Tips on choosing a degree programme and starting university

There are over 20,000 different degree programmes in Germany. To help you keep track of them, they can be divided into the following broad subject areas:

• Humanities, cultural studies and languages: e.g. history, philosophy, literature, foreign languages or cultural studies.
• Law, Economics and Social Sciences: e.g. Law, Business Administration, Sociology, Political Science or Psychology.
• Natural Sciences and Mathematics: e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences or Mathematics.
• Engineering and Technology: e.g. Mechanical Engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, civil engineering or architecture.
• Medicine, Health and Sport: e.g. Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Medical Technology or Sports Science.
• Art, Music and Design: e.g. Fine Art, Graphic Design, Drama, Music Education or Fashion Design.
• Teacher training: Ranges from primary school to vocational school and usually combines two specialist subjects with pedagogy.

Here at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences (HSMW), you’ll find degree programmes across almost all subject areas. As a University of Applied Sciences (UoAS), we primarily offer practice-oriented degree programmes in the fields of engineering, IT, business, media and Social Work. You can find out which of these paths suits you best by contacting our student advisory service, for example.

To find the right degree programme from this vast array of options, follow these four simple steps:

1. Compare your interests and strengths: Don’t just ask yourself which school subjects you were good at, but also what you enjoy doing in your free time. Are you good at analysing texts, tinkering with technology, organising projects or working with people?
2. Determine your practical orientation: Do you tend to ask ‘Why is that?’ (theory- and research-oriented degree at a university) or ‘How do I apply this in practice?’ (practice-oriented degree at a University of Applied Sciences)?
3. Envision your working environment: Do you see yourself working in a laboratory, an office, on a building site, in a studio, in negotiations or in Social Work?
4. Make use of guidance resources: online support (such as that provided by the Federal Employment Agency), fairs and open days help you narrow down your choices step by step. Do have a look at our Study Compass, where you can match your interests with the content of the degree programmes.

Choosing a degree programme is an important decision, but it’s not a decision that will define the rest of your life – it’s just the first building block. In-depth study and specialisations usually develop over the course of your degree and once you’ve started your career.

The main difference lies in the teaching approach: whilst universities are strongly theory- and research-oriented, Universities of Applied Sciences (UoAS), formerly known as Fachhochschulen, focus on the practical application of knowledge. This brings specific advantages:

• A strong practical focus from the very first semester: theory is directly complemented by laboratory work, workshops, media projects or case studies. Furthermore, lecturers at universities of applied sciences must demonstrate several years’ professional experience outside the university.
• Small study groups and personal contact: Rather than studying in an anonymous atmosphere in overcrowded lecture theatres, students usually learn in manageable seminar groups. This enables direct questions, discussions and personalised support from lecturers.
• Integrated work placements: A compulsory work placement semester in a company or organisation is firmly embedded in the curriculum. This enables students to gain real-world professional experience even before they graduate.
• Direct links to the business world: Through practical projects, guest lectures and partnerships, students establish valuable contacts with potential employers at an early stage for work placements, final-year projects and starting their careers.
• Compact and structured organisation: A clearly defined course of study helps students to maintain an overview and complete their degree reliably within the standard period of study.

Good to know: Neither a university nor a UoAS is ‘better’ – they are simply two different paths. Those aiming for an academic career in basic research often choose a university. Those who want to put what they’ve learnt into practice straight away – by building, designing or implementing it – are usually better off at a UoAS.

At Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, we have been putting this UoAS principle into practice for over 160 years: here, you’ll find short distances across campus, modern laboratories and studios, as well as lecturers with professional experience who know you personally and guide you through your projects.

The costs of studying essentially consist of two components: university fees and living costs.

