Degrees and study organization

The structure of your chosen degree programme depends, among other things, on which degree you are aiming for. For example, a Bachelor's degree programme usually lasts six semesters, whereas a Master's degree programme lasts two to four semesters. Some of the subjects are compulsory, others you can choose.

In order to plan the course of study and a possible specialisation later on in your studies, it is useful and helpful to familiarise yourself with the degree programme before you start.

What degrees are available?

Foto: Martin Rehm / Bundesagentur für Arbeit
A female student is sitting in a lecture hall.

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.

Topics

  • Tiered degree programmes (Bachelor's/Master's) account for around 92% of the degree programmes on offer in Germany. Learn more about the degree programms in the following.  
  • Although most degree programms function with the tiered degree programmes, there are a number of degree courses that are completed with a state examination, e.g. a Diploma or a Magister. Learn more about further degree programmes… 
  • Study organisation. Learn more about semester planning, exams and learning strategies. 
Stand: 09.07.2025