Obtaining a University of Applied Sciences Entrance Qualification Later in Life

The Fachhochschulreife is a secondary-level II educational qualification. It qualifies holders to enroll in a university of applied sciences or a Fachhochschule, as well as at certain universities.

At a technical high school

The Fachoberschule leads to the Fachhochschulreife, which is earned upon passing the final exam. The program lasts two years, or one year if the duration is shortened. The qualification can also be earned while working. Students can choose between various fields of study or specializations, such as technology, health and social services, or design.
Prerequisites for obtaining the Fachhochschulreife are a Realschulabschluss or an equivalent qualification, as well as an internship position, which must be secured independently. To earn the Fachhochschulreife within one year, students must also have successfully completed at least two years of vocational training. This training may have been completed through either a dual vocational program or a full-time school-based program, but it must correspond to one of the offered fields of study.

In brief:

QualificationUniversity of Applied Sciences Entrance Qualification
Requirements
  • Two-year program: Realschule diploma, internship placement
  • One-year program: Secondary school diploma, internship position, completed vocational training (at least two years)
ApplicationSubmit your application to the respective technical high school

Further Information

Curricula and framework guidelines for technical high schools can be found on the website of the State Institute for School Quality and Teacher Training in Saxony-Anhalt (LISA).

A list of technical high schools at public vocational schools in Saxony-Anhalt is available on the Schulliste.eu website.