Studierende an der Universität Bonn (Foto: Barbara Frommann/Universität Bonn)

Help choosing a programme

It’s a good idea to be clear about your motivation, interests and abilities when you start thinking about choosing a programme, so that what you actually end up studying is the best fit for you. We provide guidance on the sort of questions you should ask yourself when exploring programme options, and who can provide advice and support to help you in your choice. But please do bear in mind that while all these options complement the student advisory services at the higher education institution, they don’t replace them.

What do I want to study

Figuring out the programme that is right for you often starts with asking the question “what do I want to study?” and exploring your own interests and strengths.

What do I want to study

Who can help?

Student advisory services at higher education institutions offer expert advice on all study-related questions, and can also help you choose your programme.

Student advisory service

Open house days

Open house days are a great opportunity for finding out about higher education institutions and the programmes they offer before you choose a programme.

Open house days

Trial study periods

Study taster sessions and schools study programmes give school students an insight into university life and the programmes on offer before they choose one.

Trial study periods

Higher education orientation tests

Orientation tests help you to get a clearer picture of your own interests and inclinations, helping you to choose a programme.

Higher education orientation tests

Types of higher education institutions

The higher education landscape is made up of various types of higher education institution, each of which has a different role in academic education and research.

Types of higher education institutions

Research Map

The Research Map allows you to search for the research areas that are of strategic institutional importance for each institution.

Research Map

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The Higher Education Compass offers information about higher education institutions in Germany, and is the only portal in Germany based on information from the higher education institutions themselves.

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An overview of all German higher education institutions, including a customised search screen and detailed information on each institution.

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