More and more young people are choosing to study at one of about 250 universities of applied sciences (UAS) in Germany after leaving school. In the winter semester 2021/2022, more than one-third of all students were enrolled at a university of applied sciences. Since they were established in the late 1960s, UAS have developed into an indispensable part of the German knowledge and research landscape. They are characterised by the practical training of skilled workers, which is geared to the needs of the business world.

In the field of research and development, universities of applied sciences provide answers to a wide variety of questions: How can companies reduce work accidents? How can they master the challenges associated with the digitisation of industrial production? How can administrative processes and services of local authorities be made more accessible for elderly people? UAS prefer to do their research in collaborations – with companies, but also with associations, local authorities, or charitable institutions. This enables them to develop innovative products and services for specific challenges.

Facts and figures about UAS in Germany