Pädagogische Hochschule Schwäbisch Gmünd
Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Founded
- 1825
- Students
- 2,551
- Programmes
- 88
About Pädagogische Hochschule Schwäbisch Gmünd
Pädagogische Hochschule Schwäbisch Gmünd (PH Schwäbisch Gmünd) is a state university of education in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, with roots in teacher training dating to 1825. It describes itself as a research-based and practice-oriented institution with a university-level profile, specialising in Education, Health, and Interculturality.
The university offers 24 study programmes spanning bachelor's, master's, and certificate levels across teacher education, early childhood pedagogy, health promotion, nursing science, and intercultural studies. It maintains partnerships with over 50 universities worldwide and offers one Erasmus Mundus Joint Master taught in English.
Founded in 1825 - one of the oldest teacher-training institutions in Baden-Württemberg
Three strategic focus areas: Education, Health, and Interculturality
24 study programmes across bachelor's, master's, and certificate levels
Non-EU students pay €1,500/semester tuition (Baden-Württemberg state fee); EU students pay no tuition
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master 'Education, Migration and Diversity' taught in English
International partnerships with over 50 universities worldwide
Key facts
- Type
- Pädagogische Hochschule
- Founded
- 1825
- Students
- 2,551
- Faculties
- 2
- Programmes
- 88
Study programmes
88 accredited degrees at Pädagogische Hochschule Schwäbisch Gmünd.
Showing 1–24 of 88 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
Most bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes are tuition-free for EU/EEA students and those holding German university entrance qualifications. Non-EU/EEA students pay €1,500 per semester in tuition fees (in force since Winter Semester 2017/18), in addition to the standard semester contribution. The semester contribution for WS 2025/26 is €167 (comprising €80 administrative fee + €72 Studierendenwerk fee + €15 student association fee), rising to €177 from WS 2026/27. The part-time M.A. Education Management programme charges an additional €600 per semester regardless of nationality.
Admission requirements
Non-EU international applicants must submit a completed application form ('Zulassungsantrag für ausländische Studienbewerber Nicht-EU') via the online portal at campus.ph-gmuend.de, along with certified copies and certified translations of school-leaving certificates, university transcripts, and degree certificates. German language proficiency is mandatory: accepted proofs include TestDaF TDN 4 in all four sections, DSH II, telc C1 Hochschule, Goethe Großes/Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom, Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung, or Deutsches Sprachdiplom Stufe II. The website does not mention an APS certificate requirement; Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants should check with the German Embassy / APS office whether APS is required for their specific qualification, as PH Schwäbisch Gmünd does not list it explicitly. An orientation-testing participation certificate (Studienorientierungsverfahren) is required for bachelor applicants. Some programmes additionally require aptitude examinations (arts, music, sports).
Application deadlines
Bachelor programmes: 1 June - 15 July for Winter Semester (October start); 1 December - 15 January for Summer Semester (April start). Extended deadlines apply to some teacher education and childhood pedagogy programmes (up to 15 September / 15 March respectively). Master programme deadlines should be confirmed directly with the university, as they are not uniformly published.
How international applicants apply
Direct portal model. EU/EWR applicants with foreign certificates apply online through the PH's own system; non-EU applicants submit the PDF form 'Zulassungsantrag fuer auslaendische Studienbewerber (Nicht-EU)' IN ADDITION to the online application. The PH itself decides admission based on certificate equivalence - no uni-assist/VPD procedure is documented on the degree-seeking pages.
Languages of instruction
German is the primary language of instruction for the vast majority of programmes. One programme is taught in English: the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master 'Education, Migration and Diversity'. Prospective international students are expected to demonstrate German proficiency at TestDaF TDN 4 (all sections), DSH II, telc C1 Hochschule, or equivalent before enrolment.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Student accommodation
What Pädagogische Hochschule Schwäbisch Gmünd publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
From the university
The university operates a single compact campus with a mensa (cafeteria run by Studierendenwerk Ulm), a student café ('Matrikü(h)l'), a campus shop, and Hochschulsport (university sports programme).
Campuses & locations
Oberbettringer Straße 200, 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd - single campus with mensa, student café, sports facilities, and campus shop
Living in Schwäbisch Gmünd
Schwäbisch Gmünd is a mid-sized historic city in the Ostalbkreis district of Baden-Württemberg, approximately 50 km east of Stuttgart. Known for its well-preserved medieval old town and as a centre of gold and silver craftsmanship, the city has a population of around 60,000. It is served by regional rail (Stuttgart-Aalen line), making Stuttgart accessible in under an hour. The cost of living is lower than Stuttgart or Munich, which is favourable for students on limited budgets.
Student life & support
The university operates a single compact campus with a mensa (cafeteria run by Studierendenwerk Ulm), a student café ('Matrikü(h)l'), a campus shop, and Hochschulsport (university sports programme). The AStA (student government) and university congregation support campus community life, and students can join choir and band groups. The Akademisches Auslandsamt (International Office) provides advice and coordination for incoming international students, with a dedicated incoming coordinator (Lesia Kimmel, [email protected]). Specific information on student dormitories and German language courses for international arrivals was not published on the official website at time of research; prospective students should contact the International Office directly.
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