About Hochschule Emden/Leer
Hochschule Emden/Leer (University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer) is a public applied-sciences university in the East Frisian region of Lower Saxony, operating study locations in Emden and Leer. Founded as a Fachhochschule in 1973 and reconstituted as an independent Hochschule in 2009 following the dissolution of the larger Fachhochschule Oldenburg/Ostfriesland/Wilhelmshaven, it enrolls approximately 3,777 students across 41 degree programmes.
The university is organised into four faculties: Maritime Sciences, Social Work and Health, Technology, and Business Studies. Its maritime sciences portfolio — covering nautical science, maritime engineering, and maritime operations — is distinctive and regionally significant given the proximity to major North Sea ports. Programmes are available as full-time, part-time, dual, and online formats at bachelor's and master's level.
Hochschule Emden/Leer holds Fairtrade University certification and operates an on-campus Hyperloop test facility. The institution emphasises small-group teaching, close staff–student contact, and a strong practical orientation. As a Niedersachsen institution, no tuition fees are charged to EU or non-EU students beyond the statutory semester contribution.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1973
- Students
- 3,777
- Faculties
- 4
Specialist maritime sciences faculty — nautical science, maritime engineering, and maritime operations programmes unique among smaller German universities
No tuition fees for any students, including non-EU nationals; Niedersachsen policy applies
Small-group teaching environment with direct staff–student access across all four faculties
Certified Fairtrade University with sustainability integrated into curriculum and research
On-campus Hyperloop test facility enabling cutting-edge applied research
Dual, part-time, and online study formats available alongside full-time programmes
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
No tuition fees for EU and non-EU students — Niedersachsen does not charge non-EU tuition fees. Students pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) each semester covering student services, student union, and in some cases a semester transport ticket. The contribution varies slightly by campus: approximately €353 per semester at Emden and approximately €285 per semester at Leer (figures from 2022; verify current amounts at hs-emden-leer.de before publishing). No additional tuition surcharge applies for non-EU/non-EEA nationals.
Admission requirements
International degree-seeking applicants apply through the ecampus online portal (ecampus.hs-emden-leer.de). For German-taught programmes, proof of German language proficiency is required (typically DSH, TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat, or equivalent; minimum level varies by programme — contact the Student Counselling Service for programme-specific requirements). For English-taught programmes, English proficiency documentation is required. Applicants whose school-leaving certificate does not directly qualify them for German university admission (based on anabin status) may need to complete a Studienkolleg foundation year or hold an equivalent qualifying qualification. Indian applicants whose prior qualification is from India must obtain an APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) before applying. The Student Counselling Service provides individual advice on foreign qualification recognition. Uni-assist is used for processing international applications to this institution.
Application deadlines
For exchange/Erasmus+ incoming students: fall/winter semester deadline 31 May; spring/summer semester deadline 30 November. For degree-seeking international students, deadlines are set per programme via the ecampus portal — contact the International Office or Student Counselling Service for current cycle deadlines. Winter semester typically begins in September; summer semester begins in March.
Languages of instruction
The majority of programmes are taught in German. A growing number of English-taught and internationally oriented programmes are offered, particularly at master's level (e.g. Maritime Operations M.Sc., Technical Management M.Sc.). The university does not offer preparatory German language courses pre-enrolment, but free German courses are available to enrolled international students via the Language Centre.
Campuses & locations
Main campus hosting Maritime Sciences, Social Work and Health, Technology, and Business faculties
Specialist maritime campus in the city of Leer
Business-focused campus in Leer
Living in Niedersachsen
Hochschule Emden/Leer is spread across two small cities in East Frisia (Ostfriesland), northwestern Lower Saxony. Emden is a port city on the Ems river estuary with approximately 50,000 inhabitants, known for its maritime heritage, the Volkswagen plant, and proximity to the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage coastline. Leer is a smaller inland market town with a picturesque harbour. Both locations offer a relaxed pace of life, lower housing costs than major German cities, and easy access to the North Sea coast and the Netherlands border region.
Student life & support
Campus life is characterised by small-group learning and close contact with academic staff. The university offers health and sports programmes, a Career Service, Language Centre (including free German courses for internationals), library, and student events through its Campusleben programme. A Buddy Programme pairs incoming international students with local student mentors. The university holds Fairtrade University status and places sustainability at the centre of campus culture. An on-campus Hyperloop test tube provides hands-on research opportunities in emerging transport technology.
45
Accredited Programmes
13
Master
32
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
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