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What to study with a vocational diploma? ➽ Your options at a glance
The vocational diploma, also known as the Fachhochschulreife, opens up numerous opportunities for your professional and academic future. But which degree courses can you actually choose with it? In this article, we provide an overview of which fields of study are accessible with a vocational diploma, which types of universities are possible and what to look out for when making your choice of Study. Whether technical, business or social subjects - the vocational diploma offers many exciting options for personal and professional development.
What is a vocational diploma?
The vocational diploma, officially known as the Fachhochschulreife, is a school-leaving qualification that entitles students to study at universities of applied sciences in Germany. It consists of two parts: the academic part, which is obtained at a grammar school, a vocational school or a vocational college, and the practical part, which takes the form of a one-year internship or completed vocational training.
The vocational diploma differs from the high school diploma (general higher education entrance qualification) in that it does not entitle students to study all subjects at universities, but can be used specifically for universities of applied sciences and certain courses at universities. However, in many federal states it is also possible to study at universities, but often only in limited subject areas or under certain conditions.
The advantage of the vocational diploma lies in its practical relevance and the possibility of starting a career or a practice-oriented study program more quickly.
Difference: Vocational diploma and subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
The Fachgebundene Hochschulreife is a school-leaving qualification in Germany that entitles students to study at universities and colleges in certain specified subject areas. This table provides a clear overview of the main differences between the vocational diploma and the Fachgebundene Hochschulreife.
| Aspect | Vocational diploma (Fachhochschulreife) | Subject-specific higher education entrance qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Access to universities | Primarily universities of applied sciences (FH), partly also universities under certain conditions | Access to universities, but only for certain subject areas |
| Choice of subjects at universities | Wide range of practice-oriented degree courses | Restricted choice of subjects (only the subjects listed on the certificate) |
| Practical component | Yes, a practical component (internship or vocational training) is required | No practical component required |
| Duration | Usually 2-3 years (depending on type of school and practical component) | Usually 2-3 years, depending on type of school |
| Possibility of university entrance qualification | No general university entrance qualification, limited to universities of applied sciences, sometimes universities | Possibility of general university entrance qualification through proof of foreign language skills |
| Focus | Practice-oriented study at universities of applied sciences | Theory-oriented study in specific subject areas |
| Career opportunities | Good career entry after practice-oriented study, especially in technical and business professions | Particularly suitable for specialized academic careers and professions in the chosen fields |
What can you study with a vocational diploma?
With a vocational diploma (Fachhochschulreife), you can primarily study at universities of applied sciences (FHs) and certain universities of applied sciences. Some federal states and universities also allow access to selected courses at universities under certain conditions.
Overview: What can you study with a vocational diploma?
Here is an overview of some fields of study and subject areas that are accessible with the vocational diploma.
Explanation: What can you study with a vocational diploma?
Some universities also offer dual study programs where you can combine study and vocational training. With a vocational diploma, you therefore have a large selection of practice-oriented degree courses that allow you to enter a wide range of professions.
Technical degree programs
- Engineering (mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering)
- Computer science (media informatics, software development)
- Architecture
Economics and Management
- Business Studies (Business Administration)
- International Management
- Tourism Management
- Logistics
Social and educational study programs
- Social Work
- Childhood Education
- Health Management
- Nursing sciences
Design and Media
- Media Design
- Communication Design
- Product Design
- Film and television
Health and nursing professions
- Nursing management
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Health economics
Natural science degree programs
- Environmental technology
- Biotechnology
- Food Technology
Art and Culture
- Music Education
- Art therapy
- Theater pedagogy
Law and administration
- Public administration
- Law at universities of applied sciences (e.g. business law)
More about studying Business with a vocational diploma:
The article on Business Studies with Vocational DiplomaAdvantages and disadvantages of studying with a vocational diploma
Study with a vocational diploma: Advantages and Disadvantages
| Aspect | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Study opportunities | Enables access to practice-oriented degree programs at universities of applied sciences | Limited access to universities, often only for certain degree programs or with conditions |
| Practical orientation | More practice-oriented due to application-oriented content and often practical projects | Less theory and scientific depth compared to university degree programs |
| Duration of study | Often shorter study periods due to targeted preparation for practice-oriented professions | May not be as recognized or highly valued as university studies |
| Career opportunities | Good career opportunities, especially in technical and business professions | Career advancement opportunities may be limited in some areas, especially in science |
| Access to universities | Sometimes access to universities for certain subjects or through additional qualifications | No unrestricted access to all university courses without additional qualifications |
| Flexibility in subject choice | Wide choice of courses at universities of applied sciences | Limited choice of subjects compared to university studies |
This table shows a clear comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of studying for a vocational diploma.
What can you not study with a vocational diploma?
With the vocational diploma (Fachhochschulreife), there are restrictions regarding the degree programs that can be studied at universities. Here are some areas and degree programs that generally cannot be studied directly with the vocational diploma:
Medical degree programs
- Human Medicine
- Dentistry
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacy
These degree courses usually require a general higher education entrance qualification (high school diploma), as they are often offered at universities and not at universities of applied sciences. They are also very theory-oriented and have high entry requirements.
Law (fully qualified lawyer)
- State examination in law (Jura)
The classic study of law, which leads to becoming a fully qualified lawyer, is based at universities and requires a general higher education entrance qualification. It is very theory-oriented and is not available at universities of applied sciences.
Teacher training (all types of schools)
- Primary school teaching
- Grammar school teaching degree
- Vocational school teaching
Teaching degree programs are usually only available at universities, and many of them require a high school diploma.
Theological degree programs
- Protestant or Catholic theology
These courses are mainly offered at universities and require a general higher education entrance qualification.
Humanities and social sciences (at universities)
- philosophy
- German studies
- Sociology
- History
Although there are related courses at some universities of applied sciences, the classical humanities subjects are mostly reserved for university courses.
Natural sciences (at universities)
- Physics
- chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics
These courses often require a deeper theoretical understanding and are typically offered at universities.
Psychology (classical)
The study of psychology with the aim of becoming a clinical psychologist is often only possible at universities and requires a general higher education entrance qualification.
More about studying without a high school diploma:
To the article on Studying without a High school diplomaDegree courses that have a strong scientific and theoretical focus or require specific professional admissions (such as medicine, law, teaching) are generally not accessible with a vocational diploma. In order to study these subjects, you usually need the full high school diploma or have to acquire additional qualifications that allow access to university.
How can you study with a vocational diploma?
With a vocational diploma (Fachhochschulreife), you have the opportunity to study at universities of applied sciences, dual universities and, under certain conditions, universities. The path to study with a vocational diploma can be divided into several steps:
| Complete the academic part of the vocational diploma | In order to obtain the vocational diploma, you must complete the academic part at a grammar school, a technical secondary school (FOS), a vocational college or a comparable school. This school-based part is the theoretical part of the vocational diploma. |
|---|---|
| Completing the practical part | In addition to the academic part of the vocational diploma, you must also complete a practical part. This can take the form of a one-year internship or completed vocational training. In some cases, the practical part can also be completed in the form of a social year or a longer internship during school. |
| Finding a place at a university of applied sciences | Once you have completed your vocational diploma, you can apply to universities of applied sciences (FH) and universities of applied sciences (HAW). These universities generally offer practice-oriented degree programs and are the main entry point for Fachabitur graduates. |
| Typical fields of study include business, engineering, social sciences, health or design. | |
| Applications are made via the portal of the respective university or, in some cases, centrally via hochschulstart.de. | |
| Study at dual universities | If you would like to combine study and practice, dual study programs are an attractive option. Here you study and work in a company at the same time. These universities often accept students with a vocational diploma. |
| You apply to both the university and a cooperating company. This type of study is particularly practice-oriented and often offers salary payments during your studies. | |
| Private universities and specialized programs | There are many private universities that also offer degree programs for Fachabitur graduates. Examples such as Munich Business School (MBS) give you access to internationally oriented management courses. |
| Private universities often have individual admission requirements and tests. The vocational diploma plays less of a role here than at public universities. | |
| Distance learning as an alternative | Distance learning at universities such as the FernUniversität Hagen or the IUBH International University of Applied Sciences is also possible with a vocational diploma. Here you can study flexibly from home and continue to work at the same time if you wish. |
| Special regulations at universities | In some federal states, it is also possible to study at universities if you have a vocational diploma. This is often possible in combination with completed vocational training or work experience. |
| In states such as Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse, you can be admitted to certain university courses with a vocational diploma, e.g. in engineering or business-related subjects. | |
| Application procedure | The application process varies depending on the university and federal state. For most degree programs at universities of applied sciences, you apply directly to the university. |
| For dual study programs, you must also apply to a company that cooperates with the university. | |
| Find out about deadlines, admission procedures and any additional examinations (such as language tests or aptitude tests) well in advance. | |
| Admission requirements and NC | Some degree programs have a Numerus Clausus (NC), i.e. a limited number of study places that are allocated based on the grade point average. Your vocational diploma grade point average plays a role here. |
| Not all degree courses are NC-restricted, but it is important to check the NC for your desired subject and assess your chances accordingly. |
With a vocational diploma, you can study at a large number of universities, especially universities of applied sciences and dual universities. Under certain conditions, depending on the federal state and university, admission to universities is also possible. It is important to check the admission requirements of the respective universities and apply early.
