'Fachhochschule in Germany: How International Applicants Can Get Into a

A Fachhochschule, or Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften, is a German university of applied sciences. This format suits international applicants who value practical projects, internships, contact with employers, and a clear professional path after graduation.

How a Fachhochschule differs from a traditional university

In the German higher education system, a Fachhochschule focuses not on academic research, but on applying knowledge in a profession. It is not a simplified university, but a different type of institution: more project work, less abstract theory, and more frequent mandatory placements and cooperation with companies.

Applicants who want to study closer to the labor market usually choose an FH. This format is especially common in engineering, IT, design, business, social work, healthcare, and applied sciences.

Who should study at an FH

A Fachhochschule may be a good option if you:

want to gain an applied profession rather than build an academic career;
value a clear study plan and regular practical assignments;
plan to do internships during your studies;
are considering working in Germany after graduation;
are looking for programs in German or English in applied fields.

If your goal is a research career, a PhD, or a fundamental research program, it is worth comparing an FH with a Universität separately. Switching between institution types is possible, but it depends on the program, the degree, and the rules of the specific university.

What to check before choosing a program

Before submitting documents, it is important not to focus only on the institution’s name. Different Fachhochschulen have different requirements, deadlines, languages of instruction, and application procedures.

Check:

recognition of your school certificate or diploma through Anabin and the requirements of the chosen institution;
whether you need a Studienkolleg before admission;
the program language and the required certificate;
whether the application goes directly to the institution or through Uni-Assist;
the deadline specifically for international applicants;
whether the program includes an internship, dual study, or a mandatory Praxissemester;
the requirements for a motivation letter, portfolio, entrance exam, or interview.

Recognition of education: Anabin, Abitur, and Studienkolleg

The first step is to understand whether your previous education gives you direct access to German higher education. In Germany, this is called Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, meaning the right to enter a university.

For an initial check, applicants use the Anabin database and the requirements of the specific university. If a school certificate is not recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur, a Studienkolleg with the final Feststellungsprüfung exam is usually required. In some cases, one or more years of study at a recognized university in the country of origin can help, but this has to be checked based on the country, documents, and subject area.

Language of instruction and certificates

For German-taught programs, a B2-C1 level is often required, but the exact certificate and minimum score are set by the institution itself. Accepted proofs may include TestDaF, DSH, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, Goethe-Zertifikat, or other documents if they are listed in the program rules.

For English-taught programs, institutions usually ask for IELTS, TOEFL, or an equivalent certificate. Typical reference points such as IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT around 80 are common, but they are not a universal rule: some programs may set a higher threshold, and some institutions accept other forms of language proof.

Submitting documents: directly or through Uni-Assist

There are two main application scenarios:

directly through the selected university’s portal;
through Uni-Assist, if the university has delegated the preliminary review of foreign documents to that service.

Uni-Assist usually charges a processing fee for applications: a separate amount for the first application in a semester and a lower amount for each additional one. Before paying, check the current fee on the Uni-Assist website and make sure the selected university actually accepts documents through this service.

Prepare a separate package for each program: translations, certified copies, language certificates, a CV, a motivation letter, a grade transcript description, and, if needed, a portfolio or entrance test results.

Money and student visa

If you need a national student visa to study, you usually have to prove funding for the first year. A common option is a Sperrkonto, or blocked account. The reference amount depends on the rules applied by the German authorities and may change, so before applying, verify the current figure on the website of the German embassy or the Auswärtiges Amt.

In some cases, a scholarship, a Verpflichtungserklärung from a sponsor, or other proofs may also be accepted. The exact list of documents depends on the country where you apply and on the consulate.

Application deadlines

A common reference point for many programs is:

winter semester: by July 15;
summer semester: by January 15.

This is not a strict rule for all FHs. For programs with competition, Studienkolleg, a portfolio, an entrance exam, or Uni-Assist, deadlines may be earlier. International applicants should allow extra time for translation and certification of documents, Uni-Assist review, an embassy appointment, and visa processing.

What studying at a Fachhochschule looks like

Studying at an FH is usually more structured than at a traditional university. Schedules more often include mandatory modules, practical projects, lab classes, group work, and internships.

Typical features include:

a fixed semester-by-semester study plan;
small study groups;
project assignments with practical outcomes;
lecturers with industry experience;
a mandatory internship or Praxissemester in many programs;
career services, job fairs, and contacts with employers.

For an international student, this is a plus if you need a clear system and support. But there is also a workload: deadlines, attendance, team projects, and exams require regular work from the start of the semester.

Support for international students

Many Fachhochschulen have an International Office and adaptation services. You can usually find:

a buddy system or mentoring programs;
orientation weeks before the start of studies;
language courses;
consultations on visas, registration, and insurance;
help with schedules, exams, and faculty contacts.

The availability of support does not remove the need for independent preparation. Before arrival, it is worth understanding housing, health insurance, address registration, a bank account, and the rules for extending a residence permit in advance.

What to do after graduation

Graduates of German universities can apply for a separate residence permit to look for work after completing their studies. In the typical scenario, it gives up to 18 months to find a job that matches their qualifications. After finding employment, it may be possible to switch to a work residence permit or an EU Blue Card if the requirements for qualification, salary, and position are met.

These rules belong to immigration law and may change. Before planning your post-graduation status, check the information with the Ausländerbehörde, on Make it in Germany, and in current official guidance.

Step-by-step admission plan

Choose several FH programs and compare the language, deadlines, semester contribution cost, and application format.
Check recognition of your education through Anabin and the rules of the selected institution.
Clarify whether you need a Studienkolleg, an entrance exam, a portfolio, or an internship.
Prepare your language certificate with time to spare.
Collect your documents, translations, and certifications in the format required by the institution or Uni-Assist.
Submit your applications before the final deadline.
In parallel, prepare proof of funding, insurance, and visa documents.
After admission, keep an eye on the university’s emails: sometimes you need to accept the place, pay the semester contribution, and send additional documents within a short period.

Common applicant mistakes

relying on a general deadline instead of the page of the specific program;
assuming that any school certificate automatically gives direct access to an FH;
preparing only one admission option;
postponing the language exam until the last month;
confusing Universität, Fachhochschule, and Studienkolleg;
not taking visa timelines and housing search into account;
sending the same motivation letter to every institution.

FAQ

Can you enter a Fachhochschule right after school?

Sometimes yes, but it depends on the country, the type of certificate, the subjects, the grades, and the program requirements. If there is no direct access, a Studienkolleg or prior study at a university is usually considered.

Is a Fachhochschule worse than a university?

No. An FH and a Universität solve different tasks. A Universität is more focused on research and academic theory, while an FH focuses on applied skills and the profession.

Can you study in English?

Yes, there are English-taught programs, especially in IT, engineering, business, and international management. But there are fewer of them than German-taught ones, and competition may be higher.

Do you need German if the program is in English?

English may be enough for admission if that is what the program rules state. For daily life, internships, and work in Germany, German still helps a lot.

Can you get a Blue Card after an FH?

Yes, if after graduation you find a suitable job and meet the requirements for an EU Blue Card. An FH degree itself does not automatically guarantee a Blue Card.