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The Fachhochschule degree: Diplom (FH): Studies at a Fachhochschule are completed with the conferment of a Diplom which differs from the
I university Diplom degree. This generally requires eight semesters study
with practical phases and the fulfillment of the prescribed requirements as laid down in the study regulations, namely the presentation of an extensive, independent and practice-orientated disse11ation (Diplomarbeit). The time allowed for the preparation of the dissertation is prescribed (two to six months). In addition to this, there are written and oral examinations. The Diplom constitutes a professional qualification and is a requirement for a multitude of professions in business, industry and public administration.
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Advanced studies: Lectures, and indeed whole degree courses, for specialist and professional continuing training are becoming increasingly important and are being increasingly offered at Fachhochschulen. Two to four semester long postgraduate Courses which provide the opportunity for further qualification after a higher education degree are being offered in ever greater numbers. As a form of further qualification, these courses are of particular interest to students from abroad, particularly because their duration is predictable and the prospects promising.
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In Germany, a doctorate can only be taken at university. The requirement for this generally university studies completed with good marks or . grades. There is no standard practice for the transfer of suitable graduates from a Fachhochschule to doctoral studies at university. There are endeavours, however, to facilitate this without the necessity for a I previous, additional university degree. The regulations governing doctorates determine the conditions under which graduates from Fachhochschulen may be admitted to study for a doctorate.
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Entrance requirements for higher education: Whether you can be admitted directly to study your desired subject or not depends greatly upon whether your secondary school leaving certificate is considered equivalent to a German Abitur and so constitutes a qualification for admission to higher education (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung). The chosen Fachhochschule decides this in accordance with standardized regulations valid throughout Germany. It is the aim of this process to provide foreign students beginning their studies at the Fachhochschule with the same conditions as Germans have.
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In principle, any certificate which entitles the bearer to commence studies at a German university, also permits that bearer to commence studies at a German Fachhochschule.
Language proficiency test (PNDS): You must take the "Prufung wm Nachweisdeustscher Sprachkenntnisse (PNDS)", or German language proficiency test, prior to commencing your studies if your secondary school leaving certificate entitles you to be admitted direct to your studies, and you therefore do not need to take the assessment test, although you come from a non-German speaking country. You may be exempted from this test if you took your Abitur in Germany or at a German school abroad, or if you can present certain language certificates, for example, from the Goethe- Institute.
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The basis for exemption from the PNDS varies slightly from one university to the next. You are therefore recommended to inquire at your chosen Fachhochschule as early as possible. The PNDS is held by the Fachhochschule Itself in accordance with standardised regulations valid throughout Germany. The Fachhochschulen will only allow the test to be retaken twice. After this it is no longer possible to register for the examination, not even at another Fachhochschule.
The Student at the Fachhochschule
Special admissions requirements: Special artistic or design skills are a requirement for successful study in design-orientated subjects. An aptitude test has therefore become standard practice before admission to
studies can be granted. In many cases, proof of specific previous training may be required, for example, for the translation and interpretation degree course.
Scholarships and grants: The German institutions of higher education generally do not themselves award any scholarships. There is, therefore, little or no point in submitting any scholarship application to the institution of higher education.
There are, however, several scholarship awarding institutions. The most extensive scholarship programme is that organised by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). However, only advanced students may apply for DAAD-scholarships, or depending on country of origin and subject, in some cases even on y graduates. Other scholarship awarding institutions have varying conditions, for example, regarding country of origin, subject, previous study achievements, duration of support, etc.
Support for a full study programme, that is from the first semester to I completion of studies, is not possible through the DAAD and is also extremely rare among other scholarship sources.
Scholarships are primarily awarded on the basis of achievement criteria. The applicant's financial circumstances only playa subordinate role. The German foreign diplomatic missions and other German representatives abroad such DAAD-foreign language assistants (Lektors), lecturers and professors placed abroad by the DAAD and the DAAD's offices abroad will provide information on the possibilities of gaining a scholarship. They will give you information on application requirements and deadlines and will also inform you as to where the application is to be submitted.
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