Hochschule für öffentliche Verwaltung Kehl

About Hochschule für öffentliche Verwaltung Kehl

Hochschule für öffentliche Verwaltung Kehl (Kehl University of Applied Sciences) is a specialised public Fachhochschule founded in 1971, widely regarded as one of Germany's oldest and most renowned universities dedicated exclusively to public administration. Its core mission is to train qualified professionals for managerial roles across Baden-Württemberg's public sector — state agencies, municipalities, districts, and publicly supervised institutions.

The university offers two bachelor's programmes (Public Management; Digitales Verwaltungsmanagement) and four master's programmes (Europäisches Verwaltungsmanagement, Public Management, Management von regionalen Innovationsökosystemen, Public Management in International Cooperation). Research is conducted through two dedicated institutes: the Kehler Institut für Angewandte Forschung (KIAF) and the Europäisches Kompetenz- und Forschungszentrum Clustermanagement (EKFC).

Its cross-border location — directly opposite Strasbourg on the Rhine — gives the university a distinctly European character, supported by a Filière Française (French-language study track), a Language Centre, and strong Erasmus partnerships across Europe.

Key facts

Founded: 1971
Students: 1,400

Founded in 1971 — one of Germany's oldest universities specialising in public administration

Single-campus institution with a tight-knit cohort of approximately 1,400 students

Cross-border campus: 15-minute tram ride to Strasbourg and the European Parliament quarter

Filière Française offers a fully French-language study track unique among German public-administration universities

Research institutes KIAF and EKFC embedded in the university for applied public-sector research

Master's programme 'Public Management in International Cooperation' targets development and global governance careers

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

No tuition fees for EU/EEA students. Under Baden-Württemberg state law (in force since WS 2017/18), non-EU/EEA international students pay €1,500 per semester. Exchange students on Erasmus or bilateral university agreements are exempt. A standard semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) covering administrative costs and public transport is payable by all students; the exact amount should be confirmed with the university.

Admission requirements

Bachelor's programmes are primarily designed for future Baden-Württemberg civil servants and typically require an Abitur (or equivalent school-leaving qualification) plus a public-sector training contract or equivalent pathway. International applicants whose prior qualification is from India, China, or Vietnam must hold a valid APS certificate before applying. For master's programmes open to external applicants (e.g. Public Management in International Cooperation), a relevant bachelor's degree and proof of German language proficiency (at minimum B2; C1 for German-taught programmes) are required. Applicants should verify current entry requirements directly with the university's admissions office ([email protected]) as conditions vary by programme.

Languages of instruction

Primarily German. French-language track (Filière Française) available. The master's programme 'Public Management in International Cooperation' has English-language components. Language Centre on campus offers additional language courses.

Campuses & locations

Hauptcampus Kehl

Kinzigallee 1, 77694 Kehl — single central campus directly on the Rhine, 15 minutes from Strasbourg by tram

Living in Baden-Württemberg

Kehl is a town of approximately 38,000 residents in Baden-Württemberg, situated on the east bank of the Rhine directly across from Strasbourg (Alsace, France). Students can reach Strasbourg's city centre by tram in around 15 minutes, giving easy access to a major European city with museums, restaurants, and the European Parliament. The campus itself is compact and walkable; the Rhine riverfront and the Kinzig confluence are nearby.

Student life & support

Campus life centres on the Mensa (hot lunches daily, always one vegetarian/vegan option) and an on-site cafeteria open from 07:30. Student accommodation is available through Studentenwerk FH (217 furnished single apartments, ~€365/month including utilities), shared WG rooms from ~€298/month, and the City Campus Kehl design apartments near the railway station. The SSV (Student Self-Administration) organises sports (volleyball, football, yoga, fitness), cultural events, and trips to Strasbourg and the wider region. The AStA (student council) provides academic and welfare support. Psychological counselling and chaplaincy services are also on offer.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

Master