About FH Münster
FH Münster University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule Münster) is a public university of applied sciences in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, founded on 1 August 1971 through the amalgamation of state and private engineering and construction colleges. With approximately 14,448 enrolled students as of winter semester 2024/25 and around 100 degree programmes across 12 faculties, it ranks among the largest Fachhochschulen in Germany.
The university operates across two campuses: the main campus in the city of Münster (7 faculties covering architecture, civil engineering, design, food/nutrition/facility management, health, social work, and business) and a second campus in Steinfurt (5 faculties covering chemical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science, mechanical engineering, energy/building services/environmental engineering, and engineering physics). In November 2011, FH Münster became the first university of applied sciences in Germany to successfully complete the process of system accreditation.
FH Münster is a member of the UAS7 consortium — seven leading German universities of applied sciences with a focus on transatlantic academic cooperation. The institution maintains approximately 195 active international university partnerships, of which around 120 are through the Erasmus programme.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1971
- Students
- 14,448
- Faculties
- 12
Founded 1971; approximately 14,448 students and ~100 degree programmes as of WS 2024/25
12 faculties across two campuses in Münster and Steinfurt
First German Fachhochschule to achieve system accreditation (November 2011)
Member of UAS7 — a consortium of seven leading German universities of applied sciences
~195 international partner universities; ~120 Erasmus partnerships
No programme-specific tuition fees for non-EU students (NRW policy); semester contribution applies
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
FH Münster is a public university in Nordrhein-Westfalen. NRW abolished tuition fees for non-EU/EEA international students in 2011 and does not charge programme-specific tuition fees. All students pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) each semester; the current amount was not retrievable from the official website during this extraction. The semester contribution typically covers administrative fees, student union fees, and the NRW semester ticket for public transport.
Admission requirements
International applicants for degree-seeking programmes must hold a recognised higher education entrance qualification. For bachelor's programmes, German university entrance qualifications (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) or equivalent foreign school-leaving certificates are required; applicants whose qualifications are not directly equivalent may need to attend a Studienkolleg foundation year. For master's programmes, a recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant subject is required. German language proficiency (typically B2–C1 level) is required for German-taught programmes; English-taught programmes require proof of English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent). Applicants from India, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), and Vietnam must hold an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate before applying. Most programmes require online application; some use the hochschulstart.de portal for restricted-admission programmes.
Application deadlines
Standard deadlines for most NRW universities of applied sciences are 15 July for the winter semester (October start) and 15 January for the summer semester (April start); however, individual programmes — especially those with restricted admission (Numerus Clausus) — may have earlier or different deadlines. Exact and current deadlines for each programme must be verified on the official FH Münster application portal.
Languages of instruction
The majority of programmes are taught in German. FH Münster offers a growing number of English-taught or English-medium master's programmes, particularly in engineering and business-related fields. Prospective international students should check individual programme pages for the language of instruction, as this varies by faculty and programme.
Campuses & locations
Houses 7 faculties: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Design, Food/Nutrition/Facility Management, Health, Social Work, Business; also location of central administration
Houses 5 faculties: Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Energy/Building Services/Environmental Engineering, Engineering Physics; over 3,000 students enrolled
Living in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Münster is a university city in Nordrhein-Westfalen with approximately 320,000 inhabitants and around 65,000 students across its universities and colleges. The city is internationally known for its bicycle culture, historic Altstadt (old town), and as the site of the 1648 Peace of Westphalia. It offers a high quality of life, affordable living costs relative to major German cities, and a vibrant student scene centred around the Aasee lake and city centre.
Student life & support
Students at FH Münster benefit from the services of Studierendenwerk Münster (stw-muenster.de), which provides approximately 5,300 student housing places across 23 residential complexes in the city, as well as cafeterias and bistros (around 15,000 meals per day) at several locations. The Studierendenwerk also offers BAföG advice, social counseling, and childcare facilities. The FH Münster International Office (Welcome Center) supports incoming international students with arrival orientation, administrative guidance, and integration programmes. German language courses are offered for international students at various proficiency levels through the university's language centre.
169
Accredited Programmes
86
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
77
Master
6
Other
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