About Hochschule für Technik Stuttgart
Hochschule für Technik Stuttgart (HFT Stuttgart) is a public university of applied sciences located in the centre of Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, with roots dating back to 1832. It offers 35 Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes across seven study areas — Architecture and Design, Civil Engineering, Building Physics, Business Management, Geomatics, Computer Science, and Mathematics — with a strong emphasis on practical, industry-oriented education.
The university enrolls approximately 3,850 students and is taught by around 125 professors and 390 lecturing instructors, supported by roughly 100 researchers. HFT Stuttgart maintains partnerships with around 80 universities worldwide and holds EMAS environmental certification since 2014.
Several English-taught Master's programmes are available for international applicants, including Photogrammetry and Geoinformatics, International Project Management, Smart City Solutions, and Software Technology. The campus is located near Stuttgart Central Station, giving students direct access to the city's public transport network and cultural amenities.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1832
- Students
- 3,850
- Faculties
- 7
Founded in 1832 — one of the longest-standing technical universities of applied sciences in Germany
35 Bachelor's and Master's programmes across 7 applied-science study areas
Approx. 3,850 students with a low student-to-professor ratio (125 professors)
English-taught Master's programmes in Photogrammetry & Geoinformatics, International Project Management, Smart City Solutions, and Software Technology
Non-EU students pay €1,500/semester tuition fee (Baden-Württemberg state policy)
EMAS-certified since 2014 for sustainable campus management; partner institution for elite athletes since 2022
Partnerships with around 80 universities worldwide; campus in Stuttgart city centre near the Hauptbahnhof
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
Baden-Württemberg state law requires non-EU international students to pay tuition fees of €1,500 per semester (€3,000 per academic year) in addition to the standard semester contribution. EU/EEA students and German students pay no tuition fees. A semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) covering public transport, student services, and the Studierendenwerk is charged to all students; the exact amount should be confirmed at enrolment. Tuition fees apply per semester for the full duration of the enrolled programme.
Admission requirements
International applicants from non-EU countries must have their foreign higher-education entrance qualification or bachelor's degree recognised. Applicants whose school certificate does not directly qualify them may need a Feststellungsprüfung (assessment examination) from the Studienkolleg für die Hochschulen für angewandte Wissenschaften des Landes Baden-Württemberg in Konstanz; some degree programmes recognise certificates directly without this step. For German-taught programmes: German language proof at DSH-2/DSH-3, TestDaF (average 4.0), Goethe Certificate C2, or equivalent is required. For English-taught Master's programmes: the German language requirement is waived; proof of English proficiency is required instead (level varies by programme). Applicants from India, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), and Vietnam are required to hold an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate — this is a mandatory prerequisite for the German student visa and must be obtained before applying. The anabin database should be consulted to verify recognition of the applicant's home institution and qualification. Applications are submitted through the HFT online campus portal (campus.hft-stuttgart.de); English-taught and continuing-education Master's programmes apply directly through the individual programme.
Application deadlines
German-taught Bachelor's and most Master's programmes: Winter Semester — May 5 to July 15; Summer Semester — November 4 onwards (closing date varies by programme, typically January 15). Selected Master's programmes have earlier deadlines: Interior-Architectural Design (winter only) closes June 15; Transportation Infrastructure Management closes June 15/December 15; Digital Processes and Technologies closes June 15/December 30; Software Technology (English-taught) closes May 2/September 30. Exchange/incoming students: partner-university nomination by April 1 (winter) or October 1 (summer); individual application by May 1 or November 1. English-taught and continuing-education Master's programmes apply directly to the programme office — deadlines may differ.
Languages of instruction
Most Bachelor's programmes are taught in German and require German language proficiency (DSH-2/DSH-3 or TestDaF average TDN 4). Several Master's programmes are taught in English — including Photogrammetry and Geoinformatics, International Project Management, Smart City Solutions, and Software Technology — for which English proficiency is required instead. German intensive and semester courses (A1–C1) are offered through the International Office for incoming students.
Campuses & locations
Single campus in the city centre, near Stuttgart Central Station (Hauptbahnhof); main building at Schellingstrasse 24
Living in Baden-Württemberg
Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Württemberg and Germany's sixth-largest city, with approximately 634,000 residents in a metropolitan region of 2.8 million. It is home to major global companies including Porsche, Bosch, and Mahle, making it one of Germany's strongest engineering and technology hubs. The city hosts around 40 universities, Hochschulen, and research institutes, alongside rich cultural offerings — opera, museums, and theatres. Stuttgart's population of 170 nationalities creates a diverse environment for international students.
Student life & support
Student housing is managed by Studierendenwerk Stuttgart; HFT's International Office provides guidance on applications for dormitory places (minimum six-month lease). Monthly living costs are estimated at €865–€965, covering rent (€300–€400), insurance, local transport, and food. The International Office runs a buddy programme pairing incoming international students with current HFT students, organises welcome events and orientation activities, and offers German language courses ranging from A1 to C1 — either an 18-day pre-semester intensive (3 ECTS, €100) or a Wednesday semester course (2 ECTS, €50). Office hours are Monday to Thursday, 09:00–12:00, Building 1, Room 330. Funding options available to incoming students include the Baden-Württemberg Scholarship, Robert Breuning Foundation rent subsidies (€150/month), and DAAD awards.
34
Accredited Programmes
19
Master
15
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
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