Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover

About Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover

The University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation (Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, TiHo) was founded in 1778 as Germany's oldest veterinary training institution, originally established as the Roß-Arzney-Schule (equine medicine school). It is the only independent, stand-alone veterinary university in Germany, operating as a foundation university in the state of Lower Saxony.

The TiHo is a highly specialised research university focused exclusively on veterinary medicine and related life sciences. It comprises six clinics, 17 institutes, a Research Centre for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, and three field stations (Ruthe, Bakum, and Büsum). As of WS 2025/26, it enrols approximately 2,400 students — 1,446 in veterinary medicine, 44 in MSc Animal Biology and Biomedical Sciences, 28 in MSc Food Process and Product Engineering, and 503 doctoral candidates.

The university maintains research partnerships with 37 foreign universities and veterinary faculties in 29 countries and participates in the Erasmus+ programme. Its research priorities include infectious disease medicine, animal health, food quality and safety, and biodiversity.

Key facts

Founded: 1778
Students: 2,400

Oldest veterinary university in Germany, founded 1778 — the only independent stand-alone veterinary university in the country

Highly specialised: all teaching and research focused on veterinary medicine, animal biology, and food science

Six clinics and 17 institutes on campus, including a 24-hour emergency veterinary service

Research Centre for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses — internationally recognised infectious disease research

Partnerships with 37 foreign universities and veterinary faculties in 29 countries; active Erasmus+ programme

Semester transport ticket (Deutschlandsemesterticket) included in the €425.20 semester contribution — free nationwide rail travel

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

No tuition fees for the state examination programme in veterinary medicine (Niedersachsen public university). The semester contribution for 2026 is €425.20 per semester, which includes: student union (€130.00), administration fee (€75.00), Germany-wide semester transport ticket (€208.80), AStA contribution (€9.00), bicycle workshop (€2.00), and culture ticket (€2.00). Students who exceed the standard study duration face an additional €500 per semester long-term-studies fee, with exemptions for medical and caregiving circumstances.

Admission requirements

Non-EU international applicants for the veterinary medicine state examination programme must apply exclusively through uni-assist (uni-assist.de). Admission is via a 5% quota for non-EU applicants. German language proficiency at DSH-2 / TestDaF TDN 4 in all four sections / Goethe C1–C2 is mandatory. Applicants whose prior qualifications are from India, Vietnam, China, or Pakistan must submit an APS certificate (or equivalent, e.g. HEC for Pakistan) along with their application for the MSc FPPE programme; the same applies to non-EU applicants to other programmes subject to uni-assist credential verification. If credentials are not directly recognised, completion of a Studienkolleg Feststellungsprüfung may be required. Application deadlines for veterinary medicine: 31 May (Abitur completed by 16 January) or 15 July (Abitur completed between 16 January and 15 July) for the winter semester. MSc Food Process and Product Engineering: application opens 1 May, deadline 15 July each year.

Application deadlines

Veterinary medicine (winter semester): 31 May for applicants completing Abitur by 16 January; 15 July for applicants completing Abitur between 16 January and 15 July. MSc Food Process and Product Engineering: 15 July annually (applications open 1 May). Higher-semester veterinary medicine transfers: 1 June – 15 July for WS 2026/27.

Languages of instruction

Veterinary medicine (state exam / Staatsexamen) is taught entirely in German. The MSc Food Process and Product Engineering is taught in English (B2 required). The MSc Animal Biology and Biomedical Sciences has English-language components; check programme page for current language of instruction.

Campuses & locations

Bischofsholer Damm Campus

Approximately 6 hectares; historic main site in the city of Hannover

Bünteweg Campus

Approximately 42 hectares; location of clinics, institutes, and administration

Field Station Ruthe

Satellite facility for farm animal and epidemiology research

Field Station Bakum

Satellite facility for livestock and poultry research

Field Station Büsum

Satellite facility for wildlife and aquatic research

Living in Niedersachsen

Hannover is the capital of Lower Saxony and a mid-sized city of approximately 540,000 inhabitants in north-west Germany. It is well connected by rail (ICE hub) and has an international airport. The city is known for its large parks, the annual Hannover Messe trade fair, and a compact, student-friendly city centre. Hannover hosts several universities with a combined student population exceeding 40,000, supporting an affordable and active student scene.

Student life & support

Student life at TiHo is shaped by its intimate, specialist character — the student body is small relative to comprehensive universities, fostering close cohorts within the veterinary programme. The AStA (student union) organises cultural and social events. Students benefit from the Germany-wide semester ticket (included in the semester contribution), giving free public transport access across Germany. The Bünteweg campus has green spaces, a canteen, and sports facilities. An online counselling service and psychological therapeutic counselling are available. The International Academic Office runs cultural excursions, evening events, and provides German language learning via the Babbel platform for international students.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master

Other