Hochschule Nordhausen

About Hochschule Nordhausen

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Nordhausen, HSN) is a public university of applied sciences located in Nordhausen, Thuringia. Founded in 1997, it offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's programmes across engineering, computer science, economics, management, and health and social services. With approximately 1,753 enrolled students as of winter semester 2024/25, it is a compact institution with a close-knit campus community.

HSN operates two faculties — the Faculty of Engineering Sciences (IW) and the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences (WiSo) — and hosts six dedicated research institutes covering areas such as renewable energy technologies, public management, automation and electronics, and health services research. The campus is located at Weinberghof, Nordhausen, with a single integrated site containing teaching buildings, a library, language centre, canteen, sports facilities, and student housing.

A notable feature is the on-site Staatliches Studienkolleg Nordhausen, a state-run preparatory college that helps international students without direct German university entrance qualifications prepare for degree-level study. HSN also runs the HSNgo certificate programme and the HIKE entrepreneurship incubator, and has been certified as a family-conscious and equality-strong institution.

Key facts

Founded: 1997
Students: 1,753
International: 26.5% (winter semester 2024/25)
Faculties: 2

26.5% international student share — notably high for a university of this size

On-site Staatliches Studienkolleg for international students without direct German university entrance qualifications

English-taught master's programmes in Renewable Energy Systems, Environmental and Recycling Technology, and Computer Engineering for IoT Systems

No tuition fees; semester contribution ~€309–€329 includes the Germany-Ticket (nationwide rail and local transport)

Six specialist research institutes including in.RET (renewable energy) and ISRV (health services research)

HIKE entrepreneurship incubator and Transferwerk industry-partnership programme on campus

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

No tuition fees at this public university in Thuringia (non-EU students are not subject to the Baden-Württemberg or Bavarian non-EU surcharge). Students pay a semester contribution only: approximately €308–€329 per semester (summer 2026 figures), which includes the Germany-Ticket (nationwide public transport) and student union fees. Students who exceed the standard study duration by more than four semesters are charged an additional long-term study fee of €500 per semester.

Admission requirements

International applicants with foreign qualifications apply via uni-assist. Applicants holding a German-recognised university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) apply directly through HISinOne. Those whose foreign school-leaving certificate does not directly qualify for a German degree programme must complete the Staatliches Studienkolleg Nordhausen (preparatory year ending with Feststellungsprüfung), or alternatively qualify via the HSNgo certificate programme. German language proficiency is required for German-taught programmes; the university offers preparatory German courses from B1 level. English-taught master's programmes require proof of English proficiency. APS certificate is required for applicants from India, China, and Vietnam as a prerequisite for the student visa application.

Application deadlines

Bachelor's programmes — Winter Semester: 1 April to 30 September; Summer Semester: 15 November to 31 March (select programmes only). Master's programmes — Winter Semester: varies by programme, typically 1 December to 30 April or 1 April to 30 September; Summer Semester: 15 November to 31 March. English-taught master's programmes for international applicants via uni-assist have separate deadlines; check the uni-assist portal directly.

Languages of instruction

Primarily German-taught. Select English-taught master's programmes available (Computer Engineering for IoT Systems, Environmental and Recycling Technology, Renewable Energy Systems). Language Centre offers German as a foreign language and UNIcert-accredited courses in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Russian.

Campuses & locations

Nordhausen Campus

Single integrated campus at Weinberghof 4, 99734 Nordhausen. Houses all faculties, research institutes, library, language centre, canteen, sports facilities, and on-site Studienkolleg.

Living in Thüringen

Nordhausen is a historic city in northern Thuringia, situated on the southern edge of the Harz mountains. It offers a relaxed student environment with significantly lower cost of living than major German cities — rents are reported to be roughly half those in Berlin or Munich. The city is served by regional rail and, for enrolled students, covered by the Germany-Ticket for public transport across Germany. Outdoor activities in the Harz National Park are easily accessible.

Student life & support

Campus life at HSN is characterised by a small, close-knit community. The Student Council (StuRa) represents student interests. Free university sports programmes and a university choir are available. A Thoska card functions as student ID, library card, regional transit pass, and campus payment card. Student halls of residence are operated by the Thuringian Student Union (Studierendenwerk Thüringen); shared flats (WGs) off-campus are common. On-campus childcare (Kita Campus-Kinder) supports student parents. The annual DAAD Prize recognises outstanding international students.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master