• No tuition fees: At state universities in Germany, there are no tuition fees for a standard first degree (Bachelor’s and many Master’s programmes). The situation is different at private institutions.
• Semester fee (approx. €150 to €400 per semester): This compulsory fee is paid twice a year. It funds the student services organisation and the student union, and usually includes a discounted term ticket or public transport pass.
• Cost of living (approx. €800 to €1,100 per month): Actual monthly expenses depend heavily on where you are studying. The largest item is rent. Expenses include:
  • Accommodation and service charges: a room in a shared flat, a hall of residence or your own flat.
  • Food and the canteen
  • Health insurance and long-term care: Covered free of charge under family insurance until the age of 25; after that, the student rate applies (approx. €120 to €150 per month).
  • Study materials, internet, mobile phone and leisure

Mittweida University of Applied Sciences can be a great choice for you in this respect. The semester fee is just 107 euros. Rents here are the lowest of any university in Germany. As a result, fewer students need a part-time job than elsewhere.

Most students rely on a combination of different sources of funding:

1. BAföG (state funding): Whether you receive BAföG, and how much, usually depends on your parents’ income. The principle is unbeatable: half is provided as a grant, and the other half as an interest-free loan, which is repaid later in instalments up to a maximum limit.
2. Parental support and child benefit: Parents are legally obliged to finance their children’s initial education. Child benefit is also paid until the age of 25.
3. Part-time work (working student or mini-job): As a working student, you’re allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during term time. At the same time, you gain an insight into your future working life. Mini-jobs, on the other hand, are ideal for earning a bit of extra money flexibly alongside your lectures.
4. Scholarships: As well as excellent grades, social commitment, your CV or your degree programme are often taken into account. The best-known is the Deutschlandstipendium (€300 per month, funded half by the federal government and half by private sponsors).
5. Student loans: These act as a fallback if other sources of funding are insufficient (e.g. the KfW student loan). However, due to the interest charges, they should be planned with foresight.

Tip: Always submit a BAföG application – even if you’re unsure whether you’re eligible. Thanks to allowances based on parental income, more students are eligible than many realise.

Studying at HSMW is easy on the budget: rents and living costs in Mittweida are well below the national average, and halls of residence are located right on campus. If you have any questions about BAföG applications, scholarships (such as the HSMW Germany Scholarship) or job vacancies, the HSMW Student Advisory Service is here to help.

During initial education – which includes the first bachelor’s degree – it is primarily the parents’ responsibility to cover the cost of living. The law supports them in this.

1. Child benefit (up to your 25th birthday)
   • As long as you are in your initial education, your parents are entitled to child benefit until you reach the age of 25.
   • Child benefit is paid to your parents. If you no longer live at home, your parents can pass the money on to you or transfer it to you.
2. The right to maintenance (Düsseldorf Table)
   • Parents are legally obliged to provide financial support for your initial vocational training until you have completed your qualification.
   • The Düsseldorf Table serves as a guide to the amount. For students who no longer live with their parents, the flat-rate maintenance requirement is currently €930 per month. This includes a flat-rate allowance for rent.
   • Child benefit and your own BAföG entitlement are deducted from the maintenance requirement. This means that BAföG and child benefit reduce the amount your parents have to pay you out of their own pockets each month.

If your parents are not financially able to pay the full maintenance, BAföG will step in. If your parents’ income is sufficient but they refuse to pay, the BAföG office can step in via what is known as an ‘advance payment application’.

A major advantage of studying in Mittweida is that, thanks to the very reasonable rent and living costs at the HSMW, your actual financial needs are often lower than the benchmark figures for major cities. This puts less strain on your parents’ budget or ensures that you can easily make ends meet in Mittweida with BAföG and child benefit. You submit your BAföG application to the Studentenwerk Freiberg.

To start a degree course in Germany, you need what is known as a university entrance qualification (HZB). There are various routes into higher education. The traditional Abitur is by no means the only one: 

1. School-based entry routes
   • General Higher Education Entrance Qualification (Abitur): Entitles you to study any subject at universities, universities of applied sciences and equivalent institutions throughout Germany. It is a prerequisite for admission to universities.
   • University of Applied Sciences Qualification (‘Fachabi’): Entitles you to study any degree programme at universities of applied sciences (UoAS/FH).
   • Subject-specific university entrance qualification: Entitles you to study specific degree programmes at universities and universities of applied sciences that match your chosen field of study.
2. Studying without the Abitur (vocational qualification) 
   • With advanced vocational training (e.g. master craftsman, technician, business specialist): This replaces the Abitur and generally entitles you to study any subject area.
   • With vocational training and work experience: Anyone who has completed several years of vocational training and subsequently worked in the profession for a number of years may enrol on degree programmes in a related subject area following a counselling session or an entrance examination.
3. Further criteria-based requirements
   • Numerus clausus (NC): If the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, selection is based on average marks or other criteria.
   • Aptitude tests and portfolios: Talent is assessed in advance, particularly for creative, artistic, sporting or specialised media degree programmes.
   • Preliminary work placements or language certificates: Some subjects require proof of having completed an initial work placement or a specific language level (e.g. English B2/C1) beforehand.
   • First degree (for Master’s programmes): Anyone wishing to study for a Master’s degree must already have successfully completed a Bachelor’s or Diplom degree.

Don’t let formal hurdles or a lower grade point average put you off. Many degree programmes that have restricted admission at one university are offered with no admission restrictions at all at other institutions – with identical content and the same qualification.

At HSMW, the doors are open to you if you have the Abitur, the Fachhochschulreife, or have completed further vocational training and a recognised vocational qualification. The best news for your planning: the majority of our Bachelor’s degree programmes have no entry restrictions, so you don’t need to worry about an entry requirement (NC); instead, your place is guaranteed provided you apply by the deadline. You can find the exact criteria directly on the page for your chosen degree programme at HSMW.

Application deadlines in Germany depend primarily on whether your chosen degree programme starts in the winter semester (beginning in September or October) or the summer semester (beginning in March or April). They also depend on whether the programme has restricted admission (with an NC) or is open to all applicants.

1. Winter semester (starting in October)
   • Degree programmes with restricted admission (NC): The most important deadline nationwide is 15 July. Your application documents must have been received by the university or via hochschulstart.de by this date.
   • Programmes with no admission restrictions (no NC): The deadlines for these are often longer – usually until 31 August or 15 September. As long as places are still available, direct enrolment is often sufficient. At HSMW, the following applies: even in this case, 15 July is the application deadline; after that, a few remaining places may still be available.
2. Summer semester (starting in April)
   • Degree programmes with restricted admission (NC): The deadline is usually 15 January.
   • Programmes with no admission restrictions (no NC): Enrolment is sometimes possible until mid- or late March; at HSMW, 15 January is the deadline even for programmes with no admission restrictions.

Important exceptions you need to bear in mind

• Degree programmes with an aptitude test: For artistic, design, sports or certain media degree programmes, you often need to submit a portfolio or sit a test. These deadlines are usually much earlier (often as early as April or May for the winter semester). This does not apply at the HSMW.
• International qualifications: Anyone who has obtained their school-leaving certificate abroad (e.g. applying via uni-assist) should apply at least one to two months before the standard deadlines, as the verification of qualifications takes time. At HSMW, the application deadline for international students is 15 May for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester. 
• Degree Apprenticeship/Dual Study Program: As you first need to sign a contract with a company, the application process usually begins one year before the start of your studies.

If you’ve missed the admission quota deadline on 15 July, all is not lost. In late summer, make use of the so-called lottery system or the study place exchange on the website of the German Rectors’ Conference to secure any remaining places.

At Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, the majority of degree programmes have no entry requirements. For you, this means that you can still secure a place after the application period has ended, provided there are still places available. Simply check the application portal to see whether enrolment in your chosen degree programme is still possible.

