- Founded
- 1991
- Students
- 3,600
- International
- 10%
- Programmes
- 29
- Taught in English
- 3
About Fachhochschule Potsdam
Fachhochschule Potsdam (University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, FH Potsdam) is a public university of applied sciences founded in 1991, located in the north of Potsdam, Brandenburg. With approximately 3,600 students across five departments, it offers over 30 Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes spanning social and educational sciences, architecture and urban studies, civil engineering, design, and information sciences.
The university positions itself as a practice-oriented institution that integrates academic study with applied research, community transfer, and interdisciplinary collaboration. It describes itself as a "family university" that emphasises diversity and personal learning environments. Its five departments are: Social and Educational Sciences, CITY | BUILDING | CULTURE, Civil Engineering, Design, and Information Sciences.
FH Potsdam participates in Erasmus+ exchanges and maintains bilateral partnerships with universities worldwide. The International Office provides dedicated support including a Buddy Programme, the FHP Connect peer network, and the IFMB2 career-integration project to help international students transition into the German labour market.
Public university of applied sciences - no tuition fees for standard programmes regardless of nationality
Five specialist departments covering design, architecture, information sciences, civil engineering, and social sciences
Two English-taught Master's programmes (Design MA; Sustainable Social Work MA) for non-German speakers
Located in Potsdam, UNESCO World Heritage city adjacent to Berlin with strong job-market access
Erasmus Charter holder (2021-2027) with worldwide bilateral exchange and Free Mover options
ESiSt study preparation programme for applicants who need a foundation year before bachelor's entry
Key facts
- Type
- Fachhochschulen / HAW
- Founded
- 1991
- Students
- 3,600
- International
- About 10% of the 3,639 students in winter semester 2025/26 are non-German nationals (3,265 students are German; international students come from over 70 countries, the second-largest nationality group being Syrian). Figures computed from the university's own Zahlen & Daten page.
- Faculties
- 5
- Programmes
- 29
Study programmes
29 accredited degrees at Fachhochschule Potsdam, 3 of them taught in English.
Showing 25–29 of 29 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
No tuition fees for standard consecutive Bachelor's and Master's programmes - Brandenburg is a tuition-free state with no additional non-EU surcharge. Students pay a semester contribution of approximately €379.68 per semester (2025/26 figures), comprising: Student Union fee €80.00, student body fee €21.88, enrolment/re-enrolment fee €51.00, and the Deutschlandsemesterticket €226.80. Students may opt out of the transport ticket, reducing the total to approximately €152.88. Selected postgraduate/further-education Master's programmes carry additional tuition: MA Archival Science €1,500/semester (6 semesters), MA Social Management €1,600/semester (6 semesters). Part-time/blended programmes charge €65 per online module.
Admission requirements
International applicants must have their foreign university entrance qualification recognised through uni-assist e.V. (fee: €75) before applying via the MyCampus portal; alternatively, direct recognition by the State Education Office Cottbus (for Brandenburg) is accepted. For German-taught programmes, language proficiency at C1 level is required: accepted certificates include DSH-2, TestDaF Level 4 (TDN 4), Goethe C2, or DSD II. For the two English-taught Master's programmes, B2 English is required: IELTS minimum 6.0 in all components, TOEFL iBT minimum 75, Cambridge B2 First minimum 160, or PTE Academic minimum 59. Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants whose school-leaving certificate triggers the APS requirement must present their APS certificate as part of the uni-assist application dossier. Applicants whose qualification does not directly qualify for university entry may apply to the study preparation programme ESiSt (2 semesters, German B2 entry requirement, winter semester start).
Application deadlines
Winter Semester (main intake, October): restricted-admission programmes 15 May - 15 July (some close 15 June); open-admission programmes 15 June - 15 August. Summer Semester (limited programmes only): Conservation and Restoration (MA) 15 January - 10 March; Digital Information Management (MA) 15 January - 1 March or 15 June - 1 August. uni-assist processing takes 4-6 weeks, so international applicants should submit well before the application window closes.
How international applicants apply
Required (VPD procedure). Applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification must have it evaluated by uni-assist e.V.: register in My assist, select Fachhochschule Potsdam and the desired programme, and request the Vorpruefungsdokumentation (EUR 75, processing about 4-6 weeks; school certificate, prior-study records, home-country entrance exam proof uploaded online). The VPD is the prerequisite for then applying for the study place on FH Potsdam's own MyCampus portal. Alternative route without uni-assist: applicants whose HZB was already recognised for Brandenburg by the Staatliche Schulamt Cottbus may apply directly on MyCampus. FH Potsdam is an official uni-assist member university (VPD issued by uni-assist, application submitted directly to the university).
Languages of instruction
Most programmes are taught in German (C1 required). Two English-taught Master's programmes are available: Design (MA) and Sustainable Social Work: Child/hood and Family (MA), both requiring B2 English proficiency.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Scholarships at Fachhochschule Potsdam
2 schemes run or administered by the university. Always confirm current amounts and deadlines on the official page.
Abschlussstipendium für Studentinnen mit Familienaufgaben
Completion scholarship supporting female students with family responsibilities during the final phase of their studies.
Amount: EUR 300 per month
Deadline: Published per call on the university scholarship page
Bachelor, Master
FHP Deutschlandstipendium
Merit and talent scholarship under the National Scholarship Act for top-performing and socially engaged students. Paid regardless...
Amount: EUR 300 per month
Deadline: Application phase 1 June - 15 July 2026
Bachelor, Master
Student accommodation
What Fachhochschule Potsdam publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
Rooms are allocated by
Studierendenwerk West
Not by the university. Apply to them directly, and expect a waiting list.
The university's housing page
Deadlines and application forms are published here, and they change every intake.
Open housing pageRoom types mentioned
What that page describes. Availability varies by intake.
From the university
FH Potsdam does not operate its own student dormitories; the Studentenwerk Potsdam manages affordable housing options nearby, though spaces are limited and early application is advised.
Campuses & locations
Located in northern Potsdam (Kiepenheuerallee area); includes main building, canteen, library, laboratories, and workshops across departments.
Living in Potsdam
Potsdam is the state capital of Brandenburg and borders Berlin directly to the south-west. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage palaces and parks (Sanssouci, Babelsberg), the city combines a historic Baroque core with a vibrant student and creative scene. The broader Berlin-Potsdam metropolitan area provides access to Germany's largest job market, research institutions, and cultural infrastructure, making Potsdam an attractive and affordable alternative to living in central Berlin.
Student life & support
FH Potsdam does not operate its own student dormitories; the Studentenwerk Potsdam manages affordable housing options nearby, though spaces are limited and early application is advised. The International Office runs the FHP Connect programme (semester events and excursions) and a Buddy Programme matching newcomers with experienced students each winter semester. The IFMB2 project offers career workshops, intercultural training, and alumni networking to support international graduates entering the German job market. The DAAD Prize (€1,000) recognises outstanding international students annually. University sports and canteen facilities are available on campus.
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