- Founded
- 1994
- Students
- 3,800
- International
- 20%
- Programmes
- 59
- Taught in English
- 18
About Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hof
Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hof (Hof University of Applied Sciences) is a state-run Fachhochschule founded in 1994 and funded by the Free State of Bavaria. It offers more than 50 Bachelor's and Master's programmes across five departments - Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Interdisciplinary and Innovative Sciences, and the Graduate School - with a strong emphasis on practice-oriented learning, integrated internships, and applied research through six on-campus institutes.
The university enrolls approximately 3,800-4,000 students, of whom more than 20% come from abroad (60+ nations), reflecting a deliberate internationalisation strategy with a particular focus on India. It holds system accreditation (the highest level in Germany), was ranked most popular university in Germany by StudyCheck in 2023 and 2024, and is certified as a Fairtrade University.
Hof University operates across five locations in northern Bavaria - the main campus in Hof, plus campuses in Münchberg (textile and design) and Kronach (interdisciplinary sciences), and learning sites in Selb (design and mobility) and Bamberg (nursing). All sites are connected by a free semester transport pass included in the administrative fee.
Founded 1994; state-run by the Free State of Bavaria - no private fees or profit motive
Ranked most popular university in Germany by StudyCheck.de in 2023 and 2024 (Top Hochschule 2026)
More than 20% international students from 60+ nations; explicit internationalisation focus on India
130+ partner universities worldwide; strong Erasmus and bilateral exchange network
APS certificate mandatory for applicants from India, China, and Vietnam
Free German language courses for all students via the Language Centre
Semester fee (~€145) includes free public transport between all five campus locations
Key facts
- Type
- Fachhochschulen / HAW
- Founded
- 1994
- Students
- 3,800
- International
- >20% (from 60+ nations)
- Faculties
- 5
- Programmes
- 59
Study programmes
59 accredited degrees at Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hof, 18 of them taught in English.
Showing 1–24 of 59 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
Regular Bachelor's and Master's programmes are tuition-free. The mandatory administrative student service fee (Semesterbeitrag) is approximately €145 per semester; this includes a free semester transport pass covering travel within Hof and between all campus locations. Graduate School programmes charge separate tuition fees (amounts vary by programme - check the Graduate School fee schedule). Note: Bavaria introduced tuition fees for non-EU/non-EEA students at state universities from WS2025/26 - verify the current fee status for your intake directly with Hof University, as the official English-language website did not publish explicit fee amounts for non-EU students as of the time of this research.
Admission requirements
International applicants apply online via the PRIMUSS portal (free of charge). Bachelor's applicants with non-German entrance qualifications must first verify their qualification through the anabin database (for institution recognition) and the DAAD database (for direct admission eligibility vs. Studienkolleg). A uni-assist VPD is required for all non-EU bachelor's applicants and for 11 specified master's programmes. Applicants from India, China, and Vietnam must obtain an APS certificate from the respective APS office before submitting their application; the APS certificate is also required for the German student visa. Language requirements: German-taught programmes require B2 German (CEFR) from a certified institute, issued within two years; English-taught programmes require IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90, plus a German A1 certificate (most programmes). Some programmes (e.g. Communication Design, Textile Design, Applied Research in Computer Science, Supply Chain Management, Marketing Management) require an additional aptitude test. Graduate School programmes require at least one year of relevant work experience.
Application deadlines
Applications are submitted via the PRIMUSS online portal. Typical deadlines for most programmes: Winter Semester (October start) - 15 November to 15 January; Summer Semester (April start) - 1 May to 15 July. Graduate School and some specialised programmes have a non-EU winter deadline of 5 November - 15 January. Design programmes (B.A.) have an earlier deadline of 1 May - 15 June. Admission notifications are issued within approximately three weeks after each deadline. Check PRIMUSS for programme-specific deadlines as they vary.
How international applicants apply
VPD via uni-assist - documents must be pre-checked by uni-assist e.V. (Vorpruefungsdokumentation VPD) BEFORE applying: mandatory in all cases for bachelor applicants whose HZB was earned outside Germany, and for master applicants with a first degree earned abroad applying to most English-taught master programmes; after receiving the VPD applicants apply free of charge via Hof's own Primuss application portal (APS certificate additionally required from China, India, Vietnam, Mongolia).
Languages of instruction
Both German and English are used as languages of instruction. English-taught programmes are available at bachelor's and master's level (primarily in Business, Computer Science, and Engineering). German-taught programmes require German at B2 level (CEFR); English-taught programmes require IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90. Even for English-taught programmes, a German A1 certificate is required (except for Software Engineering M.Eng.).
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Student accommodation
What Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hof publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
The university's housing page
Deadlines and application forms are published here, and they change every intake.
Open housing pageRoom types mentioned
What that page describes. Availability varies by intake.
From the university
The Welcome Center and International Office provide personalised support from application through to graduation, including assistance finding accommodation, orientation weeks with social and cultural activities, and guidance through German administrative processes (residence registration, health insurance). The university's housing office assists with accommodation search; on-campus dormitory facilities are available at Campus Hof (Am Eichelberg).
Campuses & locations
Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1, 95028 Hof - Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Interdisciplinary Sciences; main administration, research institutes, startup centres Einstein1 and Maker's Space, dormitory Am Eichelberg
Kulmbacher Straße 76, 95213 Münchberg (~20 km from Hof) - all textile-related programmes and B.A. Communication Design; Fraunhofer Application Center for Textile Fiber Ceramics; free bus/train connection from Hof
Kulmbacherstraße 11, 96317 Kronach - Department of Interdisciplinary and Innovative Sciences including Innovative Healthcare
Wittelsbacher Str. 41, 95100 Selb - Design and Mobility programmes within the Greentech Strategy
Buger Straße 80, 96049 Bamberg - Nursing for Experienced Professionals and part-time/full-time Nursing programmes; Skills Lab with simulation facilities
Living in Hof
Hof is a small, safe town in the northernmost part of Bavaria, close to the borders of Saxony and Thuringia. It offers a low cost of living compared to Munich or Nuremberg - estimated monthly living costs for students are €820-€1,020. The town has good rail connections to Nuremberg (approx. 1.5 hours) and is described by the university as cozy and student-friendly. The surrounding Upper Franconia region is known for its green landscapes, local brewing tradition, and cultural festivals.
Student life & support
The Welcome Center and International Office provide personalised support from application through to graduation, including assistance finding accommodation, orientation weeks with social and cultural activities, and guidance through German administrative processes (residence registration, health insurance). The Language Centre offers free German courses at multiple levels (A1 through at least B2). The International Student Network (ISN) organises regular social events including city trips, cooking sessions, a language café, karaoke, and bowling. Campus Hof includes free sports facilities (tennis courts, fitness rooms, classes) and a 24-hour library. The university's housing office assists with accommodation search; on-campus dormitory facilities are available at Campus Hof (Am Eichelberg). The semester fee includes free bus and train travel between all campus locations.
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