- Founded
- 1974
- Students
- 300
- Programmes
- 2
About Freie Theologische Hochschule Gießen
Freie Theologische Hochschule Gießen (FTH) is a state-accredited private evangelical theological university in Gießen, Hessen. Founded in 1974 as Freie Theologische Akademie in Seeheim, it gained full university recognition in 2008 and relocated to its current modern campus in 2022. It describes itself as the leading state-accredited evangelical seminary in Germany.
FTH offers bachelor's, master's, and cooperative doctoral programmes in Protestant theology. With approximately 220-300 enrolled students drawn from around 20 nations, the institution combines rigorous academic theology with Christian spiritual formation. Nearly 1,500 alumni work across 45 countries.
The institution operates from explicitly evangelical Christian confessional foundations and positions holistic education - integrating academic study, community life, and ministerial formation - as its distinctive character. It maintains academic partnerships with institutions in ten countries, including Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Wheaton Graduate School, and Dallas Theological Seminary.
Leading state-accredited evangelical theological university in Germany
Small cohort of ~300 students from over 20 nations - high staff-to-student ratio with nearly 20 professors
Modern campus (since 2022) with 70,000-volume specialist theological library open 24/7
Alumni network of nearly 1,500 graduates active in ministry and academia across 45 countries
International partnerships with Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Wheaton Graduate School, and Dallas Theological Seminary
Integrated spiritual formation programme (FTHplus) alongside academic degrees
Key facts
- Type
- Fachhochschulen / HAW
- Founded
- 1974
- Students
- 300
- International
- Students from over 20 nations
- Faculties
- 1
- Programmes
- 2
Study programmes
2 accredited degrees at Freie Theologische Hochschule Gießen.
Showing 1–2 of 2 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
Tuition is €270 per month (approximately €1,620 per semester or €3,240 per year) for all students - this is a private institution with programme fees rather than a tuition-free public university. A semester ticket of approximately €250 covers public transport, swimming pool, and theatre access. Scholarships and BAföG funding are available.
Admission requirements
Applicants to the B.A. programme require Allgemeine Hochschulreife or Fachhochschulreife (German university entrance qualification or equivalent). The M.A. requires a B.A. in evangelical theology. As a specialist theological institution, biblical language study (Greek, Hebrew) is embedded in the curriculum. International applicants without standard German qualifications are advised to contact the International Office directly. APS certificate is required for applicants from India, China, and Vietnam whose prior qualification is from those countries. Applications are submitted via the academyFIVE online portal.
Application deadlines
15 September for the following winter semester (start mid-October). Only winter semester intake.
How international applicants apply
Not documented - direct application only. The international page asks applicants without German educational qualification to contact the university directly ('Please contact us'); no uni-assist procedure is mentioned.
Languages of instruction
German (primary language of instruction); written assignments may be submitted in English
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Campuses & locations
Single campus at Rathenaustr. 5-7, 35394 Gießen; moved to current site in 2022; over 4,000 sq m with 10 lecture/seminar rooms, library of 70,000 volumes, café, prayer room, and reading lounge
Living in Gießen
Gießen is a university city of around 90,000 inhabitants in central Hessen, home to the Justus Liebig University (one of Germany's oldest universities) and a lively student population. The city is well connected by rail to Frankfurt (approx. 50 minutes) and offers affordable living costs relative to larger German cities.
Student life & support
FTH provides a closely-knit residential campus community. Daily chapel services, small groups, mentoring, sports activities, career counselling, and personality seminars are offered through the FTHplus programme. The library is open 24/7 and the campus includes a café and dedicated community spaces.
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