About Hochschule Esslingen
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Esslingen) is a public university of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, with roots dating to 1868 when a School of Mechanical Engineering was established at Stuttgart's Royal School of Construction. The institution relocated to Esslingen in 1914 and gained Fachhochschule status in 1975; in 2006 it merged with the Fachhochschule für Sozialwesen to form the present university. Today it enrols approximately 6,200 students across 27 bachelor's and 14 master's degree programmes in engineering, management, social sciences, and nursing.
The university operates three campuses: Esslingen City Centre (Kanalstraße, main administrative hub), Esslingen Hilltop (Flandernstraße, social sciences and engineering), and Göppingen (management and technology). Six faculties cover engineering, computer science, mobility, management, social work, and natural sciences. International master's programmes taught in English are offered through the Graduate School, and the International Centre coordinates over 200 partner institutions worldwide.
As a Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences), Hochschule Esslingen emphasises applied research and strong industry links, with proximity to Stuttgart's automotive and engineering cluster — home to Daimler, Porsche, and Bosch — providing significant internship and employment opportunities for graduates.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1868
- Students
- 6,200
- Faculties
- 6
Three campuses across Esslingen (City Centre and Hilltop) and Göppingen, each serving distinct subject clusters
Strong industry connections with Stuttgart's automotive and engineering sector — Daimler, Porsche, and Bosch are close neighbours
English-taught international master's programmes through the Graduate School (Automotive Systems, Design & Development, MBA)
Non-EU students pay Baden-Württemberg's standard non-EU tuition fee of €1,500 per semester; exemptions available for exceptional students
Roots dating to 1868; current merged university formed in 2006 combining engineering and social sciences traditions
International Centre coordinates exchange programmes with over 200 partner universities worldwide
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
Public university — no tuition fees for EU/EEA students in bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes. Non-EU/EEA international students pay €1,500 per semester in tuition fees as mandated by Baden-Württemberg state law. The MBA in International Industrial Management charges €1,750 per semester. Exemptions from the non-EU fee are available for particularly talented international students on application. All enrolled students pay a mandatory semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) covering administration, student union, and public transport; the exact amount is not published on the financing page — verify directly with the university before citing.
Admission requirements
International applicants for bachelor's programmes must have their foreign school-leaving certificate assessed for comparability with German university entrance qualifications (via Studienkolleg Konstanz for non-EU nationals). Proof of German language proficiency is required for German-taught programmes: DSH level 2 or 3, TestDaF average 4.0 or higher, telc C1 Hochschule, or equivalent. For English-taught Graduate School programmes, B2 English is the minimum. Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants whose prior qualification is from those countries require an APS certificate before applying; the university does not state this explicitly on the admissions page, but German visa and university regulations mandate it for these nationalities. Direct bachelor's admission for Indian applicants without Studienkolleg requires Class XII ≥70% plus completion of at least one year of a recognised bachelor's degree in the same subject area.
Application deadlines
For degree programmes without numerus clausus (NC): enrolment by 1 March for summer semester and 15 September for winter semester. Master's programmes: 15 July for winter semester start, 15 January for summer semester start (some programmes differ, e.g. Automotive Systems closes 31 March for winter entry). Exchange students must be nominated by their home university by 15 May (winter) or 15 November (summer), with applications due 30 May and 30 November respectively.
Languages of instruction
Most bachelor's and master's degree programmes are taught in German. English-taught international master's programmes are available through the Graduate School (e.g. Automotive Systems M.Eng., Design & Development M.Eng., MBA in International Industrial Management).
Campuses & locations
Main campus at Kanalstraße 33, 73728 Esslingen. Houses International Centre, administration, Student Services, and faculties of Science/Energy/Building Services, Mechanical and Systems Engineering, and Mobility and Technology.
Located at Flandernstraße 101, 73732 Esslingen. Houses the Faculty of Social Work, Education and Nursing Sciences and parts of engineering. Panoramic views of Esslingen.
Located at Robert-Bosch-Straße 1, 73037 Göppingen. Home to the Faculty of Management and Technology, including International Industrial Management and Mechatronics programmes.
Living in Baden-Württemberg
Esslingen am Neckar is a historic city of approximately 94,000 people situated about 20 km southeast of Stuttgart in the Neckar valley, surrounded by vineyards. It is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany, with a vibrant civic life and excellent public transport links to Stuttgart. The proximity to Stuttgart's automotive and industrial corridor — Daimler, Porsche, and Bosch headquarters are all nearby — makes Esslingen an attractive base for engineering and management students seeking internships and careers.
Student life & support
Esslingen offers six student dormitories managed by Studierendenwerk Stuttgart, with single rooms in shared flats and studio apartments ranging from approximately €270–€450 per month including utilities. The city has over 60 sports clubs covering a wide range of activities, and the university's Student Union (AStA) organises social and cultural events. The annual Bürgerfest in July and Esslingen's famous medieval Christmas market are notable local events. Stuttgart's cultural and nightlife offerings are accessible within 20–30 minutes by S-Bahn.
49
Accredited Programmes
28
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
21
Master
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