About Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal
Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal (Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences) is a state-funded Fachhochschule in Saxony-Anhalt, founded in 1991. It operates two campuses — Magdeburg and Stendal — and enrols approximately 5,189 students across five faculties and around 50 bachelor's and master's degree programmes.
The university is known for small learning groups, a strong practice-orientation, and a distinctive programme portfolio that includes water and environmental engineering, applied human sciences, social work, media, and engineering/industrial design. Two programmes are taught entirely in English: the bachelor's in Sustainable Resources, Engineering and Management, and the master's in Water Engineering.
With around 451 degree-seeking international students and 141 incoming exchange students, the university maintains partnerships with approximately 95 universities worldwide. Its International Office supports incoming students through a buddy programme and a dedicated foreigners' officer.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1991
- Students
- 5,189
- International
- 451 degree-seeking international students + 141 incoming exchange students (winter semester 2024/25)
- Faculties
- 5
Tuition-free for all degree students (no non-EU surcharge in Saxony-Anhalt)
Semester contribution ~€308 includes Germany-wide semester transport ticket
Two fully English-taught programmes: BSc Sustainable Resources and MSc Water Engineering
Unique niche programmes: water management, applied human sciences, sign language interpreting
Small learning groups with approximately 130 professors for ~5,200 students
Dual-city campus: Magdeburg (capital, Elbe river, affordable living) and Stendal (compact town campus on renovated barracks)
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
No tuition fees for bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes (public university in Saxony-Anhalt — the non-EU surcharge introduced in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria does not apply here). Students pay a semester contribution of approximately €308.80 per semester in Magdeburg or €300.80 in Stendal; this includes the Germany semester ticket (Deutschlandticket) covering public transport across Saxony-Anhalt.
Admission requirements
International applicants with foreign qualifications apply through uni-assist e.V. (fee applies), after which the university processes the application. A recognised higher education entrance qualification is required for bachelor's admission; a relevant bachelor's degree is required for master's admission. Most programmes require German at C1 level (TestDaF TDN 3+ per faculty, or Goethe/DSH/TELC equivalents); programmes in Applied Human Sciences and Social Work require C2 or high C1. The two English-taught programmes accept standard English proficiency certificates. Indian applicants whose prior qualification is from India must obtain an APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle, New Delhi) before the visa stage — this is a German embassy requirement, not set by the university itself. Applications for restricted-admission bachelor's programmes: by 31 May (uni-assist) / 15 July (university portal) for winter semester. Unrestricted programmes: by 15 August (uni-assist) / 15 September for winter semester.
Application deadlines
Winter semester (October start): restricted-admission bachelor's — 31 May (uni-assist), 15 July (university portal); unrestricted bachelor's/master's — 15 August (uni-assist), 15 September (university portal). Selected master's programmes — 31 May (uni-assist), 15 July (university portal). Summer semester (April start): unrestricted programmes — 15 February (uni-assist), 15 March (university portal); select master's — 30 November (uni-assist), 15 January (university portal).
Languages of instruction
Primarily German-taught. Two fully English-taught programmes: BSc Sustainable Resources, Engineering and Management, and MSc Water Engineering. German proficiency required for all other programmes (C1 for engineering/economics/environment; C2 or C1 for human sciences/social work depending on faculty).
Campuses & locations
Main campus at Breitscheidstraße 2, 39114 Magdeburg; three faculties including Engineering and Industrial Design, Social Work/Health/Media, and Water/Environment/Construction/Safety
Located at Osterburger Str. 25, 39576 Stendal on a renovated former military barracks; two faculties: Applied Human Sciences and Economics/Business
Living in Sachsen-Anhalt
Magdeburg is the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, located on the Elbe river approximately 150 km west of Berlin. With around 240,000 inhabitants it is a compact, affordable student city with lower living costs than Munich or Hamburg. The city offers Elbe cycling paths, the Elbauenpark, a historic old town, and an active student scene shared with Otto von Guericke University. The semester contribution includes public transport across the entire state, making travel across Saxony-Anhalt effectively free for enrolled students.
Student life & support
Both campuses have a mensa and café, university sports centre, library, and childcare facilities. The Magdeburg campus hosts the student cultural centre Kulturkombinat Frösi in House 1. The Stendal campus student association StuVe e.V. organises parties and cultural events including the on-campus f.e.t.-Bar. An active buddy programme pairs incoming international students with enrolled peers. The Germany semester ticket — included in semester fees — enables free public transport use across Saxony-Anhalt.
51
Accredited Programmes
23
Master
28
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
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