About Augustana-Hochschule Neuendettelsau
Augustana-Hochschule Neuendettelsau is the theological seminary of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Bavaria (ELKB), located in the small Franconian town of Neuendettelsau, approximately 28 km southwest of Nuremberg. Founded in 1947, it holds state-equivalent status and awards doctorate and habilitation degrees in addition to the ecclesiastical degree (Kirchliches Examen) required for Lutheran ministry in Bavaria.
The institution is a genuine campus university: lecture halls, chapel, library, administration, student dormitories, and dining hall are all situated on a single parklike grounds, making it one of the most intimate theological study environments in Germany. Current enrolment is approximately 170 students.
Augustana is notable for holding Germany's only permanent professorship in Feminist Theology and Gender Studies, integrated into the core curriculum. It participates in ERASMUS+ with 12 European partner institutions and maintains scholarly ties across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas through Mission EineWelt and other ecumenical partnerships.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1947
- Students
- 170
- International
- approx. 10% (WS 2024/25)
Germany's only permanent professorship in Feminist Theology and Gender Studies
Full doctorate and habilitation rights, equivalent to state theological faculties
Single integrated residential campus — lectures, library, housing, and dining in one parklike setting
ERASMUS+ partnerships with 12 European theological institutions (Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox)
Open-admission policy: all qualifying applicants normally receive a place
New part-time (berufsbegleitend) ministry pathway launched WS 2024/25
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
No tuition fees charged. Semester contribution: €72.00 per semester (as of WS 2024/25). Intensive language course (Latin/Greek/Hebrew) carries a separate fee of €36.00. Guest students pay €70–€150 per semester depending on course load. Bavaria introduced non-EU tuition fees from WS 2025/26 for some institutions — verify current status with the university.
Admission requirements
Applicants must hold a German Abitur or an equivalent university-entrance qualification. International applicants require a German-language certificate (level not specified on the public site — contact the university). Applications are submitted via the PRIMUSS online system. Required documents include a curriculum vitae, proof of qualifications, any prior university transcripts, and a signed code-of-conduct agreement. The institution states that in principle all applicants who apply receive a place (open admission). APS certificate is not mentioned for Indian/Vietnamese applicants, but given the German-language requirement and small specialist focus, direct contact with the international liaison (PD Dr. Markus Mülke) is strongly recommended before applying.
Application deadlines
Winter Semester: 15 September. Summer Semester: 15 March. Intensive language course (pre-enrolment): 15 July.
Languages of instruction
German (primary language of all lectures, seminars, and language courses). Doctoral dissertations and certain examination translations may be submitted in English.
Campuses & locations
Single integrated campus; all teaching, residential, and social facilities on one parklike site at Waldstraße 11, 91564 Neuendettelsau
Living in Bayern
Neuendettelsau is a small market town of around 8,000 inhabitants in the Ansbach district of Middle Franconia, Bavaria, set in a forested landscape at approximately 431 m above sea level. It lies about 18 km east of Ansbach and 28 km southwest of Nuremberg, which is reachable by hourly train service. The town has a calm, rural character; students rely on the self-contained campus for most daily needs, with the larger city of Nuremberg providing cultural, shopping, and transport connections.
Student life & support
Campus life is deliberately close-knit given the small student body and residential setup. Students organise sports (football, badminton, volleyball), a brass ensemble, theater productions, a cabaret stage in the 'Kultbar', and an environmental group. Annual highlights include a summer festival and winter ball. The student government (AStA) holds voting seats in university governance including the senate and hiring committees. Dormitory places (approx. 100 beds) are available but not guaranteed.
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Accredited Programmes
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Kirchlicher Abschluss
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