Hochschule

Hochschule is a German term for a higher education institution. It is used in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland to describe institutions that provide tertiary education and conduct research. The word literally means “high school” but is used to denote institutions at the university level.

The term covers a range of institutions, from traditional research universities (Universitäten) to applied sciences colleges such as Fachhochschulen or Universities of Applied Sciences. In many countries a distinction exists between research-oriented universities and professional or applied colleges. In practice, Hochschulen offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs; in Germany, doctoral studies are typically pursued at universities, while Hochschulen for applied sciences may award doctoral degrees only in cooperation with partner universities in some jurisdictions.

In Austria and Switzerland the category also includes teacher training colleges and arts or music academies, alongside universities and other higher education institutions. The Bologna Process has standardized degree structures across much of Europe, yielding common bachelor and master programs at many Hochschulen.

Education and research at Hochschulen often emphasize a combination of theoretical instruction and practical application in fields such as engineering, business, design, and health sciences. Admission usually requires a secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent, with additional program-specific requirements.