You cannot enrol at any German university without health insurance. Before enrolment, the university will require electronic proof of your insurance status (the so-called MNS7 procedure). Depending on your age and circumstances, the following rules apply:

• Up to your 25th birthday (family cover): If you are covered under your parents’ statutory health insurance, this cover remains free of charge whilst you are studying. Prerequisite: Your own income (e.g. from a part-time job) must not permanently exceed the standard mini-job income limit.
• From your 25th birthday (student health insurance): Free family cover ends on your 25th birthday (extension possible if you are doing military or voluntary service). You take out student health insurance yourself. The premium is approximately 120 to 130 euros per month nationwide (including long-term care insurance).
• From your 30th birthday: The low-cost student tariff usually expires. You must then take out voluntary statutory or private health insurance.
• Special case: private health insurance (PKV): If you have previously been privately insured through your parents, you can apply to be exempted from the statutory insurance obligation at the start of your studies. Please note: this decision applies for the duration of your studies and cannot be reversed whilst you are studying.

You do not need to arrange any paper certificates yourself. Simply contact your chosen health insurance provider before enrolment: they will transmit your insurance status digitally directly to the university.

When you enrol at HSMW, your proof of insurance is submitted automatically via the health insurance providers’ digital registration system. If you have any questions about switching from family cover or about income limits for part-time work, the HSMW Student Office will be happy to help.

Finding your first place to live is one of the most exciting steps before you start your studies. Depending on your personal preferences and budget, there are various options available:

• Student union halls of residence: This is often the cheapest and most straightforward option. Rooms are usually partly furnished, the rent is charged as a flat rate (including electricity, heating and internet), and you’ll get to know other students straight away.
• Shared flats (WGs): Ideal if you don’t want to live on your own. Search portals such as WG-Gesucht, classified adverts or social media are the first places to look. At flat-sharing meetings, the main thing is to see if you get on well with the others.
• Your own rented flat: If you prefer your own peace and quiet, have a look on the usual property portals or contact local housing associations and council housing providers directly.
• Noticeboards and social media: Posters on campus, Facebook groups or student Telegram channels are also good places to look for vacant rooms.

What should I look out for during my search?

To avoid any nasty surprises when moving into your first place of your own, you should check the following points:

1. Compare ‘warm rent’ with ‘cold rent’: Check what’s included in the rent. ‘Cold rent’ doesn’t include heating or service charges. Halls of residence often offer an all-inclusive flat-rate rent, so there’s no risk of additional charges.
2. Allow for additional costs: Bear in mind electricity, internet and the TV licence fee. In a shared flat, the TV licence fee is usually split between all flatmates; in your own flat, you’ll have to pay it yourself. Under certain circumstances, you can be exempted from the TV licence fee, e.g. if you receive BAföG.
3. Arrange a parental guarantee: As students usually do not have a fixed income, many landlords require a so-called rental guarantee from your parents, as well as proof of income.
4. Location and transport links: Check in advance how you’ll get to the university, the supermarket or the station. A room that seems cheap but is located on the outskirts can quickly become unattractive – particularly in large cities – due to high travel costs or long journeys.
5. Draw up a handover report: When you move in, document any existing defects (scratches on the floor, stains on the wall) in writing and with photos. This will protect you from losing your deposit when you move out later.

Tip: It’s best to start your search at least two to three months before the start of the semester. Set up search alerts on property portals so that you can send a friendly and informative message straight away when new listings appear.

Living in Mittweida makes starting your studies particularly stress-free: the housing market is very affordable compared to larger cities. There are no long queues for viewings or excessive flat-share auditions. Almost all of the Freiberg Student Services’ halls of residence, as well as private flat-shares and flats, are within walking distance of the campus – so there’s no need for tedious commuting in Mittweida.

