About Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Kempten
Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Kempten (Kempten University of Applied Sciences) has operated since 1978 and is the only state university of applied sciences in the Allgäu region of Bavaria. It is organised into six faculties covering engineering, business, computer science, tourism, social work, and health, and maintains a campus of approximately 53,000 m² in central Kempten.
The university has around 5,000 enrolled students and employs 172 professors alongside more than 200 lecturers drawn from industry. It maintains partnerships with over 110 universities worldwide and holds a distinguished position as the only Hochschule of comparable size in Bavaria with its own doctorate centre and exclusive promotion rights (Dr.-Ing. degree).
Four degree programmes are offered in English: International Engineering (B.Eng.), Electrical Engineering (M.Eng.), Global Business Development (M.A.), and Corporate Sustainability and Sustainable Finance (M.A.). The university emphasises applied, practice-oriented learning and has 16 research institutes, 23 laboratories, and over 160 active research projects.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1978
- Students
- 5,000
- Faculties
- 6
Only state university of applied sciences in the Allgäu region of Bavaria, founded 1978
Holds exclusive doctorate rights (Dr.-Ing.) — rare for a German Fachhochschule of its size
Four fully English-taught degree programmes (2 bachelor, 2 master) available for international students
Over 110 international partner universities; active Erasmus+ exchange programme
16 research institutes, 23 laboratories, and ~€15 million annual research budget
Campus located in Kempten city centre, close to Alpine leisure and with comparatively low student living costs
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
As a Bavarian public university of applied sciences, Kempten charges no tuition fees for the regular standard period of study (Regelstudienzeit). A semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) is payable each semester; the exact current amount is not published on the pages accessed. Note: Bavaria introduced tuition fees for non-EU/EEA international students from WS 2025/26 — students should confirm the applicable fee directly with the Abteilung Studium ([email protected]) before enrolling.
Admission requirements
International applicants must hold a recognised higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung). Applicants from India, China (PRC/HK/Macau), and Vietnam are required to obtain an APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) before applying — the university does not list an exemption from this standard German requirement for those nationalities. German-language programmes generally require at least B2 German; accepted certificates include TestDaF (minimum TDN 3 in all four sections), DSH level 2, Goethe B2/C1/C2, telc Deutsch B2 or C1 Hochschule, and DSD II. Two master programmes (Automatisierungstechnik und Robotik; Logistik und Supply Chain Management) require C1 German. English-taught programmes require a minimum A1 German level, with full proficiency to be demonstrated within the first study year; English-taught programme-specific English requirements are at B2 level. Applications for bachelor programmes are submitted via the hochschulstart.de/MeinCampus portal.
Application deadlines
Bachelor programmes: winter semester only (start 1 October); application window for WS 2026/27 runs 27 April – 15 July 2026. Master programmes: most run 15 July for the following winter semester; two programmes (Automatisierungstechnik und Robotik; Technisches Innovations- und Produktmanagement) have an earlier deadline of 15 June for the following summer semester. Exchange/Erasmus students: winter semester nomination deadline 31 May; summer semester nomination deadline 15 November.
Languages of instruction
Instruction is primarily in German. Four programmes are offered in English: International Engineering (B.Eng.), Electrical Engineering (M.Eng.), Global Business Development (M.A.), and Corporate Sustainability and Sustainable Finance (M.A.). The Centre for General Sciences and Languages (Zentrum für Allgemeinwissenschaften und Sprachen) provides additional language support.
Campuses & locations
Bahnhofstraße 61, 87435 Kempten — single main campus of approximately 53,000 m² with teaching buildings, laboratories, library, and cafeteria
Living in Bayern
Kempten (Allgäu) is a mid-sized city in the south-west of Bavaria, situated in the foothills of the Alps near the Austrian border. It is the economic and cultural centre of the Allgäu region, offering easy access to mountain hiking, skiing, and lakes while remaining well connected by rail to Munich (approximately 2 hours) and Augsburg. The city is known for a relatively low cost of living compared to Munich, with student rents ranging from approximately €244 to €430 per month in university-adjacent accommodation.
Student life & support
Student accommodation is available through several providers. The Studierendenwerk Augsburg operates a residence at Reichlinstraße 12 with furnished single apartments from €244–317/month including utilities. Private providers include Sozialbau Kempten (multiple halls across the city), STK Campus (from €419/month, fully equipped), GreenlivingInn (from €429/month, 55 individual apartments and 44 shared rooms), and Westside Campus (28 apartments). Applications for Studierendenwerk rooms are recommended approximately three months before arrival (contact: [email protected]). The International Office ([email protected]) coordinates incoming students and runs a Buddy Programme for cultural integration and a CultShare Club. The Centre for General Sciences and Languages offers German language courses. Psychological counselling and study-organisation support are available through the university's student advisory services.
45
Accredited Programmes
20
Master
25
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
More universities in Bayern
View all in Bayern →Akademie der Bildenden Künste München
Kunst- und Musikhochschulen · 7 programmes
Akademie der Bildenden Künste Nürnberg
Kunst- und Musikhochschulen · 1 programme
Augustana-Hochschule Neuendettelsau
Universitäten · 1 programme
Evangelische Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften - Evangelische Fachhochschule Nürnberg
Fachhochschulen / HAW · 18 programmes
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Universitäten · 122 programmes
Hochschule der Bayerischen Wirtschaft für angewandte Wissenschaften - HDBW gGmbH
Fachhochschulen / HAW · 17 programmes
Interested in Studying at
Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften...?
Our team can help you with the application process, documentation, and everything you need to get started.