Private universities and their benefits

Private universities in Germany are state-recognised higher education institutions that operate independently from public universities. While they charge tuition fees, they offer practice-oriented study programmes, smaller class sizes, and strong industry connections.

According to the German Rectors’ Conference, Germany has over 111 state-recognised private universities (HRK), many of which specialise in business, management, technology, and design-related disciplines.

For students planning to study in Germany, private universities represent an increasingly popular alternative to public institutions.

What are the key benefits of private universities compared to public universities?

How do learning conditions differ at private universities?

Why is practical orientation such a major advantage?

Why do employers value graduates from private universities?

Do private university graduates earn more?

How can I tell if a private university is reputable?

Why do international students often choose private universities?

How do private universities support future careers beyond graduation?

Final thoughts

While both public and private institutions offer recognised degrees, they often differ significantly in teaching approach, learning environment, and student support. Understanding these differences helps students decide which model best fits their academic goals, learning style, and career plans.

One of the most cited private university benefits is the student-centred learning environment. Unlike many public universities, where lectures can include hundreds of students, private institutions typically offer:

• Smaller class sizes;
• More interactive teaching formats;
• Closer academic supervision.

Educational research consistently shows that lower student-to-staff ratios improve engagement and learning outcomes, particularly in applied disciplines (ScienceDirect).

Private universities in Germany are known for their strong practical focus. Study programmes often include:

• Real-world case studies;
• Group projects with industry relevance;
• Integrated internships or applied research projects.

Employers increasingly value graduates who combine academic knowledge with practical skills, particularly in fast-changing sectors such as business, UX, and digital technologies. This makes many study programmes in Germany at private universities especially attractive for career-focused students.

Private universities often work closely with companies through:

• Guest lectures by industry professionals;
• Live business projects;
• Career mentoring and networking events.

Graduates with early industry exposure transition faster into full-time employment (IAB). This is particularly relevant for international students in Germany aiming to enter the German or European job market after graduation.

Multiple studies indicate that practice-oriented degrees improve employability, especially in management and applied disciplines. According to Education GPS, graduates from professionally aligned programmes show higher early-career employment rates (OECD).

While private universities require tuition fees, students often benefit from:

• Shorter study durations;
• Faster entry into the labour market;
• Higher long-term earning potential.

All reputable private universities in Germany must be:

• State-recognised by German authorities;
• Accredited by recognised accreditation agencies;
• Subject to regular quality assurance reviews.

State recognition ensures degrees from private universities are equivalent to those from public institutions in academic and legal terms.

PFH is accredited by multiple institutions, including ZEvA, Wissenschaftshaftsrat, and Akkreditierungsrat.

For many international students in Germany, private universities offer:

• English-taught programmes;
• Structured study plans;
• Personal academic and administrative support.

The DAAD highlights that structured programmes with strong student support systems improve completion rates for international students, particularly at the master’s level (DAAD).

This makes private universities an appealing choice for students who value clarity, guidance, and career orientation.

Private universities increasingly integrate:

• Career coaching;
• CV and interview training;
• Alumni and employer networks.

For students planning to study in Germany with long-term career goals in mind, this added support can make a measurable difference.

Private universities offer a distinct educational model that prioritises practical relevance, employability, and student support. While they differ from public universities in structure and cost, their benefits can be significant — especially for students seeking a career-oriented, internationally focused education.

Understanding the advantages helps you choose the study environment that best aligns with your academic and professional goals. If you’re interested in studying in Germany, take a look at the international study programmes we offer at PFH.

1. State-recognised, private universities (111) are predominantly small institutions offering only a very limited range of subjects, e.g. Business Administration, Media Studies, Design.
2. Seven non-cognitive outcomes of small classes are described: students’ improved behaviour, engagement in learning, and sense of belonging, and teachers’ tolerance for ‘normal’ amounts of misbehaviour, improved morale, and closer relationships with students.
3. Graduates with early industry exposure transition faster into full-time employment.
4. Employment rates for recent tertiary graduates increase during the first years after graduation, reaching their highest three to four years after graduation, but then start to decline after five years.
5. Compared to the first DZHW calculation (Burkhart et al., 2012), which related to the 2005 examination year and indicated an average drop-out rate of 65% across all degree types, the current dropout rates for Bachelor’s and especially for Master’s courses represent a clear improvement.