CVJM-Hochschule

Hessen, Germany

About CVJM-Hochschule

CVJM-Hochschule (YMCA University of Applied Sciences) is a small, private state-recognised Fachhochschule in Kassel, Hesse, founded in 2009 under the auspices of the CVJM-Bildungswerk (the German YMCA educational foundation). It is Germany's only YMCA-sponsored higher education institution and draws on the YMCA movement's global reach across 130 countries.

The university focuses on a distinctive intersection of Social Work, Theology/Community Education, and Management/Ethics. Programmes are offered as full-time campus study, part-time blended/online study, and fully online formats — including an English-language online bachelor's. In winter semester 2024/25 approximately 446 students were enrolled. The institution is planning a merger with Evangelische Hochschule Darmstadt to form the new Evangelische Hochschule Hessen, targeted for summer semester 2026.

Despite its small size, CVJM-Hochschule maintains an International Office and participates in Erasmus+ partnerships. Its campus is located in a residential area of Kassel close to the Druseltal valley; on-site accommodation is available through the university's own guest-house.

Key facts

Founded: 2009
Students: 446

Germany's only YMCA-sponsored university of applied sciences

Unique combination of Social Work, Theology, and Management/Ethics

English-taught online bachelor's (Human Development B.A.) accessible internationally

Small cohorts enabling close student-faculty relationships

On-campus accommodation available through university guest-house

Planned integration into new Evangelische Hochschule Hessen from 2026

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

CVJM-Hochschule is a private institution and charges monthly tuition fees rather than semester-based fees. As of recent information: B.A. Religions- und Gemeindepädagogik/Soziale Arbeit (Präsenz) approximately €315–355/month; B.A. Soziale Arbeit (berufsbegleitend) approximately €345–355/month; M.A. Transformationsstudien approximately €345/month (paid over 30 months). All programmes also charge a one-time enrolment fee of €350 and a graduation fee of €300. There is no separate non-EU surcharge — the same fees apply to all students. Fees are not differentiated by nationality. Prospective students should verify current rates on the official fee schedule (Studiengebührenordnung) at cvjm-hochschule.de.

Admission requirements

For bachelor's programmes: applicants need a recognised German Abitur equivalent (e.g. Indian Class XII from an H+ recognised school at ≥60–70%, or a completed first year of a recognised bachelor's degree). A mandatory advisory interview (Informations- und Beratungsgespräch) with the university is required before formal enrolment. All German-taught programmes require proof of German language proficiency (typically B2/C1 level via TestDaF, DSH, Goethe or equivalent). The English-taught Human Development B.A. requires English proficiency. Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants additionally require an APS certificate before obtaining a German student visa. For master's programmes: a relevant recognised bachelor's degree is required; individual programme pages specify GPA and language thresholds.

Application deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; the university advises applying as early as possible. Some programmes start in winter semester (October) and some in summer semester (April). The B.A. Soziale Arbeit für Erzieherinnen und Erzieher has a deadline around 31 January for summer semester entry. Applicants should check each programme's page at cvjm-hochschule.de/studium/bewerbung for current deadlines.

Languages of instruction

Primarily German. One bachelor's programme (Human Development B.A.) is taught in English online. All other programmes (Social Work, Religious and Community Education, Transformationsstudien M.A., MEO M.A.) are taught in German.

Campuses & locations

Kassel Campus

Hugo-Preuß-Straße 40, 34131 Kassel; main campus with on-site accommodation

Living in Hessen

Kassel is a city of approximately 202,000 inhabitants in northern Hesse, situated at the confluence of the Fulda river and known internationally for the documenta contemporary art exhibition held every five years. It offers affordable living costs relative to larger German cities, good rail connections (ICE hub), and a lively student scene anchored by the University of Kassel's 25,000 students. The surrounding Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Fulda riverside provide extensive green space.

Student life & support

CVJM-Hochschule's small size (under 500 students) creates an unusually close-knit community. The YMCA affiliation brings values of community service, intercultural dialogue, and personal development into campus culture. The university's own guest-house (Tagungshaus) on campus provides affordable accommodation for residential students and hosts seminars. Students also have access to Kassel's wider student infrastructure including Studierendenwerk Kassel services, public transport semester ticket, and student discounts across the city.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus