A basic distinction is made between degrees that are obtained through a university examination and those that are obtained through a state (state examination) or ecclesiastical examination.
The academic degrees Bachelor and Master (and rarely Diplom and Magister Artium) are obtained through university examinations. A doctorate, i.e. the acquisition of a doctoral degree, is also a university examination.
A state examination or an ecclesiastical examination only exists in very specific subjects.
According to the German Rectors' Conference, around 20,500 tiered degree programmes (Bachelor's/Master's) were offered at universities, universities of applied sciences and universities of art and music in the summer semester of 2025. They therefore account for around 92% of the degree programmes on offer in Germany. The majority of degree programmes that are not offered as Bachelor's/Master's degrees come from the fields of art, music and design as well as public administration. There are also some degree programmes with church qualifications, as well as teacher training courses in individual federal states.
