Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen - Catholic University of Applied Sciences
Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
About Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen - Catholic Univer
Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen (katho) is Germany's largest state-recognised university under church administration, founded in 1971 when fifteen predecessor vocational schools merged in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is a University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule) operating across four campuses — Aachen, Cologne, Münster, and Paderborn — and is sponsored by the four (arch)dioceses of those cities, with funding primarily from the state of NRW. Catholic faith is explicitly not a requirement for enrolment.
The university focuses on three subject clusters: Social Work, Health Sciences (nursing and midwifery), and Applied Theology. As of the most recent figures it enrols approximately 5,288 students across 6 departments, offering 12 bachelor's degree programmes and 10 master's programmes (4 consecutive, 6 continuing-education). It employs 124 professors and 271 visiting lecturers, with an annual budget of approximately €36 million.
katho maintains Erasmus partnerships with over 40 European institutions and broader cooperation agreements with more than 60 universities and practice facilities worldwide. The university is accredited through the German state process and is recognised under the KMK framework.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1971
- Students
- 5,288
- International
- 173 international students
- Faculties
- 6
Germany's largest state-recognised university under church administration (kirchliche Trägerschaft)
Founded 1971 by merger of 15 predecessor vocational schools; celebrated 50th anniversary in 2021
5,288 enrolled students across 4 campuses (Aachen, Cologne, Münster, Paderborn)
6 departments specialising in Social Work, Health Sciences, and Applied Theology
Erasmus partner since 1997; cooperation with over 60 universities and practice facilities worldwide
No tuition fees; no non-EU surcharge in NRW
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
No tuition fees are charged. Students pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) covering administrative costs and often public-transport tickets; the exact amount varies by campus and semester. North Rhine-Westphalia does not levy additional non-EU student surcharges (unlike Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria). Students are responsible for living costs and health insurance.
Admission requirements
Applicants must hold a recognised Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (Abitur, Fachhochschulreife, or equivalent foreign qualification). Most bachelor's programmes in Social Work additionally require a preliminary internship (Vorpraktikum) of at least three months in a relevant social field, completable by the start of semester. Health-science programmes (nursing, midwifery) require completed professional training and valid licensure. Applicants without traditional Hochschulreife who hold vocational qualifications may apply under the Berufsbildungshochschul-Zugangsverordnung with documented professional experience. German language requirement: minimum C1 for most programmes. International applicants whose prior schooling was not in German must provide a recognised German-language certificate (e.g. Goethe C1, TestDaF TDN 4, DSH). Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants are subject to the APS certificate requirement before applying for a student visa at the German consulate, as katho is a state-recognised university in Germany. The university's anabin status should be verified via kmk.org/anabin before applying, as individual departmental decisions may apply.
Application deadlines
Applications are submitted via the university's online portal. Most bachelor's programmes: application window 1 December to 31 May for the winter semester starting in October. Some health-science programmes have shorter windows (e.g. midwifery: January–February; full-time nursing in Cologne: September–15 November). Master's programmes in Aachen close 30 April. A waitlist process (Nachrückverfahren) accepts further applications 1 June–31 July if places reopen. Summer semester start programmes are limited; check individual programme pages for confirmation.
Languages of instruction
Instruction is primarily in German. One English-taught programme is available: 'Social Work and Exclusion', a semester course at the Münster campus aimed at incoming exchange students. German-taught bachelor's and master's programmes typically require at least C1-level German proficiency.
Campuses & locations
Department of Social Work; Robert-Schuman-Straße 25, 52066 Aachen; ~1,159 students
Departments of Social Work and Health Sciences; Wörthstraße 10, 50668 Köln; ~1,885 students; central administration
Department of Social Work and Special/Inclusive Education; Piusallee 89, 48147 Münster; ~1,116 students
Departments of Social Work and Applied Theology; ~1,066 students
Living in Nordrhein-Westfalen
katho's campuses span four cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. Cologne (Köln) is Germany's fourth-largest city and a major cultural and media hub on the Rhine. Aachen is a historic cathedral city bordering Belgium and the Netherlands, home also to RWTH Aachen University. Münster is a university city in Westphalia known for its cycling culture and large student population. Paderborn is a mid-sized city in eastern NRW with a strong IT sector and a manageable cost of living.
Student life & support
Each campus has student representative bodies (AStA and StuPa), working groups on topics such as equality and environment, and alumni networks. The Cologne campus has a cafeteria and is within walking distance of the Rhine; the Aachen campus features modern seminar rooms and a café (Sozialpunkt). The International Office is present at each campus and assists incoming exchange students with travel, visa, insurance, and housing search. Housing is not provided directly by katho; students are referred to local Studierendenwerk services and private accommodation. The university runs a 'Going Global' programme for outgoing student internships and has been an Erasmus partner since 1997. German language support details should be confirmed directly with the International Office.
22
Accredited Programmes
12
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
10
Master
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