Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences)

A type of university in Germany which focuses on practical courses of study and practical research, usually abbreviated “FH”.

More and more "Fachhochschulen" are changing their names to “Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften” (University of Applied Sciences), abbreviated “HAW”, or to a name combining "Hochschule" with their main academic field, such as “Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft” (HTW).

Academic degrees earned at "Fachhochschulen" and "Universitäten" are equal. However, "Fachhochschulen" usually do not award PhDs.