Theologische Hochschule Friedensau

About Theologische Hochschule Friedensau

Theologische Hochschule Friedensau — operating under the English name Friedensau Adventist University (FAU) — is a small, state-accredited private university founded in 1899 and run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Located on a residential campus in Möckern-Friedensau, Saxony-Anhalt, it enrolls approximately 250 students from more than 40 nations and offers ten degree programmes across two faculties: Theology and Social Sciences.

The university offers both German-taught and English-taught programmes at bachelor's and master's level, including programmes in International Social Work, Development Studies, Theological Studies, and Pastoral Ministry taught fully in English. Several master's programmes are available in part-time or e-learning format. As a private institution FAU charges tuition fees (€2,100–€2,340 per semester depending on programme), as it does not receive state grants.

With its small size FAU provides close student-faculty interaction and a religiously oriented campus community. The institution participates in Erasmus+ and has more than 40 international partner universities. Scholarships including the Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month) and programme-specific access scholarships (up to €6,000) are available.

Key facts

Founded: 1899
Students: 250
International: students from 40+ nations
Faculties: 2

Founded in 1899 — one of Germany's oldest private theological universities

~250 students from 40+ nations on a single residential campus in Saxony-Anhalt

Two faculties: Theology and Social Sciences, with 10 degree programmes total

Five programmes taught fully in English, including bachelor's and master's level

Private institution: tuition fees ~€2,100–€2,340/semester; no state-grant model applies

Participates in Erasmus+ and maintains 40+ international partner universities

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

FAU is a private university and charges tuition fees of approximately €2,100–€2,340 per semester depending on the programme, plus a one-time registration fee of approximately €380. These fees apply to all students regardless of nationality (there is no separate public-university semester contribution model here). The M.A. Development Studies e-learning programme costs €2,403 per semester. FAU does not receive state subsidies, so the tuition-free model of German public universities does not apply. The Baden-Württemberg non-EU surcharge (€1,500/semester) is not applicable as FAU is in Saxony-Anhalt and is a private institution.

Admission requirements

Applicants must meet programme-specific admission requirements; no numerus clausus (NC/Abitur grade cap) applies to bachelor's programmes. Specific language requirements depend on the programme language track — German-taught programmes require German proficiency; English-taught programmes require English proficiency. International applicants from India, China, and Vietnam whose prior qualification was obtained in those countries should check the APS certificate requirement with the admissions office, as FAU is a state-accredited institution subject to standard German higher education admission rules. Application deadlines vary by programme; prospective students are advised to contact the Admissions and International Office (Irina Heinz) for programme-specific timelines. A non-EU applicant must also provide proof of funding: either a €6,000 down payment accompanied by a letter of commitment, or a €500 down payment supported by a blocked account (Sperrkonto).

Languages of instruction

German and English. German-taught programmes: B.A. Social Work, B.A. Theology, M.A. Counseling, M.A. Music Therapy, M.A. Theology. English-taught programmes: B.A. International Social Work, M.A. Development Studies (on-campus and online), M.A. Theological Studies, M.A. Pastoral Ministry, PhD supervision in Theology.

Campuses & locations

Friedensau Campus

Single residential campus at An der Ihle 19, D-39291 Möckern-Friedensau, Saxony-Anhalt

Living in the city

Friedensau is a small village within the municipality of Möckern in the district of Jerichower Land, Saxony-Anhalt. It lies roughly 100 km west of Berlin and 30 km east of Magdeburg. The locality is essentially a company town built around the Adventist university campus; daily life revolves around the campus facilities. Magdeburg, the state capital, provides the nearest major urban amenities, shopping, and transport connections.

Student life & support

FAU operates student residences on campus where rooms are furnished and include internet (WLAN), telephone connection, and TV access; shared shower and toilet facilities are provided on each floor. A guesthouse accommodates part-time students during lecture weeks. On-campus facilities include a cafeteria (full-board available, lunch from €2.90), a Student Center (StuZ), and a daycare. Sports, cultural, and spiritual programmes are organised on campus. The Admissions and International Office (headed by Irina Heinz) handles international student support including Erasmus+ coordination. Specific German language course offerings for international students are not published on the official website; prospective students should enquire directly.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus