About Hochschule Mainz
Hochschule Mainz — University of Applied Sciences Mainz — is a public Fachhochschule located in Mainz, the state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. It enrols around 5,200 students across three schools: School of Design, School of Technology, and School of Business. The university is practice-oriented and describes itself as a pioneer in dual and work-integrated study models since 1977, combining classroom instruction with hands-on company experience.
The institution offers approximately 50 degree programmes at bachelor's and master's level. Over 15% of its student body comes from more than 60 countries, and it maintains partnerships with more than 160 universities worldwide. Several programmes are taught in English, including an International Business master's and an International Civil Engineering programme, making it an accessible destination for non-German-speaking international students.
Hochschule Mainz operates across several sites in the city of Mainz within the economically significant Rhine-Main metropolitan region. The LUX Pavilion in the city centre serves as a cross-departmental showcase space for student projects and innovations. The university holds a family-friendly university certification and is consistently among the leading universities in Rhineland-Palatinate for Deutschlandstipendium awards.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1977
- Students
- 5,227
- International
- Over 15% (students from more than 60 countries)
- Faculties
- 3
Three integrated schools — Design, Technology, Business — enabling cross-disciplinary collaboration
Pioneer in dual and work-integrated study models since 1977
Over 15% international student share from more than 60 countries
More than 160 global partner universities; active Erasmus+ participant
English-taught programmes available (International Business MA, International Civil Engineering)
No tuition fees; semester contribution ~€343–€360 includes Germany-wide public transport ticket
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
No tuition fees are charged at Hochschule Mainz for any enrolled student regardless of nationality. A semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) is mandatory: approximately €343–€360 per semester (amount adjusted each semester; Summer 2026: €343). This contribution covers the Germany-wide semester public-transport ticket (D-Ticket) and Studierendenwerk social services. No additional non-EU surcharge applies.
Admission requirements
International applicants with foreign qualifications must apply via the Uni-Assist portal. Applicants who have already had their foreign credentials officially recognised in Germany (with a converted German GPA) may apply directly through the university portal. German-taught programmes require German language proficiency (typically B2/C1); English-taught programmes require proof of English proficiency. Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants must present an APS certificate (issued by the German Embassy/Consulate in their country) as a prerequisite for the student visa and as part of the application; the APS certificate requirement follows the standard German federal requirement for these nationalities. Specific entry requirements vary by programme — check the relevant programme page on hs-mainz.de.
Application deadlines
For incoming exchange/partner-university students: Winter Semester nominations by 1 May, applications by 15 May; Summer Semester nominations by 1 November, applications by 15 November. For degree-seeking students applying for Winter Semester 2026–27: application period expected to open mid-May 2026. Always verify current deadlines on the official admissions pages as dates are updated each cycle.
Languages of instruction
Most bachelor's programmes are taught in German. Several master's and international programmes are fully English-taught (e.g. International Business MA, International Civil Engineering). German-as-a-Foreign-Language courses are offered at six levels (A1.1–C1.2) for international students.
Campuses & locations
Main campus at Lucy-Hillebrand-Straße 2, 55128 Mainz. Houses central administration, School of Technology (Applied Computer Science, Geodesy) and School of Business.
Holzstraße 36, 55116 Mainz. School of Technology Architecture and Construction & Environment; School of Design Interior Architecture and Communication Design.
Wallstraße 11, 55122 Mainz. School of Design Media Design/Time-Based Media and Institute for Media Design (img).
Ludwigsstraße 2, 55116 Mainz (city centre). Cross-departmental exhibition and events space where students present projects and innovations.
Living in Rheinland-Pfalz
Mainz is the state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, situated on the Rhine River directly opposite Frankfurt across the state border. With around 220,000 inhabitants and a large student population from Johannes Gutenberg University and Hochschule Mainz, it is considered one of Germany's more popular student cities. The city is well connected to Frankfurt Airport (approx. 30 minutes by S-Bahn) and to the broader Rhine-Main economic region, offering strong internship and graduate employment opportunities.
Student life & support
Hochschule Mainz offers a Career Center to support professional development and industry connections. The Studierendenwerk Mainz manages 10 student dormitories and a canteen/mensa. The LUX Pavilion in the city centre hosts regular interdisciplinary exhibitions, events, and student showcases. The semester contribution includes the Germany semester ticket for public transport across the region. The university is certified as family-friendly and hosts student representation bodies. German-language courses at multiple levels support integration for international students.
41
Accredited Programmes
20
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
21
Master
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