Theologische Hochschule Ewersbach
About Theologische Hochschule Ewersbach
Theologische Hochschule Ewersbach (THE) is a small, state-recognised university of applied sciences (Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften) in Dietzhölztal-Ewersbach, Hesse, Germany. It is sponsored by the Bund Freier evangelischer Gemeinden in Deutschland (Association of Free Evangelical Churches in Germany) and trains pastors, missionaries, and community ministers. The institution traces its roots to a preacher school founded in 1912 and achieved full university status recognition from the Hessian Ministry of Science and the Arts in 2011.
The THE offers four degree programmes entirely within evangelical theology and related ministry disciplines: two bachelor's and two master's degrees. All programmes are taught in German and are closely integrated with practical church and community work. The accreditation was most recently renewed in 2021 for a five-year period.
With approximately 70 students (Sommersemester 2026) and nine full-time faculty members, the THE is one of the smallest accredited higher-education institutions in Germany. It operates a residential campus model, with on-campus dormitory accommodation available for single students and a strong communal-life emphasis built into the curriculum.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1912
- Students
- 70
- International
- approximately 10%
State-recognised Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften with accreditation renewed in 2021
Sponsored by the Bund Freier evangelischer Gemeinden — one of Germany's few Free Church theological universities
Four specialised degree programmes: B.A. Evangelical Theology, B.A. Youth/Community/Mission/Diaconia, M.A. Evangelical Theology, M.A. Evangelical Community Practice
Residential campus model with integrated practical church placements (minimum one year in-community work)
Tuition of €1,050/semester, reducible to ~€630 via on-campus volunteering; BAföG-eligible
Very small cohort (~70 students, 9 full-time faculty) ensuring close mentoring and community
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
Tuition: €1,050 per semester for both bachelor's and master's programmes (not tuition-free). Students who volunteer approximately three hours per week on campus tasks (gardening, cleaning, library) receive a volunteer allowance of €420 per semester, reducing the effective cost to approximately €630 per semester. Members of Freie evangelische Gemeinden can receive a church loan of €500 per semester, forgiven upon employment within the FEG network. BAföG state funding and the Deutschlandstipendium are available under standard conditions. No separate non-EU surcharge is listed on the official site.
Admission requirements
For the bachelor's programmes, applicants need either the Abitur/Fachabitur or a Realschulabschluss combined with a completed vocational qualification graded 2.5 or better. A church-track pathway exists for applicants without standard qualifications, but results in a church certificate rather than a state-recognised degree. For the master's programmes, a bachelor's degree in Evangelical Theology with a minimum GPA of 3.2 (German scale) and knowledge of biblical Greek and Hebrew are required. The application process involves submitting a questionnaire, handwritten motivation statement, CV, certified credentials, and references from three church community members, followed by a faculty interview. All instruction and application materials are in German; strong German proficiency is a prerequisite. APS certificate is required for applicants whose prior qualification is from India, China, or Vietnam before applying for a student visa. No specific annual deadline is published; the institution recommends applying by mid-June for the winter semester.
Application deadlines
No binding deadline is published. The institution recommends submitting applications by mid-June for planning purposes (presumed winter-semester start). Contact the Studienbüro directly for confirmation.
Languages of instruction
All programmes taught in German. No English-taught programmes offered.
Campuses & locations
Single campus opened 2007; includes lecture rooms, library, dormitory, gym, and Bahrs Bar social space. Located at Jahnstraße 49-53, 35716 Dietzhölztal-Ewersbach.
Living in the city
Ewersbach is a small village within the municipality of Dietzhölztal in the Lahn-Dill-Kreis district of Hesse. It is a rural setting surrounded by wooded hills, with nearby ski lifts and a swimming lake. Larger urban centres — Marburg, Siegen, and Gießen — are reachable within approximately 30 minutes by car, offering broader cultural, shopping, and transport amenities.
Student life & support
The THE operates a residential campus where communal living is integral to the study experience. On-campus dormitory rooms are available for single students at €175–190 per month (warm rent). Student life includes twice-weekly campus devotional gatherings (Campusandacht), an annual community retreat week (Einkehrtage) in the Allgäu, sports facilities (football and volleyball halls, on-campus gym, grass field), and forest trails for jogging and hiking. The Bahrs Bar hosts regular barbecues and social events. The small student body of around 70 creates a tight-knit, family-style community environment.
3
Accredited Programmes
2
Master
1
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
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