploma or equivalent (Abitur). Traditionally, students simply finish high school and apply for a university right after that. Hence, the population is a bit younger and mostly without any work experience. |
| 5. Research | Research work usually takes place with the regional companies. Also, the results must be immediately implementable. Moreover, the students usually assist their professors in research till the course duration. Apart from that, the finance for the research work comes from the regional companies. | Universities take their research seriously, for them it’s a priority. Moreover, aside from the lectures and submission of papers, faculty members are actively involved in research. Meanwhile, the finance for the research work comes from the federal government. |
| 6. Flexibility | Hochschule’s hands are tied when it comes to flexibility. For instance, you will not have the liberty to choose courses, other than those offered to you. Furthermore, you need to abide by a fixed timetable and deadlines. Sometimes, they even check your presence during lectures, as it is mandatory. Moreover, students need to finish their studies within a span of 3-3.5yrs. Also, they offer a fixed number of seats. No overcrowding is their motto. | Universities, on the other hand, give a free hand to students. Moreover, students have the freedom to choose their schedule, the subject of their choice, and postpone exams for that matter. Apart from that, the classes are not compulsory. |
| 7. Size | They are smaller in size than universities. Additionally, they have around 5000 students. | Universities are much bigger than Hochschule, sometimes bigger by 4 times. Moreover, they can accommodate as many as 50,000 students. Additionally, they have multiple campuses spread over the city. |
| 8. Teaching | Each and every student has a fair chance to avail the equipment. Moreover, the infrastructure and technology tend to be much more cutting-edge. Furthermore, they are quite practical in their approach. Also, they are student intensive, thanks to their smaller size. | Professors working at the University are employed full-time. Hence, they are not associated with any job in companies. Thus, they don’t get any real-life work experience in the field apart from teaching. |
| 9. Exams | They usually conduct more exams compared to universities. However, the exam durations are not that long. | Even though, they indulge in fewer exams however their duration is much longer. |
Hochschule and University: Advantages and Disadvantages
1. Hochschule Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 1. Shorter and frequent examinations | 1. Less theoretical knowledge transfer |
| 2. Practical orientation | 2. Students don’t enjoy the flexibility |
| 3. Teaching varies as per the current situation and trends | 3. Course duration is fixed |
| 4. Collaboration with companies | 4. Less salary in comparison to University degree |
| 5. More appealing to employers | 5. No doctoral programs |
| 6. Modern and innovative | |
| 7. Professors with real-life work experience | |
| 8. Job offers are easily available | |
| 9. Internship opportunities with companies, that may turn into a permanent job |
2. University Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides broad knowledge base | 1. A large number of students may lead to overcrowding |
| 2. Main focus on theoretical learning and research | 2. Less practical focus |
| 3. Prestigious and well-organized | 3. No collaboration with companies or employers |
| 4. Higher salary after graduation | 4. Don’t offer any specialized field of education |
| 5. No fixed degree length | |
| 6. Students can choose their courses | |
| 7. Flexibility in designing one’s own schedule |
At the end of the day, the choice between Hochschule and University totally depends on your preference. Suppose if you wish to proceed further in the academic field, do research, become a professor, then University is your best option. On the other hand, if you are more inclined towards job opportunities after graduation, or for that matter while pursuing the course, then Hochschule is your safest option. There are opportunities in both places. However, the choice is yours to make. If you want any assistance while choosing Hochschule and University, we are happy to help you with our services.