Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena – University of Applied Sciences

About Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena – University of Applied Sciences

Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena (EAH Jena) is a state university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) in Thuringia, founded in 1991 as one of the first such institutions in the new German federal states after reunification. It enrols approximately 4,200 students across bachelor's and master's programmes in engineering, economics, social sciences, and health sciences, organised across 9 departments.

The university is practice-oriented and maintains strong ties with regional industry through project-based learning, over 80 active research projects, and partnerships with approximately 100 institutions worldwide. Its three main research pillars are precision systems, technologies and materials, and health and sustainability, with a cross-cutting digitisation and Industry 4.0 focus.

International students make up roughly 22% of the student body. EAH Jena participates actively in Erasmus+ and offers dedicated support through its International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt), including counselling, welcome guides, and residence permit assistance.

Key facts

Founded: 1991
Students: 4,200
International: approximately 22%
Faculties: 9

Founded 1991 — one of the first Fachhochschulen in reunified eastern Germany

9 departments spanning engineering, health, social work, economics, and sciences

~22% international student share, active Erasmus+ partnerships

No tuition fees for any nationality; semester fee ~EUR 335–350 includes nationwide public transport ticket

Strong applied research: 80+ active projects in precision systems, materials, health, and digitisation

Direct application via campus portal — no uni-assist intermediary required

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

No tuition fees at EAH Jena for any student regardless of nationality — Thuringia does not charge non-EU tuition fees. The semester contribution is approximately EUR 335–350 per semester (WS 2025/26: EUR 350.05 at first enrolment, EUR 335.05 thereafter); this includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket + Kulturticket (EUR 231.05), Studierendenwerk contribution (EUR 95.00), and student council fee (EUR 9.00). A long-term study fee of EUR 500/semester applies if a student exceeds 10 semesters at German universities cumulatively. International applicants pay EUR 75 application processing fee.

Admission requirements

International applicants must hold a recognised higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung). EAH Jena uses anabin (kmk.org) and the DAAD admission database as reference for foreign qualification assessment. Applicants whose qualifications do not directly qualify may enter via Studienkolleg. German-taught programmes require one of: TestDaF TDN 4 in all sections, DSH-2/3, Goethe C2, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, or Deutsches Sprachdiplom (Level 2). Exchange students need minimum B1 German. The English-taught Scientific Instrumentation master's requires IELTS 6.0 overall or TOEFL 79+ (iBT) / 550+ (paper); exchange students for English programmes need B2 English. Some bachelor's programmes require an 8–12 week pre-study internship (completable by semester 3). Master's programmes have no internship prerequisite. All international applicants with a foreign school-leaving certificate or bachelor's degree pay a non-refundable application processing fee of EUR 75. Applications are submitted directly via the EAH Jena campus portal (campusportal.eah-jena.de) — uni-assist is not used. APS certificate: required for applicants whose prior qualification is from India, China, or Vietnam before the German student visa can be issued (standard Germany-wide requirement, not EAH-specific).

Application deadlines

Winter semester (October start): application window 15 May – 30 September. Summer semester availability is limited; check the campus portal for programme-specific openings. Scholarship applications (e.g. Deutschlandstipendium) must be submitted by 15 March (summer) or 15 September (winter).

Languages of instruction

Most programmes taught in German. One English-taught master's programme available: Scientific Instrumentation (M.Sc.). Exchange students may attend selected courses in English.

Campuses & locations

Main Campus Jena

Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 2, 07745 Jena; modern campus with technically equipped laboratories

Living in Thüringen

Jena is a mid-sized university city of roughly 110,000 inhabitants in Thuringia, central Germany. It is home to the Friedrich Schiller University Jena (a large research university) alongside EAH Jena, giving the city a strong student culture. Jena is internationally known as the historic home of the Carl Zeiss optical and precision-engineering industry and remains an innovation hub for optics, photonics, and medical technology. The city offers affordable living costs, attractive Thuringian Forest surroundings, and a lively student scene.

Student life & support

EAH Jena offers a compact, accessible campus with modern laboratory facilities. Student life is supported by the AStA (student council), a Career Service and Founder Service for professional development, and coaching-based academic support. The International Office runs welcome events and orientation for incoming international students. The semester ticket (included in the semester fee) covers all local and regional public transport across Germany under the Deutschlandsemesterticket scheme.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

Master