Universities of Applied Sciences

The performance of the higher education system and research stakeholders in Germany is crucial for the country's innovative capacity and ability to compete. Next to universities and non-university research organizations, universities of applied sciences are contributing increasingly to the success of Germany's science and research landscape. The strong focus on training at universities of applied sciences means experts and young academics receive instruction with a practical orientation, particularly in the fields of engineering that are so crucial for Germany's competiveness.

A total of around 713,000 students were enrolled at universities of applied sciences in the 2010 winter semester - just under 242,000 in the fields of engineering. This means universities of applied sciences account for around 57 per cent of study opportunities in engineering nationwide. In addition, these institutions perform problem-oriented research in cooperation with regional, and increasing supra-regional, industry, thereby driving the development and establishment of new products and services.