Hochschule Bielefeld - University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI)

International applicants with qualifications obtained abroad apply through uni-assist, which issues a Preliminary Review Documentation (VPD; processing time approximately 4-6 weeks). Applicants from India, China, and Vietnam must additionally submit an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate before their application can be processed. Based on the VPD outcome, applicants are admitted either directly (foreign qualification recognised for immediate university entry) or indirectly (qualification maps to Studienkolleg level). Indirect-admission applicants can alternatively qualify via TestAS (minimum 90 points paper / 50 points digital, core and subject modules) or an ITB test (minimum 90 points). German-taught programmes: C1 German is required (TestDaF minimum 16 points, DSH-2, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, Goethe C2, or DSD-2 accepted). Applicants targeting open-admission programmes may apply with B2 plus proof of C1 exam registration. English-taught engineering programmes (Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics and Automation, Data Science): IELTS minimum 5.5 or TOEFL iBT minimum 72. English-taught M.A. International Business Management: IELTS minimum 7.0 or TOEFL iBT minimum 95, plus German A2 proof.

Application periods open on 1 June for the winter semester and 1 December for the summer semester. Deadlines: restricted-admission (NC) programmes - 15 July (winter) and 15 January (summer); open-admission programmes - 31 August (winter) and 28/29 February (summer). International applicants should submit their uni-assist VPD request well in advance, as processing takes 4-6 weeks.

VPD via uni-assist + direct portal: applicants with foreign qualifications who are not treated as German nationals must first request a Vorpruefungsdokumentation (VPD, preliminary review documentation) from uni-assist - possible year-round, processing takes 4-6 weeks - and then apply with that VPD through HSBI's own application portal 'CAT'; applications cannot be submitted without the VPD. uni-assist only checks the HZB/MZB; it does not forward applications. The same VPD requirement applies to work-integrated (dual) study programmes (plus a signed cooperation agreement with the training company). Exempt: EU/EEA citizens and other groups treated as German nationals. Listed as a uni-assist member university.

Most programmes are taught in German and require C1 proficiency. HSBI also offers a set of fully English-taught programmes: at bachelor's level - Industrial Engineering, Industrial Engineering (work-integrated), International Studies in Management, Mechatronics and Automation, and Mechatronics and Automation (work-integrated); at master's level - International Business Management and Research Master Data Science. The Language Center provides preparatory and semester-accompanying German courses for international students.