About Hochschule Düsseldorf
Hochschule Düsseldorf (HSD) — University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf — is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia, with over 11,000 students across seven faculties. Founded on 1 August 1971 by merging several regional technical institutions, it is located on a single modern campus in the Derendorf district of Düsseldorf.
HSD emphasises practice-oriented education, with degree programmes spanning architecture, design, engineering, media, social sciences, and business administration. The institution operates numerous applied research centres including the Centre for Innovative Energy Systems (ZIES), the Institute of Sound and Vibration Engineering (ISAVE), and the Exhibition Design Institute (EDI).
The university maintains around 80 European and 30 international partnership agreements and enrolls students from over 100 countries. Internationalisation is one of HSD's six stated strategic priorities, supported by an active International Office providing dedicated guidance to degree-seeking international students.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1971
- Students
- 11,000
- International
- Students from over 100 countries; specific share percentage not published
- Faculties
- 7
One of the largest universities of applied sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia, with over 11,000 students
APS certificate mandatory for applicants from India, China, and Vietnam
No tuition fees; semester contribution approx. €356.81 covers an all-Germany transport ticket
Only one fully English-taught master's programme (Mechanical Engineering); most programmes are German-taught
Applied research strengths in energy systems, sound engineering, media, and sustainable urban development
Around 80 European and 30 international partnership agreements; students from 100+ countries
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
No tuition fees charged. HSD is a public university in North Rhine-Westphalia, which abolished tuition fees from WS 2011/12. All students pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of approximately €356.81 per semester (WS 2025/26 figure), which covers the NRW semester transport ticket (Deutschlandticket equivalent) and student services. Students on leave of absence pay a reduced fee of €148.01. Cross-registered students pay a flat €100.
Admission requirements
International applicants are assessed on the basis of a recognised higher education entrance qualification (HZB). Applicants from India, China, and Vietnam must hold a valid APS certificate before applying. German language proficiency is mandatory for German-taught programmes: B2 is sufficient for some programmes; C1 is required for others — the exact level per programme is listed in HSD's published PDF. Language certificates do not need to be submitted at application stage but must be provided as certified copies at enrolment (deadline: 30 September for winter semester; 31 March for summer semester). Applications are submitted via uni-assist for most programmes; restricted-admission bachelor's programmes use Hochschulstart; some programmes use HSD's own eCampus portal. Many master's programmes have minimum GPA requirements and some bachelor's programmes require a pre-study internship.
Application deadlines
Winter semester (October start): application via uni-assist opens mid/late May. Deadlines — restricted-admission programmes: 15 July; unrestricted programmes: 15 July (confirm per programme). Summer semester (April start): application via uni-assist opens mid/late November. Deadlines — restricted-admission programmes: 15 January; unrestricted programmes: 15 January. German language certificate submission deadline: 30 September (winter enrolment) or 31 March (summer enrolment).
Languages of instruction
Most programmes are taught in German (B2 or C1 required depending on programme). One English-taught master's programme exists: Master in Mechanical Engineering (fully in English). The International Office offers free preparatory German language courses ending with a recognised language exam.
Campuses & locations
Main campus at Münsterstraße 156, 40476 Düsseldorf; accessible via S-Bahn lines S1, S6, S11 to Düsseldorf Derendorf station
Living in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Düsseldorf is the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia and home to approximately 600,000 residents. It is one of Germany's wealthiest cities, hosting major multinationals, fashion trade fairs, and a large Japanese business community. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene — including the Altstadt (Old Town), Rhine Promenade, and the redeveloped Media Harbour district — alongside international transport links via Düsseldorf Airport. The HSD campus in Derendorf is well connected by S-Bahn and bus lines.
Student life & support
HSD's Student Support Centre (SSC) at Münsterstraße 156 coordinates academic advising, psychological counselling, and the International Office under one roof. The Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf operates affordable student dormitories (limited places, early application recommended) and subsidised canteens. Most students find private shared flats (WGs) via platforms such as WG-GESUCHT and ImmoScout24. The semester contribution covers a public-transport ticket valid across Germany. The university organises seminars, lectures, and student events throughout the year.
46
Accredited Programmes
25
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
21
Master
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