The time between receiving your offer and the first lecture is the perfect opportunity to get your studies off to a relaxed start, both in terms of organisation, academic preparation and socialising. By following these steps, you’ll lay the best foundations for a successful first-year experience:

1. Sort out organisational matters and paperwork
   • Complete your enrolment: Pay the semester fee by the deadline and submit all the required documents (e.g. proof of health insurance, school reports) to officially secure your student status.
   • Sort out your finances and accommodation: Submit your BAföG application as early as possible (processing often takes a few weeks). If you’re moving house, sort out your tenancy agreement, pay your deposit and re-register your address with the Residents’ Registration Office.
   • Set up your technology and tools: Check whether your hardware (laptop/tablet) meets the requirements of your degree programme. Once you’ve received your login details, set up your student email address and the university apps.
2. Take advantage of preparatory courses
   • Many universities offer voluntary preparatory courses before lectures begin – this is a great way to brush up on your knowledge, particularly in subjects such as maths, physics, computer science or English.
   • Reducing stress during the term: Introductory courses are designed to bring all first-year students up to a similar level of knowledge. They take the fear out of challenging foundation subjects and make the transition from school to university much easier, especially after a gap year.
   • Networking in advance: Introductory courses are a great place to get to know your fellow students before the official lecture term begins.
3. Make the most of orientation week (‘O-Woche’ / ‘Ersti-Woche’)
   • In the week before lectures begin, almost all universities hold an orientation week. Here, you’ll get to know the campus, the libraries, canteens and laboratories, as well as lots of fellow students.
   • Understanding your timetable and university systems: Tutors from higher semesters will often show you how to put together your timetable (particularly relevant at universities), how exam registration works and who to turn to if you have any questions.
   • Whether it’s a campus treasure hunt, freshers’ parties or pub crawls – orientation week is the most important social phase of your entire degree. This is often where friendships are formed that last throughout your studies and, in some cases, well into your later years.

Don’t stress about poring over specialist literature in the summer before you start your degree. Instead, use the time to sort out the formalities, attend the preparatory courses to make things easier, and treat yourself to a few days of proper rest before lectures begin.

At Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, we make the transition as smooth as possible for you. Our preparatory courses (e.g. in maths or physics) will get you ready for your first modules. You can find out more on the applications page. Our orientation events form part of the first week of lectures for first-year students. Here, experienced tutors will take you under their wing, show you around our compact campus and, through joint events, ensure that you’re part of the HSMW community right from day one.

Alongside your degree, practical experience is the most important selling point on your CV – particularly in the age of AI. Fortunately, there are many ways to put theory into practice whilst you’re studying. From flexible part-time jobs to fully integrated modules:

• Working student roles: As a working student, you’ll work in a role related to your field of study within a company. You’ll gain direct professional experience in your sector, build up a network of contacts and earn money to support yourself.
• Work placements and compulsory practical semesters: At UoAS in particular, degree programmes include a practical semester (usually three to six months) that is firmly embedded in the curriculum. Voluntary work placements during the semester breaks offer an additional opportunity to get to know companies of different sizes or sectors.
• Practical final-year projects: You can write your Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis in collaboration with a company. In doing so, you tackle a specific problem arising from real-world business practice. It is not uncommon for this to lead directly to a job offer upon graduation.
• Student assistant (HiWi role): As a student assistant at a department, faculty or in a laboratory, you’ll be directly involved in the university’s research projects. This hones your specialist knowledge and is ideal if you’re interested in development, analytics or a future academic career.
• Student initiatives and campus projects: Whether it’s campus radio, racing teams (Formula Student), student advisory services or student union work – getting involved in projects demonstrates soft skills to employers, such as team spirit, organisational skills and initiative.

Tip: Keep the 20-hour rule in mind: during term time, as a working student, you may work a maximum of 20 hours per week in order to retain your reduced-rate student status for health and social insurance. During the semester breaks, you may work more than this.

At Mittweida University of Applied Sciences (HSMW), practical experience is firmly embedded in the curriculum. In modern workshops, laboratories and media centres, you’ll be working on real-world projects right from your first semesters. All Bachelor’s degree programmes include an industry placement. In addition, the HSMW Career Service provides you with targeted support through company contacts, job application training and the arrangement of placements with regional and international partner companies.