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STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM Of Germany 

 

 

 

Higher education:

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There are public and private state-recognized institutions of higher education categorized as:

 1. universities (Universitäten) and equivalent higher education institutions (Technische Hochschulen/Technische Universitäten, Pädagogische Hochschulen)

 2. Colleges of art and music (Kunsthochschulen and Musikhochschulen)

3. Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences)

Academic year:

Classes from: Oct to: Aug

Long vacation from: Aug to: Sep

Languages of instruction: German & English

Stages of studies:

Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):

Non-university level:

Non-university tertiary education is provided by the Fachschulen.

 

University level first stage:

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FACHHOCHSCHULEN (Universities of applied sciences): offer application-oriented study courses mainly in Engineering, Economics, Social Work, Public and Legal Administration and Health and Therapy. Engineering).

 

University level second stage: Hauptstudium:

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Stage II consists of more advanced studies (Hauptstudium) leading to the final degree examination.

 

University level third stage: Promotion:

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Doctoral studies are only pursued in universities (Universitäten). There are several procedures for admitting particularly qualified holders of a degree obtained at a Fachhochschule to doctoral studies at universities. The period of doctoral studies, known as the Promotion, consists of two to four years' independent research and the submission of a thesis following the award of the Diplom/Erstes Staatsexamen/Magister Artium/Master of Arts/Science.

 

Teacher education:

Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers

Training of secondary school teachers

Secondary school teachers (Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium, Sonderschule and vocational school teachers) are also trained in 3.5 to 4.5 years in universities.

Training of higher education teachers

There is no legal provision for special training for higher education teaching staff. 

Non-traditional studies:

Distance higher education

Courses leading to a Diplom and Magister, as well as to Bachelor's and Master's degrees are offered by the Fernuniversität Hagen, distance Fachhochschulen and a number of institutions.

Lifelong higher education

Most of the Länder have specific legislation on continuing education (Weiterbildung).

Higher education training in industry

Continuing vocational education in industry is offered at supra-company level, by companies themselves, by the industrial and business associations and the chambers of trade and industry,and  trade unions.