Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg, staatlich anerkannte Hochschule der Evangelischen Landeskirche in Baden

About Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg, staatlich anerkannte Hochs

Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg (EH Freiburg) is a state-recognised Protestant university of applied sciences (Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften) affiliated with the Evangelical Church in Baden. Founded in 1918 as an evangelical women's vocational school for church and social work, it became a Fachhochschule in 1971 and adopted its current name in 2008. The institution is located on a single compact campus in the Weingarten district of Freiburg im Breisgau.

The university specialises in social professions, with bachelor's programmes in Social Work, Early Childhood Education (Kindheitspädagogik), and Religion and Social Studies, plus six master's programmes spanning Social Work, Religious Education, Education in Early Childhood, Peace Education, Supervision and Coaching, and Social Management. All programmes are taught in German. As of winter semester 2024/25, total enrolment stands at approximately 951 students, making this a small, community-oriented institution.

Research and societal engagement are central to the university's mission, supported by the Institute for Applied Research (IAF, founded 2022) and the Centre for Children and Youth Research (ZfKJ). The university participates in the RECOS trinational cooperation (Germany, France, Switzerland) and the CELIS European Campus for Social Work.

Key facts

Founded: 1918
Students: 951
International: Approximately 54 international students out of 951 total (WS 2024/25), roughly 5.7%

Founded 1918 — one of Germany's oldest institutions for applied social-work education

Specialist focus on Social Work, Early Childhood Education, and Religious/Diaconal studies

Small campus (~951 students), enabling close student-faculty interaction

Trinational research and exchange cooperation via RECOS (Germany, France, Switzerland) and CELIS European Campus

Institute for Applied Research (IAF) connects academic study with real-world societal challenges

Biennial Peace Education master's programme — a rare specialist offering in Germany

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

Bachelor's programmes: €280 semester contribution (Studienbeitrag). Consecutive master's programmes: €500 per semester. Additional per-semester administrative fee: €80. Enrolment fee (first semester only): €160. Studierendenwerk contribution: €87.50 per semester. Baden-Württemberg non-EU surcharge (€1,500/semester) applies as this is a state-recognised institution in Baden-Württemberg; prospective international students should verify current applicability directly with the university.

Admission requirements

Applicants with foreign school-leaving certificates must have their qualifications assessed for equivalence by the Studienkolleg Konstanz before applying. Proof of the equivalence assessment and a German language certificate must be submitted with the application. For most bachelor's programmes, German C1 is required; the Kipäd plus track (Bachelor in Early Childhood Education for international academics with a prior degree) explicitly requires C1. APS certificate is required for Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants as a condition of the German student visa, though the university itself references Studienkolleg Konstanz for qualification recognition. Applications are submitted via the PRIMUSS online portal. Contact for admissions: [email protected].

Application deadlines

Bachelor programmes (winter semester only, applications open mid-March): Social Work and Childhood Pedagogy – typically 15 July; Religion und Soziales – typically 15 August; Kipäd plus (international academics) – typically 15 January and 15 July. Master programmes: Bildung und Erziehung im Kindesalter (MA) and Soziale Arbeit (MA) – 28 January and 15 July; Religionspädagogik (MA) – 15 January; Friedenspädagogik/Peace Education (MA) – 28 January, biennial (2026, 2028 etc.); Supervision und Coaching (MA) – 15 May, biennial (2026, 2028); Sozialmanagement (MA) – 15 August.

Languages of instruction

All degree programmes taught in German. Subsidised language courses available for students; language test fees reimbursed.

Campuses & locations

Main Campus – Weingarten, Freiburg im Breisgau

Bugginger Straße 38, 79114 Freiburg i. Br. Single campus with original building (renovated 2022) and Kubus building (opened 2014)

Living in Baden-Württemberg

Freiburg im Breisgau is a mid-sized city (~230,000 residents) in the south-west corner of Baden-Württemberg, bordering France and Switzerland. Known for its mild climate, extensive cycling infrastructure, and proximity to the Black Forest, it is consistently ranked among Germany's most liveable cities. The city hosts several higher-education institutions including the large Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, creating a vibrant student community. Public transport, the Studierendenwerk dining network (23 canteens and cafeterias), and student housing options are well-established.

Student life & support

The campus in the Weingarten district features the renovated original building and the modern Kubus building housing the mensa/cafeteria, operated by Studierendenwerk Freiburg (SWFR). A monthly International Get-Together connects international and German students and staff during the lecture period. The small cohort size (under 1,000 students) fosters a close-knit community. The university supports students with counselling services and accessibility accommodations. A semester ticket for regional public transport is available.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

Master