Guide
University or university of applied sciences?
When can I enrol at a university?
No matter whether you want to study at a university or a university of applied sciences, you need a university entrance qualification in order to do a degree. The following qualifications show that you meet the university entry requirements:
• A school-leaving qualification – an Austrian Matura or German Abitur, or an equivalent qualification
• Higher education entrance examination (Berufsreifeprüfung)
• Limited higher education entrance qualification (Studienberechtigungsprüfung)
• Entrance examination (for a university of applied sciences)
To apply to a university of applied sciences you will also have to complete an application process – this is because there are only a limited number of places on each degree programme, so the intake is smaller as a result. For this reason, FHs choose students on the basis of an admissions procedure. Tip: find out about the different steps involved in the process as soon as you can.
Universities also place limits on the number of students who can be admitted to certain degree programmes, especially for popular subjects including medicine and psychology.
Focus on theoretical principles or the practical side?
One of the main differences between a university and an FH is their focus. Universities put more of an emphasis on underlying principles and theory, while universities of applied sciences concentrate on how you can apply those ideas in practice. What are you more interested in? Are you aiming for an academic career? If you are, then a university is probably the right choice for you. Would you like to put the knowledge you gain during your degree to use directly in your job later on? Then it sounds like an FH is the place for you. But, as ever, there are always exceptions to the rule.
Fixed timetable or plan your own lecture times?
How structured would you like your degree programme to be? Are you happier when you can stick to a set timetable? Or would you like to plan your day-to-day life at uni yourself? The way that your degree is organised is another key difference between a university and university of applied sciences.
• At a university, you have more scope to choose your lectures and tutorials yourself. Usually, you can also decide how many courses you take each semester. But remember, if you choose to take it a bit easier, it will take longer to finish your degree.
• When you study at an FH, you’re given a timetable – and you always have a place on the courses that you need to attend. This ensures that you complete your degree in the standard timeframe. Provided that your grades are up to standard, of course.
What sort of environment do you want to study in?
If you choose a university of applied sciences, you’ll be a member of the same class throughout your degree. So you’ll be studying alongside the same students from the first semester all the way through to the last, and learning in small groups. You’ll know all your lecturers personally, and many of them have a professional background in the subjects they teach. At a university, you can get to know lots of different people. You might even attend lectures alongside hundreds of other students. And your classmates will change depending on the courses you take. So, are you looking for lots of variety or a group of classmates that always stays the same? Think about it – where would you feel more comfortable?
I want to spend time abroad – how can I do that?
A stay abroad forms part of the degree programmes offered by virtually every university or FH. They generally have a network of partner universities. Some unis or FHs are even involved in developing higher education institutions and degree programmes abroad. You have the option of spending a semester or doing an internship abroad regardless of whether you’re enrolled at a university or a university of applied sciences. The difference lies in how your stay is organised and what kind of support you receive during your time abroad. Many universities of applied sciences will give you extensive support, while you will have to do more of the organisation yourself if you’re studying at a university.
I want to earn more when I start working – which degree will enable me to do that?
You can’t really look at it that way. Graduates have the same professional opportunities regardless of whether they have a degree from a university or an FH. When you start working, your income will depend on the industry and many other factors. That said, many companies prefer to hire new recruits who have a degree from a university of applied sciences, as opposed to university graduates.
So, university or university of applied sciences? Both types of institution have their upsides. The most important questions to ask yourself are which one will suit you better and how you picture your professional life.
Interested in doing your degree at IMC Krems? We’ll be happy to give you all the advice you need.