University or university of applied sciences—which is a better place to study? And what exactly distinguishes these two types of institutions? The answer is less clear-cut than one might initially think. That’s because the lines between universities and universities of applied sciences have become more blurred in recent years.
First, an important clarification of terms: A university is a higher education institution—but not every higher education institution is a university.
The umbrella term “institution of higher education” encompasses various types of institutions. In Bavaria, these include, in particular, universities, universities of applied sciences (HAW), and art colleges. Hof University of Applied Sciences belongs to the group of state-funded universities of applied sciences. The Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act explicitly lists it as “Hof University of Applied Sciences.”
The former designation “Fachhochschule” (FH) is by no means incorrect, but today it is generally replaced in the official name of the institution by “University of Applied Sciences” or “Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften.”
Theory or Practice? It’s Not Quite That Simple!
The most well-known difference is probably this: Universities tend to be more theoretical and research-oriented, while universities of applied sciences tend to be more practice-oriented. That’s not entirely wrong—but it doesn’t tell the whole story.
The Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act describes their roles differently: Universities combine basic research and applied research with scientifically grounded teaching. Universities of Applied Sciences focus more on applied teaching as well as research and development with a close connection to professional practice. At a university of applied sciences, the focus is therefore often on applying scientific findings to specific problems in business, society, and technology. Internships, project work, practical semesters, and collaboration with companies thus play an important role.
However, scientific work and research are also conducted at universities of applied sciences. And universities, too, engage intensively with practical applications and the transfer of research findings into practice.
The differences are therefore more a matter of focus than strict dividing lines.
Program Offerings: Many Overlaps
The differences in the range of programs have also narrowed significantly. In the past, certain subjects were clearly assigned to one type of institution. Today, there are numerous fields of study at both universities and universities of applied sciences. For example, students interested in computer science, mechanical engineering, business administration, or business informatics will find a wide range of options at both types of institutions, depending on the specific field. Nevertheless, degree programs often differ in their focus. At universities, the emphasis is often more strongly on the scientific and theoretical study of a subject area. Programs at universities of applied sciences are often more strongly oriented toward specific professional fields of application.
For prospective students, this means: Don’t just look at the name of the program; compare the course content, teaching methods, and practical components.
At Hof University of Applied Sciences, there are more than 50 innovative degree programs to choose from at the Hof, Münchberg, Kronach, and Selb campuses, as well as at the Bamberg learning center. A program finder helps prospective students find a suitable program.
Admission: Who Can Study Where?
When it comes to university admission, the old rule of thumb—“Abitur for a university, vocational Abitur for a university of applied sciences”—has long been outdated. With a general university entrance qualification, it is generally possible to study at both a university and a university of applied sciences. In addition, there are various ways to gain admission to a degree program through vocational qualifications. The specific requirements in each case depend, among other things, on your educational background, vocational qualifications, and the respective federal state or degree program. That’s why it’s always worth checking the specific admission requirements for your desired degree program.
And what about the master’s degree?
Here, too, the systems have long been interconnected. A bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences can generally open the door to a master’s program at a university—provided the respective admission requirements are met. Conversely, graduates of university bachelor’s programs can, of course, also pursue a master’s degree at a university of applied sciences. What matters, then, is not the supposed “value” of the degree, but whether the program in question aligns with the student’s previous studies and personal goals.
The Doctorate: Also Possible at Universities of Applied Sciences
For a long time, the right to award doctoral degrees was a particularly clear distinguishing feature: Universities could award doctoral degrees themselves, whereas universities of applied sciences could not. That, too, has changed! The Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act grants certain research-intensive academic institutions at universities of applied sciences a temporary, subject-specific right to award doctoral degrees. In addition, there is still the option of a cooperative doctoral program, in which a university of applied sciences and a research university collaborate.
This has now become particularly relevant for Hof University of Applied Sciences as well: Since 2026, it has been a partner in the REDIG Doctoral Center —Resource Efficiency and Digitalization— alongside OTH Amberg-Weiden and Ansbach University of Applied Sciences. As a result, doctoral degrees in relevant research fields are now also possible at Hof University of Applied Sciences. The path to a doctorate is thus no longer exclusively a privilege of universities.
Smaller University of Applied Sciences, Better Supervision?
Another frequently cited advantage of universities of applied sciences is the greater level of personal support. In fact, many universities of applied sciences are smaller than large universities. This can lead to more manageable study groups and closer contact between students and faculty. Hof University of Applied Sciences also places a strong emphasis on personal guidance and support. The Central Student Advising Office assists prospective students even before they begin their studies and continues to support students throughout their academic careers. For example, a dedicated grade-monitoring program is designed to help identify academic progress early on and take timely corrective action if problems arise. With just under 3,700 students in the summer semester of 2026, Hof University of Applied Sciences is also a relatively small institution.
So which is better—a university or a university of applied sciences?
The short answer is: Neither is fundamentally better.
Instead, anyone deciding to pursue a degree should ask themselves:
- Do I want to focus more on theory or on practical application?
- How important are internship semesters and connections with companies to me?
- How big should my college or university be?
- What coursework does this specific degree program offer?
- How important are research and the possibility of a Ph.D. to me?
- What types of learning and support suit me best?
- And, of course: Where do I feel comfortable?
The last question in particular is often underestimated. After all, a good college experience depends not only on the type of institution but also on the specific program, the faculty, the support provided, the environment, and your own interests.
Universities and universities of applied sciences are therefore not “better” or “worse” options for studying. They have different areas of focus—and that is precisely what makes the German higher education system so diverse.
In a nutshell
| University | University of Applied Sciences |
| Strong emphasis on academia and research | Strong emphasis on application and practice |
| Basic research and applied research | Primarily applied research and development |
| Often a stronger theoretical and scientific orientation | Often a stronger practical and career-oriented focus |
| Doctoral programs traditionally well-established | Doctoral studies increasingly offered through doctoral centers and collaborative models |
| Often larger student populations | Often smaller, more manageable universities |
| Admission requires a general college entrance qualification | Admission is also possible through various educational and professional pathways |
| Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees | Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees |
And by the way: Hof University of Applied Sciences is a university of applied sciences—and thus exactly the place where scientific knowledge meets concrete challenges in business, society, and technology.
Click here to view Hof University of Applied Sciences’ degree programs…
(As of: August 31th, 2026)
