1.8 million students around the world go abroad to attend a university. Nearly one tenth of those students choose to go to Germany. Germany has a lot to offer to foreign students, be they first-year students or postgraduates.

Germany's universities combine age-old traditions with modern technologies. German universities are open to anyone who fulfills the prerequisites and academic freedom is one of the basic principles of the German university system.

Universities in Germany combine research and study, and have been the scene of many groundbreaking discoveries and they're internationally renowned. German universities attract faculty and students from around the world. Modern German universities also combine theoretical work with its practical application. They both educate and train - basic research is augmented by applied research.

Interdisciplinary cooperation is common and many of them cooperate closely with multinational firms and with other research institutes in Germany and abroad. In the end, this increases the graduates' chances on the job market.

Many of today's students no longer want a purely theoretical education. A variety of universities of applied science in Germany offer balanced academic training necessary for a professional career. Practical experience in regional companies is often part of the curriculum. German companies are interested in attracting well-trained graduates from abroad. And in many cases, these former students can continue to work for the company as a foreign spokesperson once they return home.

German universities are actually considered the leading example followed by discerning academics elsewhere.

Higher Education institutions in Germany combine age-old traditions and modern technologies to allow students to develop their knowledge in a variety of ways. The diverse range of Higher Education opportunities in Germany cannot be matched by any other European country. The education landscape is organized across more than 383 Higher Education institutions and has a study course for every kind of student, in every kind of environment. From modern metropolises with exquisite architecture, shopping and lively nightlife to the quiet, picturesque countryside, dotted with historic palaces and abbeys, Germany will suit the needs of all students.

Opportunities for learning and developing individual talents are abundant in Germany which is best seen in the wide choice of degree programs available to students. The range of study options, courses, and qualifications offered by German universities is both wide and diverse, opening up the very best opportunities. In this way, Higher Education institutions in Germany are unique as they encourage personal development through their programs and the combinations available enable all students to find a program to suit their particular skills, talents, and interests.

German universities are leaders in research and teaching. Great importance is placed on basic research and the very latest knowledge is passed on from top-class researchers around the world to students. The excellent training offered at German universities is built on the close unity of research and teaching that is unrivalled.

Programs at universities in Germany are structured in a way that directly links theory with practice. The close cooperation between universities and industry enables students to gain an insight into the world of work whilst completing their studies, an experience that will help them in building their future career. With both interdisciplinary and international research cooperation, many Higher Education institutions in Germany have good connections with multinational firms in Germany and abroad, increasing the employability of students.

A study period in Germany will guarantee students an internationally-recognized degree as the education system has undergone major transitions to bring it in line with the Bologna Declaration and on level with education systems within the European Union. In addition, German universities have achieved excellence through establishing world-wide networks. Higher Education institutions have a strong international focus, with students and faculties from around the world, as well as an interdisciplinary approach. They provide opportunities for international student exchange in a study environment that combines the world’s best researchers and ideas.

As the world’s third most popular destination for foreign students, German universities are famous for their first-class service for international students. Services are in place to help students feel immediately at home, comfortable and familiar with the German way of life, so as to maximise their time and experience while studying in Germany.

Types of Higher Education institutions
There are a large number of recognized institutes of Higher Education in Germany, including 103 Universities and 176 Universities of the Applied Sciences.

• 103Universities – these institutions include various specialized institutions and offer courses across the whole range of academic disciplines. They are predominately research-based and include mostly theoretical elements with the goal of gaining and furthering knowledge. Classical faculties include medicine and law, social and cultural sciences, business management and education. In addition, a number of universities have a strong technological orientation and are known as (TU, technical university) or (TH, college of technology) and place a great emphasis on basic research.
• 176 Universities of Applied Sciences – these institutions comprise programs that concentrate on engineering and other technical disciplines, business-related studies, social work and design courses. Once the polytechnics of Germany, these institutions are now considered the comprehensive universities of the modern industrial society.
• 52 Colleges of Art, Film and Music– these state-recognized institutions specialize in courses for the study of painting, design, architecture, directing, music and drama.
• 63 Private Universities – these institutions are growing in popularity with undergraduates, and despite the often high-tuition fees a number of them have very good reputations and strong ties with business and industry on an international scale.