Higher Education in GERMANY

In Germany there are at present some 312 state and state-recognised higher education institutions divided into three types. There are two semesters each academic year. The standard study period in which a degree programme can be completed is at least eight to ten semesters at universities and at Fachhochschulen six semesters, or eight semesters for degree programmes with integrated practical semesters.
These comprise universities and equivalent higher education institutions such as technical universities, comprehensive universities (Gesamthochschulen) and specialised institutions at university level (eg. for medicine, sport, administrative studies, philosophy and theology).
Only universities and equivalent institutions are entitled to confer doctorates........... more details www.study-germany.info