Higher Education
Germany is home to a number of different types of higher education institutions catering different programs of study. University education traditionally has a very high standing in Germany. The characteristic feature of German universities lies in their pronounced focus on academic teaching and research.
The majority of German universities are state-run. The government provides the main funds for universities. However, since 2007, many universities have introduced minimal tuition fees of up to EUR 500 per semester.
Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) are responsible for providing practice-oriented training to prepare students for occupations which require the application of academic knowledge and methods or practical artistic creativity.
Colleges of art and music (academies, schools, conservatories, etc.) and the corresponding departments at some universities provide training in the fine arts, design, performing arts, and music.
Traditional German university degrees are the ''Diplom'' in the natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences; and the ''Magister'' in languages and cultural studies. These degrees are equivalent to an international Master's degree, as they require around four to five years of study.
In 1999, the members of the European Union agreed to standardize and harmonize university degrees. Since then, German universities have been in the process of restructuring their programs of study, and have introduced a number of new Bachelor and Master programs. The online ''Studienwahl'' information service provides a list of universities and degrees available.
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