Hochschule Schmalkalden

About Hochschule Schmalkalden

Hochschule Schmalkalden (Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences) is a public university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) in Thuringia, central Germany. Founded in its current form on 1 October 1991, it traces institutional roots back to 1902 as a technical college for the iron and steel industry. It currently enrols over 2,900 students across five faculties covering electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, business and economics, and business law.

The university operates from a single compact campus at the edge of the Thuringian Forest, widely described as one of the most attractive in Thuringia. Lecture halls, laboratories, the glass-fronted library (over 100,000 media units), dining facilities, and student housing are all within walking distance. The institution employs 62 professors and over 230 staff overall, and maintains partnerships with over 150 universities worldwide.

The academic portfolio comprises more than 20 bachelor's and master's degree programmes in technology, computer science, business, and law, including several offered in English and a range of part-time distance-learning options. The university emphasises practical, application-oriented education with strong international orientation and industry connections.

Key facts

Founded: 1991
Students: 2,900
Faculties: 5

Tuition-free for all students (domestic and international); semester contribution €313.80

APS certificate required for applicants from India, China, and Vietnam

Single compact green campus at the edge of the Thuringian Forest — all facilities within walking distance

Over 150 international partner universities; double-degree options in USA, Canada, and Spain

Strong graduate employment: over 90% employed within six months of graduation

English-taught master's programmes available including International Business and Economics and Applied Computer Science

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

No tuition fees for any students (domestic or international) at Hochschule Schmalkalden — Thuringia does not charge tuition fees. All enrolled students pay a semester contribution of €313.80 per semester (late payment incurs an additional €10 fee). This contribution covers student services including the cafeteria, student housing support, and student council activities.

Admission requirements

International applicants must hold a higher education entrance qualification equivalent to the German Abitur (for bachelor's) or a completed bachelor's degree in a related field with at least 210 ECTS (for master's). Qualification recognition is checked against anabin.kmk.org, with the admissions office making the final determination. Applicants from India, China, and Vietnam must obtain a valid APS certificate from the German Embassy/Consulate in their home country before applying. Language requirements: German-taught programmes require DSH-2 or TestDaF with minimum TDN 4 in all four sections; English-taught programmes require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 86 for non-native speakers. Applications are submitted via the university's online portal.

Application deadlines

German-taught programmes: winter semester April 1–July 15; summer semester October 1–January 15. English-taught programmes: winter semester (applications open February 1) deadline April 15; summer semester (applications open September 1) deadline November 15. Exchange/bilateral students: winter semester nomination by June 30 (visa-critical countries March 31), application by July 15 (visa-critical April 15); summer semester nomination by December 31 (visa-critical September 30), application by January 15 (visa-critical October 15).

Languages of instruction

Most bachelor's programmes are taught in German. Several master's programmes and some bachelor's programmes (e.g. International Business and Economics) are offered in English. German-taught programmes require DSH-2 or TestDaF TDN 4 in all four sections; English-taught programmes require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 86 minimum.

Campuses & locations

Main Campus Schmalkalden

Single compact campus at Blechhammer 9, D-98574 Schmalkalden; all facilities within walking distance including lecture halls, labs, library, dining, and student housing.

Living in Thüringen

Schmalkalden is a historic small town (population approx. 20,000) in central Thuringia, situated at the northern edge of the Thuringian Forest. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval old town and Renaissance Wilhelmsburg palace. Students benefit from low living costs, easy access to outdoor recreation including hiking on the Rennsteig trail and winter sports at nearby Oberhof, and reasonable rail connections to regional centres such as Erfurt and further afield to Berlin and Munich.

Student life & support

Campus life is characterised by the compact single-site layout, which fosters a close-knit student community. Student housing, sports facilities, and the cafeteria are all on or adjacent to the main campus. The university runs an active Buddy Programme pairing incoming international students with local students. Student associations and the student council (AStA) organise social events. The surrounding Thuringian Forest offers year-round outdoor activities, and the historic town centre provides cafes and cultural venues within walking distance.

International Office: International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus