Germany has about 400 state-recognized higher education institutions, offering 20,000 study programs at all levels — from short and language courses to Bachelor's, Master's and PhD studies. Germany is the third most popular destination for international students, only after the anglophone United States and the United Kingdom. In other words, every year, about 100,000 students arrive in Germany for their graduate or postgraduate studies. Start by deciding which university you want to apply to and for what study program. At first, you may feel overwhelmed with all the options in front of you, but keep in mind that each university has its expertise, and certain universities are suitable for particular studies. For example, Universität Heidelberg is an excellent choice for studies in medicine. However, if you wish to study renewable energy, you should consider the Technical University of Munich (TUM). And, for studies in anthropology, the Free University of Berlin ranks higher than others. Once you have decided on the university or universities you want to apply to, you should carefully go through the entry requirements because they differ from one university and course to another. If you have any doubts regarding the entry requirements, fees, or curriculum, you should contact the respective faculty representative for clarification. Naturally, non-EU and non-EEA students may have more questions with regard to their German student visa application and finances. Therefore, they should allow more time for their application. Another thing you should think about ahead of time, but most likely after you have been offered a place of study, is your accommodation in Germany. Student halls may offer limited spaces and give priority to younger or overseas students. Hence, a shared house or apartment might be a more viable option for you, or a studio, if you value your privacy. For more information about housing options in different German cities, go to our Accommodation in Germany Guide. Good to know: University rankings can give you an idea about the quality of education offered in different universities. However, keep in mind that they vary between publishers and aren't always completely unbiased. Moving to Germany for university may lead to many questions. Follow the lively discussions in our Germany forum to find out more about studying in Germany from seasoned expats. Germany has state-funded and private universities spanning across different categories: universities, universities of applied sciences, universities of art, film, and music, and duale hochschulen (which means dual study colleges). A university emphasizes theoretical knowledge and academic research; hence, if you wish to follow an academic career and complete a PhD, this is the type of higher education institution you should look for. On the other hand, universities of applied sciences offer vocational studies tailored to professional requirements in the technology, business, media, or social services sectors. Often, the study program requires an internship or a short-term work placement. Universities of creative subjects such as fashion design, acting, dancing, and directing are more competitive since they require an entrance examination to prove your artistic skills and talents — on top of the academic and German language qualifications. Last, a dual-study college is ideal for those students who want hands-on experience. In other words, studies are combined with a paid work placement, and education takes place both in the job environment and at the college. Germany is generally known for its dual study programs, especially popular in the automation, culinary, first aid, carpentry, and plumbing sectors, which are usually lacking in the labor force. Most universities and colleges in Germany are state-funded, and some are church-run. In addition, there are private universities whose degrees are recognized by the state. To enroll in a German higher education institution, candidates need a school-leaving certificate (called hochschulzugangsberechtigung). If candidates apply with a qualification that is not equivalent to the German school-leaving diploma, they will have to study a foundation course (studienkolleg) before the degree.