Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Kiel
Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
- Founded
- 1969
- Students
- 7,411
- Programmes
- 47
- Taught in English
- 3
About HAW Kiel
Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Kiel (HAW Kiel), known in English as Kiel University of Applied Sciences, is the largest Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. Founded on 1 August 1969 through the merger of several state engineering and technical colleges, it has grown to enrol approximately 7,400 students across seven faculties covering agriculture, business management, computer science and electrical engineering, health, mechanical engineering, media/civil engineering, and social work and early childhood education.
The university places strong emphasis on practice-oriented education with close links to regional and national industry, offering more than 40 accredited bachelor's and master's degree programmes including dual-study (Duales Studium) options. Research at HAW Kiel is organised around six strategic themes: Intelligent Mobility, Future-Proof Energy, Maritime Systems, Digital Transformation, Sustainable Value Creation, and Social Participation.
HAW Kiel has two main campus locations: the primary campus in Kiel (Sokratesplatz) and a secondary campus in Osterrönfeld. The university has exchange partnerships with over 100 universities in more than 40 countries and provides dedicated support for international students through its International Office.
Largest university of applied sciences in Schleswig-Holstein
Founded 1969; over 40,000 alumni since inception
No tuition fees for all nationalities; semester contribution approx. €398
Exchange partnerships with 100+ universities in 40+ countries
Two campuses: Kiel city and Osterrönfeld (agriculture)
Six applied-research focus areas including Maritime Systems and Digital Transformation
Key facts
- Type
- Fachhochschulen / HAW
- Founded
- 1969
- Students
- 7,411
- International
- Approx. 2,963 international students from 121 countries enrolled over the past ten academic years
- Faculties
- 7
- Programmes
- 47
Study programmes
47 accredited degrees at HAW Kiel, 3 of them taught in English.
Showing 1–24 of 47 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
No tuition fees for any degree programme (bachelor's or master's) regardless of nationality. Students pay a semester contribution of approximately €397.70 per semester (standard programmes), which covers the student services authority (€89.00), students' union (€20.00), the Deutschland-Semesterticket nationwide transit pass (€226.80), and a regional culture ticket (€1.90), plus an administrative fee of €60.00 per semester (effective from summer 2026 re-registration). Faculty of Agriculture and online students pay a reduced rate of approximately €170.90 (semester ticket not included). An enrolment fee of €100.00 is charged once at initial enrolment. No additional non-EU or international student surcharge.
Admission requirements
International applicants with foreign university entrance qualifications must apply through uni-assist (www.uni-assist.de). Certified and officially translated educational documents plus proof of language proficiency are required. APS certificate is required for applicants whose prior qualification is from India, China, or Vietnam before a student visa can be issued (this is a German consulate requirement, not specific to HAW Kiel). Anabin recognition of the applicant's school/institution should be checked; HAW Kiel as an FH accepts qualified international bachelor's holders for master's programmes. Language requirement for German-taught programmes is typically German B2/C1 (TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe certificate); English-taught programmes require IELTS or equivalent. Applications for non-restricted programmes are open-entry via uni-assist; restricted (NC) programmes have application windows with deadlines of 15 January (summer semester) and 15 July (winter semester).
Application deadlines
Winter semester (October start): 15 July (via uni-assist, documents must be received by this date). Summer semester (April start): 15 January (via uni-assist). These deadlines apply to restricted-entry (NC) programmes; open-admission programmes may have later or rolling deadlines.
How international applicants apply
uni-assist - full application processing (not VPD-only). Applicants with a foreign higher education entrance qualification apply through uni-assist; HAW Kiel's international-admission page states 'Ihre Bewerbung bearbeiten wir zusammen mit "uni-assist"' and uni-assist lists HAW Kiel as a partner university. Complete documents must reach uni-assist by 15 Jan (summer semester) / 15 Jul (winter semester) for restricted-access programmes. Exceptions applying directly online at HAW Kiel: holders of a Feststellungsprüfung and holders of a Gleichwertigkeitsbescheinigung of the Schleswig-Holstein education ministry.
Languages of instruction
Primarily German. A growing number of modules and some programmes are offered in English. The Centre for Languages and Intercultural Competence (ZSIK) provides language support in twelve languages.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Student accommodation
What HAW Kiel publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
Rooms are allocated by
Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein
Not by the university. Apply to them directly, and expect a waiting list.
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
Student housing is available via the Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein.
Campuses & locations
Sokratesplatz 1 & 4, 24149 Kiel - main academic and administrative hub
Secondary campus for agriculture-related programmes
Living in Kiel
Kiel is the state capital of Schleswig-Holstein, located at the end of the Kiel Firth (Kieler Förde) on the Baltic Sea coast in northern Germany. With approximately 240,000 inhabitants, it is a significant port city known for its maritime heritage, the annual Kieler Woche sailing regatta (one of the largest in the world), and a cluster of research institutions. The cost of living is moderate compared to Munich or Hamburg, and the city's waterfront setting and proximity to Denmark make it a distinctive study destination.
Student life & support
HAW Kiel students have access to the Schwentine Canteen on campus, university sports programmes, and library facilities. The AStA (students' union) organises social events and manages the Deutschland-Semesterticket, which provides nationwide public transport access. Students receive a digital student ID usable as a library card and for building access. The university maintains an active presence on social media and offers a mentoring programme for incoming international students through the International Office. Student housing is available via the Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein.
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