Fachhochschule der Diakonie - Diaconia - University of Applied Sciences
Bielefeld, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
- Founded
- 2006
- Students
- 700
- International
- 3.1%
- Programmes
- 9
About Fachhochschule der Diakonie - Diaconia - University of Appli
Fachhochschule der Diakonie (FH der Diakonie) is a small, state- and church-recognised University of Applied Sciences located in Bielefeld-Bethel, North Rhine-Westphalia. Founded in 2006 as a non-profit institution under the umbrella of the von Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel, it focuses exclusively on the social services and healthcare sectors, offering bachelor's, master's, and certificate programmes in fields such as social work, psychology, nursing, emergency medicine, and diaconal management.
All programmes follow a blended learning model designed for working professionals: students attend on-campus block sessions in Bielefeld for approximately three days per month (Thursday to Saturday) and complete the remaining coursework through guided self-study using digital platforms (Moodle, Trainex) and regional study groups. The institution recommends parallel employment at around 75% of a full position, making it suited to applicants already active in social or healthcare careers.
With approximately 700 students and 10 professors, the institution is deliberately small. It operates without a numerus clausus, does not charge additional fees for examinations or administration, and accepts applicants who hold completed vocational training with professional experience in lieu of the traditional Abitur (Hochschulreife). In the 2026 CHE University Ranking the institution received above-average results.
Specialist university focused entirely on social services and healthcare professions - one of very few of its kind in Germany
Blended learning model allows full-time employment alongside studies
No numerus clausus and no entrance examination; admission based on qualification and personal interview
Admission pathway available for applicants without Abitur (vocational qualification + professional experience accepted)
Non-profit institution embedded in the von Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel network
Above-average results in the 2026 CHE University Ranking
Key facts
- Type
- Fachhochschulen / HAW
- Founded
- 2006
- Students
- 700
- International
- 3.1% of students were international in winter semester 2024/25
- Programmes
- 9
Study programmes
9 accredited degrees at Fachhochschule der Diakonie - Diaconia - University of Appli.
Showing 1–9 of 9 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
The institution is privately run on a non-profit basis and charges tuition fees. Bachelor programme fees are approximately €485-€530 per month (as stated on the official site, February 2026); master programme fee amounts are not published on the official website. No additional charges apply for examinations or administration. There is no separate publicly disclosed semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag). The institution does not receive state per-student subsidies in the way public universities do.
Admission requirements
Applicants must hold either a German Abitur/Fachhochschulreife or a completed vocational qualification combined with relevant professional experience. No entrance examination (Aufnahmeprüfung) is required, but all applicants attend a personal admission interview with faculty. There is no numerus clausus. Specific international-applicant requirements, language-test thresholds, or APS certificate obligations are not published on the official website; prospective international students should contact the institution directly. Application deadlines: 10 January for the summer semester, 1 June for the winter semester (late applications considered if places remain).
Application deadlines
Winter semester (October start): 1 June. Summer semester (April start): 10 January. Late applications may be accepted if places remain.
How international applicants apply
Not used. Direct online application via the FH der Diakonie website followed by a personal admission interview (Aufnahmegespräch); no NC and no aptitude test, and access without Abitur/Fachabitur is possible via completed vocational training plus work experience (dual programmes additionally require placement with a Praxispartner). The university is not on uni-assist's official member list and publishes no dedicated procedure for foreign entrance certificates (not documented).
Languages of instruction
German. All degree programmes are taught in German. No English-taught degree programmes are listed on the official website.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Campuses & locations
Bethelweg 8, 33617 Bielefeld - sole campus; also uses address Nazarethweg 5, 33617 Bielefeld for some administrative units
Living in Bielefeld
Bielefeld is a mid-sized city of approximately 340,000 residents in the eastern part of North Rhine-Westphalia. The FH der Diakonie campus sits within the Bethel district, a large diaconal social campus historically associated with the von Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel, one of Germany's largest Protestant charitable foundations. Bielefeld has a cost of living considerably below that of Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg, and is well connected by rail to Hannover, Dortmund, and Cologne.
Student life & support
Because the programme is structured around monthly block attendance (Thursday-Saturday), day-to-day student life differs significantly from a conventional full-time university. Students typically remain in employment during their studies and travel to Bielefeld for block weeks. The institution offers lifelong access to continuing-education seminars and integrates students into a network of 16 or more diaconal partner organisations. Support for students with disabilities is explicitly provided. A regional study-group model supplements the monthly in-person sessions.
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