Almost everyone who contacts us asks, "Is a UAS lower than a university?" No. They're built for different things, and picking the wrong one for your goals is a bigger mistake than picking the "less famous" one.
The short version
- Research universities are more theoretical. You read, write and research a lot, and the master's degree is the usual route towards a PhD.
- Universities of applied sciences (UAS) are built around working life. Expect projects with real companies, a work placement, and a thesis that often solves a problem for an employer.
Things that actually differ
Bachelor's degrees at research universities are typically shorter than at UAS, which often include a longer practical training period. Admission also works differently: many UAS bachelor's programmes use entrance exams or point systems, while universities weigh your previous degree and sometimes a motivation letter. Always check the programme page, because the rules are set programme by programme.
A quick way to decide
- Want a research career or a PhD later? Start with the research universities.
- Want to be job-ready quickly, with a local network? Look closely at UAS.
- Not sure? Compare two specific programmes, one from each side, and read their course lists side by side. The course list tells you more than the university's reputation.
One thing people worry about
A UAS degree doesn't close doors. Graduates can apply to master's programmes at research universities, though some ask for extra courses first. If further study matters to you, ask us to check the exact conditions for your shortlist.
Browse the full research university and UAS lists, or talk to a counsellor and bring your two programmes with you.