I think you still can use this correct terminology in your context

German term (edited): Fachhochschule

Is more or less the 'offical' rendering of 'Fachhochschule' in Germany. Universität is university. 'Technische Universität' is usually 'technical university'. See link below.

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Note added at 11 mins (2009-02-19 08:40:16 GMT)
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OK. How about something like vocation(ally)-based vs. traditional (mainstream?) universities?

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Note added at 30 mins (2009-02-19 08:58:20 GMT)
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Well... I personally wouldn't call it a technical college. You cannot get a degree at a technical college, you do at uni. Nor would I call it a highschool. Back in the old days, we had a couple of 'highschools' in my town where you get your CSEs.

This applies to the USA:

Universitaet= university or college ( please note that college IS university)
Fachhochschule= vocational school/college ( the essence is "vocational")

Terminology varies from country to country. (In NZ also known as Polytechnic).

I want to welcome you to the Graduate Program of the Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM). I wish you success in this important stage of your professional development.
Michigan Technological University has its roots in the mining and mineral industry. The University was established on February 20, 1885 under Senate Bill 211 as the Michigan School of Mines. During its history it has gone through several name changes from its start as the Michigan School of Mines to the Michigan College of Mines in 1896; to the Michigan College of Mining and Technology in 1927; and to its current name, Michigan Technological University, in 1963.
http://www.me.mtu.edu/

Colorado Technical University Degree Programs
Industry-Current Degree Programs for Today's Focused Professionals
In today's competitive job market, having the right skills and up-to-date knowledge can make a real difference in achieving professional success. At Colorado Technical University, our academic programs move beyond the theoretical information offered at many universities to provide a practical, real-world education that students can apply in their careers today and in the future.

CTU offers degree programs at the Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's and even Doctoral levels in a wide range of professional fields, including business, engineering, computer science, criminal justice, information technology, health care management, and visual communications. Many of the programs also include career-relevant concentration options that students can choose if they wish to expand their knowledge in a specialized area.

http://www.coloradotech.edu/

The Technical University of Berlin (Berlin Institute of Technology, TUB, TU Berlin, German: Technische Universität Berlin) is located in Berlin, Germany. It was founded in 1879 and, with nearly 30,000 students, is one of the largest technical universities in Germany. It also has the highest proportion of foreign students, with 20.9% in the summer semester of 2007, roughly 5,598 students. The university alumni and professor list include eight Nobel Prize winners.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technical_University_of_Berlin

http://www.ltu.edu/

University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Welcome to UTS - a dynamic and cosmopolitan university that marks the gateway to Sydney - Australia's economic, multicultural and creative global city. In 2008 we celebrated twenty years as a university, and we have great plans for our third decade.

UTS has a singular vision - to be a world-leading university of technology. To achieve this, our leadership in learning and teaching must be coupled with international renown in research, and a world-class infrastructure that supports our vibrant intellectual environment. The achievement of our vision relies on attracting high quality students, academics, researchers and administrators; people who are passionate about knowledge, learning, discovery and creativity.

http://www.uts.edu.au/