Where can you study with a vocational diploma?
With a vocational diploma (Fachhochschulreife), you have access to various types of universities that offer practice-oriented degree programs. Here are the most important options for where you can study with a vocational diploma:
- Universities of Applied Sciences (FH) / Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW)
- These universities are the classic place to go for students with a vocational diploma. They offer a wide range of practical courses, including engineering, business, social sciences, health and design.
- Teaching is usually application-oriented and there are often practical phases such as internships or projects with companies.
- Examples:
- Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences
- Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg)
- Cologne University of Applied Sciences
- Private universities of applied sciences
- Example:
- Munich Business School (MBS): MBS is one of the leading private business schools in Germany and offers practice-oriented courses in business and management. It also enables students with a vocational diploma to complete programs such as the Bachelor International Business, which prepares students for internationally oriented careers in business.
- Example:
- Dual universities
- Cooperative universities combine a study program with a practical apprenticeship or professional activity. You work in a company during your studies and also receive theoretical instruction.
- These courses are particularly popular because you often earn a salary and gain practical experience during your studies.
- Examples:
- Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW)
- Berufsakademie Sachsen
- Administrative colleges
- These special universities prepare students for careers in the public sector, such as administration, police, customs or financial administration.
- You combine theoretical content with practical assignments in public authorities or institutions in the public sector.
- Examples:
- Federal University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration
- University of Applied Sciences for the Civil Service in Bavaria
- University of Applied Sciences for the Administration of Justice in North Rhine-Westphalia
- Distance learning universities / private universities
- There are numerous private or state-recognized distance learning universities that offer you the opportunity to study with more flexibility. These universities also often offer courses for students with a vocational diploma.
- Distance learning courses are ideal if you want to work alongside your studies or want to remain flexible in terms of location.
- Examples:
- FernUniversität Hagen (largest state distance learning university, offers some degree programs for students with a vocational diploma)
- IUBH International University (offers many dual and distance learning courses)
- Universities (under certain conditions)
- In some federal states or under certain conditions, you can also study at universities with a vocational diploma. However, this is often limited to specific subject areas or degree courses, such as in **Lower Saxony**, **North Rhine-Westphalia** or **Hesse**.
- Examples:
- Some universities offer Bachelor's degree programs with a strong practical focus that are open to Fachabitur graduates, particularly in engineering or business.
- Universities of applied sciences in the federal states with special admission regulations
- Some federal states, such as Lower Saxony, have special regulations that allow you to study at universities if you have also completed vocational training or have several years of professional experience.
With a vocational diploma, you can study at a large number of universities of applied sciences, dual universities, administrative universities, distance learning universities and renowned private universities such as Munich Business School. The latter offers an excellent apprenticeship, especially in the field of business and management, with a strong practical focus and international orientation. In some federal states, access to universities in special subject areas is also possible.
