Postgraduate studies in Higher Education are continuing education, Vocational Education and Training courses that build on a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (VET Diploma), while postgraduate studies in Higher Education are postgraduate studies. This requires a higher professional qualification, such as a federal certificate, a diploma from a technical school TS, College of Higher Education, Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) or an equivalent qualification.

NDS studies at a College of Higher Education (NDS-HF Digital Transformation: postgraduate studies in Higher Education) lead to a federally recognized diploma. It usually lasts one year. The postgraduate course has a stronger thematic focus (e.g. online marketing). During the course of study, there is a constant transfer of practical experience through assignments (practical work, term papers) and, at the end, usually a diploma thesis and, depending on the school, a traditional final examination. The pressure of examinations is generally rather low. The postgraduate course is very popular due to its short duration and the federally recognized qualification and is therefore suitable for professionals who wish to deepen their specialist knowledge at the level of a College of Higher Education.

The Bachelor's degree program, on the other hand, is the first stage of a degree program at a university (University of Applied Sciences, University of Teacher Education, University) and generally provides basic knowledge over 6 semesters. The course concludes with a Bachelor's thesis. The degree is awarded 180 ECTS points (European Credit Transfer System = international credit points), which make the degree internationally comparable. The requirements for the Bachelor's degree are higher, namely a Baccalaureate (university), Federal Vocational Baccalaureate, Specialized Baccalaureate and some professional experience.