Why International Students Are Choosing Germany's Applied Universities Over The Traditional Campus Experience

22 December 2025

Have you ever wondered why there is an increasing number of international students drifting away from the conventional university experience offered by Germany and are drawn to something a little more practical? As the global education sector continues to adapt to the skills and capabilities offered by their students, Germany has optimized its university system to keep pace with the needs of the industry. The divide between applied and conventional universities has never been more relevant than it is now.

Germany has long been known for having a strong, well-rounded education system. However, many students fail to realize that there are in fact two different types of universities within Germany’s education network, which cater to two different sets of aims. For international students, understanding this can have direct bearings on their education, as well as their professional lives later on. At BCES Admissions Abroad, we ensure that students make informed decisions.

“Current developments in the area of education have strengthened the linkage between learning and working, particularly through the concept of applied universities,” reported the chapter. “These are also known as Universities of Applied Sciences. They strongly focus on application-oriented learning and are well aligned with the job market,” continues the chapter. This reflects Germany’s commitment to churning out learners who are able to adjust effortlessly to the dynamically shifting global working environment.

The Applied Universities in Germany are designed for the kind of students who are best served through action-oriented education. The curriculum is designed around projects and case studies involving direct industry work. Professors may have industry experience too, making them more practical in their teaching. They can help bridge the gap between theory and practice. The curriculum is constantly modified according to industry trends.

Traditional Universities, on the other hand, focus a great deal on academic theories and concepts. Traditional Universities are great for students looking to pursue a career in research, academics, and advanced study. Teaching at Traditional Universities involves a great deal of lecturing, and students must develop expert skills in self-directed learning and research. Though a great way to provide education, it’s not as focused on real, tangible applications within industry.

One noticeable aspect for foreign students would be the learning environment. Technical universities tend to have smaller class sizes, set timetables, and constant assessment, making it easier for students to cope and have constant academic support. Traditional universities tend to have bigger auditoriums, particularly for earlier semesters, and assessments will be more examination-oriented, requiring a certain amount of self-discipline on the part of students.

Curriculum development also brings out the divide. Industry-based courses form the backbone of applied universities, where internships, project work, and industry semesters are usually integrated into the course. Conventional universities embrace a curriculum that is research-based, ideal for academics but inflexible when it comes to changes in the industry.

Career-wise, applied universities emphasize career-oriented education in Germany. Their strong connections with businesses provide students with experience while still in school, and this improves confidence and readiness for job entry after school. Conventional universities train students adequately for careers in research, further studies, and professionalism, providing a second, equally valid alternative.

German universities are implementing new offerings to provide a wider array of courses taught in English with a focus on applied learning at the university level. In Germany, there are now many more opportunities in business, engineering, IT, data science, and management than ever before, providing opportunities to international students who don’t speak German. 

In the end, the determination of which option is ideal for you will depend on your individual goals. If your goal is to gain hands-on experience and to have an interactive approach or a type of close relationship with a specific industry, applied universities would serve as the perfect setting for you to accomplish that. If your objective, however, is to gain an understanding of the theoretical aspects of academia, apply the results of your learning to various issues, and conduct research, then a research-oriented university would be the best option for you, and both of these universities will provide students with worldwide recognition.

The staff of BCES Admissions Abroad will provide you with a unique opportunity to receive specialized assistance as you make informed decisions about what direction you want your education to take. With the right advice, a student can consider studying in Germany as not only an educational opportunity but also as a smart investment in their own future.