HAWK Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaft und Kunst, Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen

About HAWK Hochschule Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen

HAWK Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaft und Kunst (University of Applied Sciences and Arts) is a state-funded Fachhochschule in Lower Saxony, Germany, with campuses in Hildesheim, Holzminden, and Göttingen. Founded in 1971, it has roots in Holzminden dating back to the 19th century and currently enrols more than 6,000 students across six faculties and approximately 48 study programmes at bachelor's and master's level.

HAWK emphasises practical, application-oriented teaching and research in close collaboration with regional industry and public institutions. Its subject profile spans architecture, conservation, design, engineering, social work, resource management, real estate, and health sciences — making it a broad applied-sciences institution rather than a specialist school. Dual-study, part-time, and continuing-education formats supplement the regular full-time degrees.

As a Niedersachsen public university, HAWK charges no tuition fees for bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes; students pay a semester contribution of approximately €400–500 which includes a Germany-wide Deutschlandticket (public-transport pass). International students from India, China, and Vietnam must present an APS certificate before admission.

Key facts

Founded: 1971
Students: 6,000
Faculties: 6

State-funded Fachhochschule — no tuition fees for bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes

Six faculties across three campuses covering design, architecture, conservation, engineering, social work, and resource management

Approximately 48 study programmes including dual-study and part-time formats

Semester contribution (~€400–500) includes Germany-wide Deutschlandticket

APS certificate required for applicants from India, China, and Vietnam

Hildesheim campus offers affordable housing (~€6/m²) and UNESCO World Heritage city environment

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

No tuition fees for bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes at this public Lower Saxony university. Semester contribution: approximately €400–500 per semester, which includes a Germany-wide public-transport ticket (Deutschlandticket/Semesterticket). No additional non-EU surcharge (unlike Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria). Non-EU students must demonstrate proof of funds of approximately €11,904 per year (€992/month) via blocked account or equivalent.

Admission requirements

International degree-seeking applicants must submit: foreign school-leaving certificate (with certified German or English translation), proof of German language proficiency, CV, passport copy, and programme-specific documents (e.g. internship certificates). Applicants from India, China, and Vietnam must additionally provide an APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle). German language: TestDaF TDN 4, DSH level 2, telc C1 Hochschule, or Goethe C2 required for most programmes; Design BA accepts TestDaF TDN 3 / DSH level 1. Applicants without direct university-entrance qualification may be required to complete a Studienkolleg (preparatory college); the Studienkolleg assessment test is held in February (summer semester) and August (winter semester), with B1 German minimum to apply. Direct-admission applicants are processed through the Admissions Office on the basis of grade average. The general application deadline is 15 July each year (documents must be complete by that date).

Application deadlines

General deadline for international applicants: 15 July each year (complete documents required). Studienkolleg assessment test: February (summer semester entry) and August (winter semester entry). HAWK admits primarily for the winter semester (October start); summer semester admission depends on the programme.

Languages of instruction

Primarily German-taught. A number of English-taught modules and electives are available; the language centre offers German as a Foreign Language courses and TestDaF preparation.

Campuses & locations

Hildesheim

Main campus; hosts faculties of Architecture Engineering and Conservation, Design, and Social Work and Health. International Office headquartered here.

Holzminden

Faculty of Management, Construction, Real Estate.

Göttingen

Faculties of Engineering and Health, and Resource Management.

Living in Niedersachsen

Hildesheim (population ~100,000) is a compact, affordable university city in Lower Saxony, approximately 30 km south-east of Hanover. It hosts over 10,000 students from three universities. Rental costs average around €6/m² — well below the national average — and much of the student accommodation is in shared houses in historic buildings. The city is known for its UNESCO World Heritage medieval churches, the annual Mera Luna festival, the EVI-Lichtungen light festival, and quality Egyptian antiquities in its museum. Berlin is reachable by ICE train in approximately two hours.

Student life & support

The semester contribution covers a Germany-wide public-transport pass (Deutschlandticket), giving students free travel across Germany. HAWK's tight integration with Hildesheim city means project-based internships, placements, and part-time work are accessible within short cycling distance. The city has a Hohnsensee lake for recreation and an active cultural calendar. HAWK runs a Language Centre with German intensive courses and tandem language-learning. The Studienstart-plus programme offers extended support for students entering university. Instagram community: @hawk.internationals.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus