Karlshochschule International University
Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Founded
- 2004
- Students
- 252
- International
- 50%
- Programmes
- 18
- Taught in English
- 2
About Karlshochschule International University
Karlshochschule International University (informally "die Karls") is a small, state-recognised private university of applied sciences in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg. It holds system accreditation from FIBAA (granted April 2015), authorising it to award Bachelor's and Master's degrees. The institution is strongly international in character: the university states that more than half of its students come from abroad, with students representing approximately 60 countries.
The curriculum spans eight Bachelor's programmes (Business Psychology, Creativity and Management, Computer Science, International Business, International Relations, Mechatronics, Politics, and Politics Philosophy and Economics) and two Master's programmes (Management, Social Transformation), all offered across six or four semesters respectively. Teaching is primarily in English, supported by additional language courses in Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish, and French. The university maintains over 114 international partner universities and requires all students to complete an international semester abroad, typically in the 4th or 5th semester.
Beyond its Karlsruhe main campus the university operates satellite study locations in Chemnitz and Potsdam, allowing students in eastern Germany to access its programmes. The institution emphasises small learning groups, individual professor mentoring, and a practice-oriented curriculum that integrates mandatory internship semesters.
State-recognised private university with FIBAA system accreditation since 2015
More than half of students are international, representing approximately 60 countries
Mandatory international semester abroad at one of 114+ partner universities worldwide
Primarily English-medium instruction across all Bachelor's and Master's programmes
Three study locations: Karlsruhe (main), Chemnitz, and Potsdam
Non-EU tuition €750/month (from WS 2025/26); EU tuition €550/month - independent private fee structure, not subject to Baden-Württemberg public non-EU surcharge
Key facts
- Type
- Fachhochschulen / HAW
- Founded
- 2004
- Students
- 252
- International
- More than 50% international students; approximately 60 nationalities represented
- Faculties
- 2
- Programmes
- 18
Study programmes
18 accredited degrees at Karlshochschule International University, 2 of them taught in English.
Showing 1–18 of 18 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
Karlshochschule is a private university and charges its own tuition fees - the Baden-Württemberg non-EU surcharge of €1,500/semester applicable to public universities does not apply here. From Winter Semester 2025/26, monthly tuition is €550 for EU students and €750 for non-EU students. A one-time enrolment fee of €500 applies. The semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) is €67.70 per semester (2024 figure). Non-EU students pay a deposit upon contract signing which is offset against total study costs. Estimated total costs for a 3-year Bachelor's are approximately €20,706 (EU) and €27,756 (non-EU) at published rates. Scholarships include a full tuition waiver for United World College graduates; other public and private foundation scholarships may apply.
Admission requirements
For Bachelor's programmes, applicants require a university entrance qualification (Abitur or recognised equivalent). English-taught tracks require C1 English proficiency: IELTS Academic minimum 6.5, TOEFL iBT minimum 100, Trinity College London ISE III, or LanguageCert Academic. German-taught tracks require B2 German (DSH 2 certificate or TestDaF with all four sections at TDN 4 minimum). Required documents include an online application form, entrance qualification certificate, language proficiency certificate, motivation letter (1-2 pages in English), tabular CV, passport photo, and evidence of relevant experience (internships, vocational training). The admissions page does not mention the APS certificate specifically; however, Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants are required to obtain an APS certificate for the German student visa regardless and should confirm with the International Office. The application deadline for non-EU applicants without a German visa is 15 July for the winter semester; EU applicants may apply until 1 September or later. Study places are limited and early application is encouraged.
Application deadlines
Master programmes: EU applicants deadline 1 September; non-EU applicants 15 July (with or without existing German visa). Bachelor programmes: rolling online application with selection interviews; limited places, early application recommended; non-EU visa-country exceptions possible for states without short-stay visa requirement.
How international applicants apply
Not documented. Karlshochschule runs its own online application system (application.karlshochschule.de / khs.campusweb.cloud; admissions contact [email protected], +49 721 48095-777) with a two-step selection procedure: written application plus personal admissions interview with faculty. Foreign HZB is accepted as 'ein als gleichwertig anerkannter ausländischer Bildungsnachweis'; no uni-assist cooperation is mentioned on official admission pages.
Languages of instruction
Instruction is primarily in English. German-taught tracks are also available for some programmes (B2 German required). Additional language courses include Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish, and French. All students are expected to develop multilingual competence as part of the curriculum.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Scholarships at Karlshochschule International University
4 schemes run or administered by the university. Always confirm current amounts and deadlines on the official page.
Deutschlandstipendium an der Karlshochschule
Germany Scholarship for enrolled students or admitted applicants with excellent performance and civic engagement; social, family a...
Amount: EUR 300 per month
Deadline: Historically 15 June (database entry)
bachelor, master
Kultur@Karls-Stipendium
New scholarship especially suited to participants of the FSJ Kultur (voluntary cultural service) and other culture-interested youn...
Amount: Tuition reduction (extent per announcement)
bachelor
Reduced-fee track for pupils of international schools in Germany
Special programme giving pupils of international schools in Germany (denied the US route in the current political situation) a pla...
Amount: EUR 390 per month instead of standard tuition
bachelor
UWC-Stipendium
Annual full scholarship for one outstanding United World College graduate starting a degree at Karlshochschule; seeks global-minde...
Amount: 100% tuition waiver for the standard period of study
bachelor, master
Student accommodation
What Karlshochschule International University publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
From the university
The campus is in the city centre of Karlsruhe; the university does not operate its own student halls, so students arrange private accommodation.
Campuses & locations
Karlstraße 36-38, 76133 Karlsruhe - headquarters and primary study location.
Satellite study location in Chemnitz, Saxony.
Satellite study location in Potsdam, Brandenburg.
Living in Karlsruhe
Karlsruhe is a mid-sized city of approximately 310,000 residents in the southwest corner of Baden-Württemberg, situated between the Rhine and the Black Forest. It is home to the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and several Fachhochschulen, giving it a pronounced student and research character. The city has an efficient tram network, a lively cultural scene, and is within an hour of Stuttgart, Heidelberg, and the French border.
Student life & support
The Karlshochschule International Office provides support to incoming exchange and degree students, including integration into regular programmes and organised activities and excursions. All students complete a mandatory semester abroad at one of the 114+ partner universities worldwide. The campus is in the city centre of Karlsruhe; the university does not operate its own student halls, so students arrange private accommodation. Living costs in Karlsruhe are estimated by the university at €700-800 per month. German language courses are available alongside the English-taught curriculum for students wishing to develop language skills for everyday life.
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