Hochschule Rhein-Waal - University of Applied Sciences
Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
- Founded
- 2009
- Students
- 7,300
- International
- 55%
- Programmes
- 39
- Taught in English
- 31
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.
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
Key facts
- Type
- Fachhochschulen / HAW
- Founded
- 2009
- Students
- 7,300
- International
- ~55% international students as of 2018 with 122 nationalities represented; consistently one of Germany's most internationally diverse UAS (majority non-German student body)
- Faculties
- 4
- Programmes
- 39
Study programmes
39 accredited degrees at Hochschule Rhein-Waal - University of Applied Sciences, 31 of them taught in English.
Showing 25–39 of 39 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
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
Application windows open at varying dates per semester and are published on the 'current application period' page once the portal opens; bachelor programmes start in winter semester, master programmes in summer or winter semester. uni-assist needs ~6 weeks plus up to 2 more weeks for the university decision.
How international applicants apply
Yes - MANDATORY for every international applicant, no exceptions: 'All international applicants must apply through uni-assist' by selecting 'Kleve, HS Rhein-Waal' in the My assist portal; applications submitted any other way are not considered. uni-assist performs the full pre-check and forwards qualifying files; the university charges no additional application fee (only the uni-assist processing fee). Applicants whose qualification or bachelor degree was earned IN Germany instead use the university's own HSRW/HISinOne portal. No VPD variant - it is the standard forwarding procedure.
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.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Scholarships at Hochschule Rhein-Waal - University of Applied Sciences
13 schemes run or administered by the university. Always confirm current amounts and deadlines on the official page.
Aufstiegsstipendium (for professionals with vocational training)
The Aufstiegsstipendium supports committed professionals with vocational training and work experience in undertaking a first acade...
Amount: Varies (up to EUR 850/month + child allowance + travel allowance)
Deadline: Per SBB deadlines
Bachelor
Deutschlandstipendium at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences
HSRW awards the Germany Scholarship to students who have already shown excellent study results or are expected to achieve them. In...
Amount: EUR 300 per month
Deadline: Application phase every May (1-31 May) via the online portal
Bachelor, Master
ERASMUS+ Student Mobility (Study Abroad)
ERASMUS+ mobility grants support HSRW students for study periods at European partner universities, coordinated by the Internationa...
Amount: EU ERASMUS+ monthly rates
Deadline: Per ERASMUS+ calls of the International Center
Bachelor, Master
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship
Scholarship from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung for students at HSRW. Contact person at HSRW: Prof. Dr. Eva Maria Hinterhuber.
Amount: Varies (typically EUR 300-850/month)
Deadline: Per foundation deadlines
Bachelor, Master
Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit Scholarship
Scholarship from the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung for students at HSRW. Contact person at HSRW: Prof. Dr. Ralf Klapdor. Foreign stud...
Amount: Varies (typically EUR 300-850/month)
Deadline: Per foundation deadlines
Bachelor, Master
Hans-Böckler-Stiftung Scholarship
Scholarship from the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung (trade union foundation) for students at HSRW. Multiple contact persons at HSRW.
Amount: Varies (typically EUR 300-850/month)
Deadline: Per foundation deadlines
Bachelor, Master
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Scholarship
Scholarship from the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung for students at HSRW. Foreign students only funded under certain conditions.
Amount: Varies (typically EUR 300-850/month)
Deadline: Per foundation deadlines
Bachelor, Master
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
Scholarship from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung for students at HSRW. Contact person at HSRW: Professor Dr. Dietrich Darr.
Amount: Varies (typically EUR 300-850/month)
Deadline: Per foundation deadlines
Bachelor, Master
NRW-Stipendienprogramm at HSRW
The NRW Scholarship Programme supports talented students at HSRW with a grant of EUR 300 per month. The scholarship is initially a...
Amount: EUR 300 per month
Deadline: 1 March and 1 September annually
Bachelor, Master
Peter-Albers-Studienfonds (Kreis Kleve)
This foundation helps deserving students from the Kreis Kleve district finance their studies through interest-free loans. Current...
Amount: EUR 600 per semester (interest-free loan)
Deadline: Set by the Kreis Kleve foundation
Bachelor
PROMOS Scholarship
PROMOS scholarships support HSRW students for study-abroad stays and internships abroad. Administered by the International Center...
Amount: Per DAAD PROMOS rates
Deadline: Per PROMOS information sheet
Bachelor, Master
Promotionsstipendium der Johannes Rau Gesellschaft e.V.
Doctoral scholarship from the Johannes Rau Society, listed by HSRW as a funding opportunity for doctoral candidates.
Amount: Not specified
Deadline: Per society announcement
Doctorate
Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Scholarship
Scholarship from the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung for students at HSRW. Contact person at HSRW: Prof. Dr. Ingrid Jungwirth. Foreign stu...
Amount: Varies (typically EUR 300-850/month)
Deadline: Per foundation deadlines
Bachelor, Master
Student accommodation
What Hochschule Rhein-Waal - University of Applied Sciences publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
Rooms are allocated by
Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf
Not by the university. Apply to them directly, and expect a waiting list.
From the university
The Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf manages student residence halls in Kleve.
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 Kleve
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.
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