Katholische Hochschule Mainz Catholic University of Applied Sciences

About Katholische Hochschule Mainz Catholic University of Applied

Katholische Hochschule Mainz (CUAS Mainz) is a state-recognised university of applied sciences (HAW) operating under the sponsorship of five Catholic dioceses — Mainz, Trier, Limburg, Speyer, and Cologne — with co-funding from the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Founded in 1972, it describes itself as the smallest university in Mainz, with a deliberately personal study atmosphere and a strong emphasis on practice-oriented teaching and applied research.

The university specialises in three thematic clusters — Social Work and Social Sciences, Health and Nursing, and Practical Theology — and offers bachelor's and master's degrees within these fields. One bachelor's programme (Social Sciences: Migration and Integration) incorporates English-language instruction; almost all other programmes are taught entirely in German.

With approximately 1,600 enrolled students and around 36 professors, CUAS Mainz is a compact institution. It maintains Erasmus+ partnerships and other international cooperative agreements across all three departments, and its campus at Saarstraße 3 is fully barrier-free and located close to Mainz central station.

Key facts

Founded: 1972
Students: 1,600
Faculties: 3

Specialist HAW focused on Social Work, Health and Nursing, and Practical Theology — not a general university

Smallest university in Mainz (~1,600 students); high staff-to-student ratio and personal study atmosphere

Sponsored by five Catholic dioceses; open to students of all religions, nationalities, and backgrounds

No tuition fees; semester contribution (~€320–€370) includes Germany-wide public transport (Deutschlandticket)

International full-time and exchange students accepted; Erasmus+ partnerships across all three departments

Located near Mainz Hauptbahnhof with direct rail access to Frankfurt Airport (~20 minutes)

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

No tuition fees charged. Students pay a semester contribution of approximately €320–€370 per semester, which covers the Deutschlandticket semester ticket (free public transport across Germany) and student services (StudiCard). Rheinland-Pfalz does not charge additional non-EU student fees.

Admission requirements

International applicants with foreign qualifications must submit a uni-assist pre-examination (Vorprüfungsdokumentation) before applying via the university's online portal (kathi-net). Applicants from India, China, or Vietnam who require an APS certificate must obtain it prior to application. Standard language requirement is German B2 for bachelor's programmes; C1 German for master's programmes. The university uses a points-based admission system (no strict Numerus Clausus): points are awarded for school grades, vocational training, professional experience, volunteer work, and other criteria. Practical Theology programmes require Catholic Church membership.

Application deadlines

Bachelor's Social Work (B.A.) and related programmes: 1 February – 30 June (for winter semester). Bachelor's Social Work Dual: 1 February – 31 August. Bachelor's Health and Nursing (B.Sc.): 1 January – 15 March. Master's programmes: 1 November – 31 January. Exchange/Erasmus nominations by partner universities: 15 May (winter semester) / 15 November (summer semester); student applications by 31 May / 1 December.

Languages of instruction

Almost all programmes taught in German. One bachelor's programme (Social Sciences: Migration and Integration) includes English-language instruction. Exchange students may take courses in English with B2 English proficiency.

Campuses & locations

Saarstraße Campus

Main and only campus, Saarstraße 3, D-55122 Mainz; barrier-free, near Mainz Hauptbahnhof

Living in Rheinland-Pfalz

Mainz is the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate and sits on the western bank of the Rhine, directly across from Frankfurt's metropolitan area. It is a recognised Wissenschaftsstadt (science city) home to Johannes Gutenberg University, several Fraunhofer institutes, and other higher-education institutions. The city is known for its Roman history, cathedral old town, and the annual Mainz Carnival. Excellent rail and public-transport links — including direct trains to Frankfurt Airport (approx. 20 minutes) — make it attractive for international students.

Student life & support

CUAS Mainz students have access to the sports programme of Johannes Gutenberg University free of charge, including a university running club. The campus cafeteria Cafeteria LichtBlick serves as a social hub. A public book exchange (Bücherschrank) is available on campus. The student body is small, which the university highlights as enabling close interaction between students and faculty. Accommodation is available through KHG Mainz student dormitory and other student residences (Studentenwohnheim Rhein-Main, SMARTments); the International Office assists incoming students with housing.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus