Hochschule Rhein-Waal - University of Applied Sciences
Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
About Hochschule Rhein-Waal - University of Applied Sciences
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Rhein-Waal) is a young, internationally focused Fachhochschule in the Lower Rhine region of North Rhine-Westphalia, founded in 2009. With around 7,300 students from over 120 nationalities spread across two campuses in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort, it is one of Germany's most internationally diverse applied sciences universities.
Over 75 percent of degree programmes are taught exclusively in English, making it accessible to international students without German language proficiency. The university offers 25 bachelor's and 11 master's degree programmes across four faculties covering engineering and bionics, life sciences, society and economics, and communication and environment.
As a Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences), Rhine-Waal emphasises practical, application-oriented education with strong ties to regional industry partners in chemistry, energy, IT, logistics, and biotechnology. The Kleve campus occupies a converted harbour site along the Spoy Canal; the Kamp-Lintfort campus is located in an industrial heritage setting in the western Ruhr region.
Key facts
- Founded
- 2009
- Students
- 7,300
- International
- Over one-third of students from outside Germany; more than 120 nationalities represented
- Faculties
- 4
Over 75% of programmes taught in English — one of Germany's highest ratios at an applied sciences university
Founded 2009 — modern campus infrastructure with smart classrooms and a converted historic Wissensspeicher library
No tuition fees for all students including non-EU internationals; semester contribution ~€347–€365
APS certificate required for applicants from India, China, Vietnam, and Mongolia
Two campuses: Kleve (main, canal waterfront) and Kamp-Lintfort (Ruhr region)
Semester Ticket included — unlimited public transit across all of North Rhine-Westphalia
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
No tuition fees charged — tuition was abolished at all North Rhine-Westphalia public universities in 2011, for both German and international/non-EU students alike. Students pay a semester contribution covering social services, student union, and the NRW-wide Semester Ticket (transit pass): approximately €347–€365 per semester (WS 2026/27: €365.10; SS 2026: €347.10).
Admission requirements
International applicants with non-German qualifications must apply via uni-assist. Bachelor's programmes are available in winter semester only; master's programmes are available in both summer and winter semesters. An APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) is mandatory for applicants from India (required since WS 2023/24), China, Vietnam, and Mongolia. English-taught programmes do not require a German language certificate. German-taught programmes require a recognised German language certificate (level specified per programme). Required documents for bachelor's: secondary school diploma, language certificate (programme-dependent), APS document if applicable. For master's: bachelor's diploma with GPA and grading scale, Diploma Supplement if available, module guide if available, language certificate, APS if applicable.
Application deadlines
Bachelor's programmes (winter semester only): 15 July for WS 2026/27. Master's programmes (summer and winter semester): check the university's current application period page as deadlines vary by programme. Applications with non-German qualifications go through uni-assist.
Languages of instruction
Over 75% of degree programmes taught exclusively in English. German-taught programmes also offered. Language courses available through the Centre for Internationalisation and Languages.
Campuses & locations
Main campus; Marie-Curie-Straße 1, 47533 Kleve. Hosts Faculties of Technology and Bionics, Life Sciences, and Society and Economics. 19 buildings, 31,200 m², situated along the Spoy Canal in a converted harbour area.
Friedrich-Heinrich-Allee 25, 47475 Kamp-Lintfort. Hosts Faculty of Communication and Environment.
Living in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Kleve is a small, historically significant town in the Lower Rhine region of North Rhine-Westphalia, close to the Dutch border. The university campus has revitalised the former harbour area along the Spoy Canal into an attractive waterfront district. Students benefit from low living costs compared to large German cities, while Nijmegen (Netherlands), Düsseldorf, and Cologne are all within easy reach for nightlife, culture, and internship opportunities. All enrolled students receive a Semester Ticket valid on nearly all bus and train lines throughout NRW.
Student life & support
Fresher orientation events (Freshers' Day in summer, Freshers' Week in winter) help new students integrate. The Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf manages student residence halls in Kleve. A Buddy Programme pairs incoming international students with local peers. The university's Centre for Internationalisation and Languages offers language courses and self-study resources. The canteen on the Kleve campus provides daily fresh meals by the Spoy Canal. Dozens of sports clubs and leisure activities are available at little to no cost. The university supports DAAD scholarship programmes (PROMOS, STIBET) and Erasmus+ mobility.
39
Accredited Programmes
27
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
12
Master
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