About Hochschule Fulda - University of Applied Sciences
Hochschule Fulda – Fulda University of Applied Sciences – is a state university of applied sciences (Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften) in Hessen, Germany, founded in 1974. It is one of 119 universities of applied sciences (HAW) in Germany and holds independent rights to award doctoral degrees in its profile areas, a distinction not held by all Fachhochschulen.
The university organises its study programmes across eight departments covering applied computer science, electrical engineering and information technology, health sciences, food technology, nutritional and consumer sciences, social and cultural sciences, social work, and business. It describes itself as a compact campus with short distances, combining research-oriented teaching with a practical application focus.
Over 3,100 international students from more than 90 countries are enrolled at Hochschule Fulda, reflecting a pronounced international orientation. The International Office provides advisory services for prospective and current international students covering applications, visas, housing, orientation, and exchange programmes.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1974
- International
- over 3,100 international students from more than 90 countries
- Faculties
- 8
Founded in 1974; celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.
One of only a small number of German universities of applied sciences holding independent doctoral degree-awarding rights.
Over 3,100 international students from more than 90 countries enrolled.
Eight departments spanning health, food sciences, social work, business, engineering, and computer science — an unusually broad subject range for a mid-sized HAW.
No tuition fees; semester contribution of approximately €400 covers admin costs and a Germany-wide public transport ticket.
International applications submitted via uni-assist; APS certificate required for applicants from India, China, and Vietnam.
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
As a state university in Hessen, Hochschule Fulda does not charge tuition fees. All students pay a semester contribution of approximately €400 per semester, which covers administrative costs, student committee (AStA) fees, and a Germany-wide public transport ticket (Deutschlandticket). Hessen has not introduced non-EU tuition fees (unlike Baden-Württemberg, which charges €1,500/semester for non-EU students).
Admission requirements
International applicants with foreign qualifications apply through uni-assist (www.uni-assist.de). The uni-assist processing fee is €75 for the first programme and €30 for each additional programme. Documents are submitted digitally as PDF files. Applicants from India, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), and Vietnam must hold a valid APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate before applying. Language requirements for German-taught programmes typically require proof of German proficiency (consult individual programme pages for the required level, commonly B2/C1 or TestDaF/DSH equivalent); English-taught programmes require proof of English proficiency. Eligibility for direct admission to bachelor's or master's programmes depends on the applicant's prior qualification and the anabin recognition status of the awarding institution — applicants should verify their institution's status at anabin.kmk.org before applying.
Application deadlines
Application deadlines vary by programme and depend on whether the applicant holds German or international qualifications. Exact deadlines are not published on a single central page; applicants should check the specific programme page and the uni-assist portal. The university offers online information sessions for prospective international students (schedule published at hs-fulda.de/en/study/how-do-i-apply/all-dates). Contact: [email protected], +49 661 9640-1420.
Languages of instruction
The primary language of instruction is German. The university's website is available in both German and English, and degree programmes are offered across both languages. Prospective students should check individual programme pages for English-taught options; several international and master's programmes are conducted in English or are bilingual.
Campuses & locations
Single compact campus at Leipziger Straße 123, 36037 Fulda, described by the university as a 'campus of short distances'.
Living in Hessen
Fulda is a mid-sized city of approximately 68,000 inhabitants in central Hessen, known for its well-preserved Baroque old town, the Fulda Cathedral (Dom zu Fulda), and the tomb of Saint Boniface. It sits at the intersection of rail routes connecting Frankfurt am Main (roughly 90 minutes by regional train) and other major German cities, making it accessible while remaining compact and affordable relative to larger university cities. The cost of student accommodation averages around €410 per month.
Student life & support
The International Office provides dedicated support to international students throughout all stages of study, including pre-arrival guidance on visas and matriculation, a buddy programme pairing newcomers with experienced students, and a housing assistance service (contact: [email protected]). Housing options include halls of residence (public and private) and private rentals; average monthly rent is approximately €410. The university offers German language courses for international students. A total monthly student budget of around €1,000 is estimated by the university, covering rent, health insurance, food, transport, and other expenses.
65
Accredited Programmes
38
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
26
Master
1
Other
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