More about studying at MBS:
Information about the MBS Bachelor International BusinessTips for studying with a vocational diploma
Here are some tips that can help you to successfully start and master your studies with a vocational diploma:
| Tip regarding ... | Tip |
|---|---|
| Choose the right university and the right course of study | Choose a university of applied sciences or a dual university that is known for its practice-oriented courses of study, as these courses are often better suited to a vocational diploma. |
| Think about which subject area interests you the most and find out exactly what the various degree courses involve. | |
| Pay attention to the admission requirements, especially if you choose a degree course with a Numerus Clausus (NC). | |
| Take advantage of the practical orientation | Universities of applied sciences and dual universities attach great importance to practical relevance. Take the opportunity to gain practical experience in the form of projects, internships and working student activities. |
| The practical orientation of your studies often gives you the opportunity to make important professional contacts during your studies that will help you find a job later on. | |
| Good organization and time management | At universities of applied sciences and in dual study programs, everyday life is often very structured and there are regular exams, project submissions and presentations. Good time management is therefore crucial in order to stay on top of things. |
| Set yourself realistic learning goals and create a weekly schedule to balance your studies and your free time. | |
| Choose internships and part-time jobs wisely | A big advantage of the vocational diploma is its practical relevance. To strengthen this, choose internships or part-time jobs that fit in with your studies and use them to gain practical experience and expand your network. |
| A working student job during your studies can also help you to apply what you have learned directly in practice. | |
| Build strong relationships with lecturers and professors | The supervision ratio at universities of applied sciences is often better than at universities. Take advantage of this by building up a good relationship with your lecturers and professors. They can give you valuable advice and possibly help you later with applications or projects. |
| Think about your career early on | Many university of applied sciences degree programs include practical semesters or mandatory internships. Choose these deliberately and use them to make contact with potential employers. |
| Visit career fairs, find out about internship opportunities and alumni programs - this way you can set the course for your future career at an early stage. | |
| Don't neglect self-study | Even though studying at a university of applied sciences is very practice-oriented, there is still a lot of theoretical content that you need to acquire through self-study. |
| Find out what type of learner you are and develop study strategies that suit you (e.g. group work, summaries, flashcards). | |
| Networking and engagement | Network with fellow students, lecturers and professionals. Networks such as LinkedIn or XING are useful for starting your career. |
| Get involved in student initiatives or student councils - this shows future employers that you are committed and take responsibility beyond your studies. | |
| Consider staying abroad | Many universities of applied sciences offer exchange programs or integrated semesters abroad. Consider staying abroad to gain international experience and improve your foreign language skills. |
| - | Especially if you want to work in an international environment, experience abroad is a big plus. |
| Check scholarships and funding opportunities | You can also apply for scholarships with a vocational diploma. Various organizations, such as the German National Academic Foundation, also offer financial support for students at universities of applied sciences. |
| Check out other funding options, such as BAföG, and make sure you plan your finances well so that you can concentrate fully on your studies. | |
| Acquire additional qualifications | Consider whether there are additional qualifications that could help you in your future career, e.g. language courses, IT skills or certificates such as project management (e.g. Prince2 or Agile Working). |
| These additional qualifications can give you an advantage on the job market and are often easy to acquire alongside your studies. |
Studying with a vocational diploma offers you many opportunities, especially if you take advantage of the practical orientation and good organization. Choose your university and degree course carefully, build up a network and look out for internships or part-time jobs that match your interests and career plans early on. With the right planning and the use of study strategies, you can successfully master your studies.
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FAQ
The vocational diploma, officially known as the Fachhochschulreife, is available in various specializations, which differ depending on the focus. For example, you can take the vocational diploma in business, technical, social or design subjects. These specializations will later give you access to specific courses at universities of applied sciences or dual universities. The school-based part of the vocational diploma can be obtained at technical colleges, vocational colleges or vocational high schools, depending on the chosen specialization.
No, the Fachoberschule (FOS) is a type of school where you can obtain the vocational diploma or the entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences. The Fachoberschule leads you to the vocational diploma, but is not the same thing.
The vocational diploma is also known as the Fachhochschulreife. In some federal states, the vocational diploma is also abbreviated as FHR (Fachhochschulreife). There are no other specific terms; the term Fachhochschulreife is commonly used throughout Germany.
After completing your vocational diploma, you can study at a university of applied sciences, do an apprenticeship or start a dual study program.
Yes, you can study at a university with a vocational diploma. However, this is only possible in certain federal states and often only for selected degree programs or with additional requirements.
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