What is a technical college entrance qualification? A comprehensive guide to clarify the term

What is a technical college entrance qualification? A comprehensive guide to clarify the term

What is a technical college entrance qualification? A comprehensive guide to clarify the term

The technical college entrance qualification is an educational qualification recognized in Germany that enables higher qualifications than the normal general university entrance qualification. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain in detail what a technical college entrance qualification is, how it can be acquired and what opportunities are available with this qualification.

What is a technical college entrance qualification?

The technical college entrance qualification is an educational qualification that gives students access to technical colleges and vocational academies. In contrast to the general university entrance qualification, which allows access to all types of universities, the technical college entrance qualification is limited to certain courses of study.

With the technical college entrance qualification, it is possible to take up a bachelor's degree at a technical college. As a rule, the bachelor's degree at a technical college lasts seven semesters and ends with the academic degree of "Bachelor of Engineering" or "Bachelor of Arts". Universities of applied sciences are characterized by their practice-oriented orientation and attach great importance to the applicability of knowledge in professional practice.

How is the technical college entrance qualification acquired?

The technical college entrance qualification can be acquired in various ways. One of the most common ways is to attend a technical college (FOS) or a vocational college (BOS). These schools offer vocational training in conjunction with general school education.

A technical college usually lasts three years and can be attended after completing secondary school. The students choose a subject area, for example technology, business or health, and complete their high school diploma in this subject area. After successful completion, you can study directly at a technical college.

A vocational high school is aimed at students who have already completed vocational training or have several years of professional experience. The vocational high school enables them to obtain a technical college entrance qualification within one year and thus embark on an academic career.

Another way to obtain a technical college entrance qualification is to attend a higher vocational school (HBFS). These schools offer basic vocational training and enable students to obtain a technical college entrance qualification in two years.

Requirements for acquiring the technical college entrance qualification

In order to obtain the technical college entrance qualification, certain requirements must be met. As a rule, a secondary school leaving certificate or a comparable qualification is required. Depending on the federal state, the exact requirements may vary.

A grade point average of at least 3.0 is often required to attend a technical high school or a vocational high school. In addition, depending on the subject, there may be specific admission requirements, such as certain grades in the relevant subjects.

In order to attend a higher vocational school, at least a satisfactory certificate of completed vocational training is generally required. Here too, the exact requirements can vary from state to state.

Perspectives with a technical college entrance qualification

With the technical college entrance qualification, various career opportunities open up. The most popular route for graduates with a technical college entrance qualification is to study at a technical college.

Polytechnics offer a wide range of courses, including engineering, economics, social sciences and health sciences. After completing their bachelor's degree, graduates can either start working life or pursue a master's degree.

It is also possible to study at a vocational academy or dual university with a technical college entrance qualification. These institutions offer dual study programs in which students gain both theoretical knowledge at the university and practical experience in the company.

Training in non-academic professions is also possible with a technical college entrance qualification. For example, graduates can complete training to become an industrial mechanic, a nurse or a business clerk.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I study at a university with a technical college entrance qualification?

No, direct access to universities is generally not possible with a technical college entrance qualification. However, the technical college entrance qualification entitles you to study at technical colleges and vocational academies.

2. What subjects are offered at technical colleges?

Various subject areas are offered at technical colleges, including technology, economics, social work, design and health. Depending on the school, the specializations offered may vary.

3. Can I obtain a technical college entrance qualification without vocational training?

Yes, completed vocational training is one of the possible requirements for obtaining the technical college entrance qualification, but there are also other ways to obtain it, such as attending a technical college.

4. Is the technical college entrance qualification recognized equally in all federal states?

Yes, the technical college entrance qualification is a nationally recognized educational qualification. However, the exact requirements can vary from state to state.

5. Are there differences between the technical college entrance qualification and the technical college entrance qualification?

No, the terms “technical college entrance qualification” and “technical high school diploma” are often used interchangeably and refer to the same thing. Both degrees enable access to technical colleges.

Conclusion

The technical college entrance qualification is a recognized educational qualification in Germany that enables access to technical colleges and vocational academies. It is obtained, among other things, by attending a technical college, a vocational high school or a higher vocational school. With the technical college entrance qualification, a wide range of perspectives are open to you, including studying at a technical college, at a vocational academy or training in non-academic professions. With this comprehensive guide, we hope to have explained the basics and options for obtaining a technical college entrance qualification in an understandable way.