Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Umwelt Nürtingen-Geislingen

About Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Umwelt Nürtingen-Geislingen

Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Umwelt Nürtingen-Geislingen (HfWU) is a public university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, with campuses in Nürtingen and Geislingen an der Steige. Founded in 1949 as a higher agricultural school, it has grown into a comprehensive applied-sciences institution offering 35 degree programmes across business, environment, design, and therapy disciplines. As of Summer Semester 2026, it enrols approximately 5,155 students, supported by 131 professors and 393 teaching associates.

The university is organised into four faculties covering agribusiness, economics and management, business and international finance, environment, design and therapy, and law and economics. HfWU places a strong emphasis on sustainability — reflected in its motto 'Bildung für Verantwortung' (Education for Responsibility) — and maintains partnerships with over 150 universities worldwide. It received strong rankings in the CHE University Ranking 2026.

Four master's programmes are delivered fully in English, making HfWU accessible to international applicants without German language proficiency at postgraduate level. Non-EU students pay the Baden-Württemberg non-EU tuition fee of €1,500 per semester in addition to the standard semester contribution.

Key facts

Founded: 1949
Students: 5,155
International: ~80 incoming exchange students per semester
Faculties: 4

Public university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) founded in 1949; 75+ years of operation

35 degree programmes (18 bachelor's, 17 master's) across business, environment, design, and therapy

Four fully English-taught master's programmes: International Finance, International Management (MBA), International Master of Landscape Architecture, and Sustainable Mobilities

Non-EU students pay €1,500/semester (Baden-Württemberg non-EU fee) plus €168.60 semester contribution

Network of 150+ partner universities worldwide; ~80 incoming international students per semester

Strong sustainability focus — 'Bildung für Verantwortung' (Education for Responsibility) — with CHE 2026 top rankings

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

HfWU is a public university in Baden-Württemberg. EU/EEA students pay no tuition fees. Non-EU/EEA students pay €1,500 per semester (Baden-Württemberg non-EU fee) in addition to the semester contribution. The semester contribution is €168.60 (as of Summer Semester 2026). Exemptions from the €1,500 fee may be available in specific circumstances (e.g., certain residence permit types, practical study semesters). Instalment payment of the non-EU fee is not permitted.

Admission requirements

Bachelor applicants apply via the DoSV/hochschulstart.de system and submit applications through HfWU's SELMA portal. Applicants whose university entrance qualification was not obtained in Germany must demonstrate German language proficiency (recognised certificates required; specific level depends on programme). International students from India, China, and Vietnam should note APS certificate requirements apply for German student visa applications. Master's applicants apply directly through SELMA; admission is based on a selection procedure (Auswahlverfahren) using undergraduate GPA and programme-specific criteria. Non-EU applicants to German-taught programmes will generally need German language certification (TestDaF, DSH, Goethe, or equivalent). English-taught master's programmes require proof of English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent).

Application deadlines

Bachelor: 15 July for Winter Semester; 15 January for Summer Semester (not all programmes offered in summer). Master's deadlines vary by programme: International Finance M.Sc. — 1 June; International Management MBA — 15 June (winter) / 15 November (summer); Agribusiness M.Sc. — 1 August; Prozessmanagement M.Sc. — 1 July. Applicants must confirm priorities on hochschulstart.de by 22 July (winter) or 22 January (summer).

Languages of instruction

Most bachelor's and master's programmes are taught in German. Four master's programmes are fully English-taught: International Finance (M.Sc.), International Management (MBA), International Master of Landscape Architecture (M.Eng.), and Sustainable Mobilities (M.Sc.). The university also offers language training for students via the Speexx online platform (English, French, Italian, Spanish, German).

Campuses & locations

Nürtingen Campus

Main campus; International Office located at Heiligkreuzstr. 3, 72622 Nürtingen

Geislingen Campus

Second campus in Geislingen an der Steige; approximately 2,000 study places; Bahnhofstr. 37, 73312 Geislingen

Living in Baden-Württemberg

Nürtingen is a mid-sized town of around 40,000 inhabitants situated in the Neckar valley, approximately 25 km southeast of Stuttgart in Baden-Württemberg. The town is well connected to Stuttgart by regional rail (S-Bahn and regional trains), making the broader Stuttgart metropolitan area easily accessible. Geislingen an der Steige, the second campus town, lies roughly 60 km east of Stuttgart in the Swabian Alb region. Both towns offer a relatively affordable cost of living compared to Stuttgart or Munich, with access to outdoor recreation in the surrounding Swabian countryside.

Student life & support

HfWU's International Office, located on both campuses, coordinates incoming exchange students and support services. The university hosts a Buddy Programme pairing international students with local peers, tandem language-exchange partnerships, and cultural integration events including an 'International Dining Room'. Student accommodation options are available separately for the Nürtingen and Geislingen campuses (details via the 'Leben & Wohnen' section of the university website). Language training is available through the Speexx online platform. The university also runs a Freshman Navigator orientation programme for new arrivals.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus