- Founded
- 1978
- Students
- 8,000
- International
- 12%
- Programmes
- 94
- Taught in English
- 4
About Universität Hildesheim
Universität Hildesheim (Stiftung Universität Hildesheim) is a mid-sized public university in Lower Saxony, Germany, established as an independent university in 1978. In 2003 it became one of Germany's first foundations under public law (Stiftung). The university enrols approximately 8,000 students across four faculties, with a declared focus on education, cultural studies, linguistics, and applied mathematics and computer science.
The university maintains partnerships with more than 180 universities in around 50 countries and offers approximately 400 student exchange positions annually through Erasmus and bilateral agreements. It has received the European Quality Label (2007 and 2011) and was recognised by the EU for its Erasmus programme success in 2010. An interdisciplinary Centre for Teacher Training and Educational Research (CeLeB) is a structural highlight, alongside strong programmes in translation and international communication.
The campus is compact and spread across several sites within the city of Hildesheim, giving the institution what it describes as a personal learning atmosphere. Teaching and research priorities centre on education and social participation, aesthetic practice, and applications of AI in everyday life.
Founded 1978; became one of Germany's first public-law foundation universities in 2003
Four faculties with approximately 8,000 students and a compact, personal campus environment
Over 180 international partner universities in ~50 countries; ~400 exchange positions per year
EU recognition for Erasmus programme success (2010); European Quality Label (2007, 2011)
Strong programmes in translation, international communication, and teacher education
No tuition fees for bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes (Lower Saxony public university)
Key facts
- Type
- Universitäten
- Founded
- 1978
- Students
- 8,000
- International
- ~12% - 918 international students among 7,786 enrolled in WiSe 2025/26 (official university news of 12 Dec 2025; the figure includes exchange and further-education students and doctoral candidates).
- Faculties
- 4
- Programmes
- 94
Study programmes
94 accredited degrees at Universität Hildesheim, 4 of them taught in English.
Showing 1–24 of 94 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
As a public university in Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), Universität Hildesheim does not charge tuition fees for bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes for EU and non-EU students alike. Lower Saxony does not impose a non-EU surcharge (unlike Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria). A semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) is payable each semester; the exact current amount was not published on the pages reviewed - students should confirm the current figure via the university's enrolment office or Studierendenwerk Hildesheim.
Admission requirements
International applicants must hold a recognised higher education entrance qualification. Degree-seeking bachelor's applicants from India, China (incl. Hong Kong and Macau), and Vietnam are required to hold an APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) before applying. Master's admission requires a recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant subject area. Language of instruction is predominantly German; applicants to German-taught programmes must demonstrate German proficiency (typically TestDaF, DSH, or equivalent). The university accepts exchange students, degree-seeking students, and doctoral candidates. Applicants are directed to the university's International section and the Central Study Advisory Service (Zentrale Studienberatung) for programme-specific requirements.
Application deadlines
Specific deadline dates were not published on the pages reviewed at time of research. The university's website references a dedicated application deadlines page (Bewerbungsfristen) accessible from the study navigation. Prospective students should check the official admissions pages or contact the Central Study Advisory Service for current winter semester (Wintersemester, October start) and summer semester (Sommersemester, April start) deadlines.
How international applicants apply
Uni-assist (VPD route) - applicants without a German higher-education entrance qualification (HZB) or a German degree apply via uni-assist (EUR 75 for the first study wish, EUR 30 for each additional; document check takes 4-6 weeks). After uni-assist forwards eligible applications, applicants receive access data for the university's own application portal. Special cases: Psychology B.Sc. runs through DoSV at hochschulstart.de (BID/BAN entered in the uni-assist portal); some programmes require a separate aptitude-test registration plus uni-assist application; Studienkolleg route via Niedersaechsisches Studienkolleg Hannover also applied for through uni-assist (min. B1 German). APS certificates required for China, India, Vietnam. Study start usually winter semester only.
Languages of instruction
The primary language of instruction is German. English-language and bilingual programmes are available, notably in International Communication and Translation. The Hildesheimer Sprachenforum (Hildesheim Language Forum) offers language courses each semester, including German courses for international students.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Scholarships at Universität Hildesheim
2 schemes run or administered by the university. Always confirm current amounts and deadlines on the official page.
Deutschlandstipendium der Stiftung Universitaet Hildesheim
Awarded to particularly high-achieving students of the foundation university; recipients may join the Minerva College accompanying...
Amount: EUR 300 per month
Deadline: Annual application window (portal opens mid-year for the following fun...
bachelor, master
Lore-Auerbach-Stipendium
University scholarship listed beside the Deutschlandstipendium; joint application possible, but only one of the two programmes can...
Amount: Monthly support (smaller amount than Deutschlandstipendium; see schola...
Deadline: See scholarship office announcements (historically around 30 June per...
bachelor, master
Student accommodation
What Universität Hildesheim publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
Rooms are allocated by
Studierendenwerk Hildesheim
Not by the university. Apply to them directly, and expect a waiting list.
From the university
The Studierendenwerk Hildesheim (shared with HAWK - Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaft und Kunst) operates student dormitories at Blauer Kamp and Hansering, as well as Mensen (cafeterias) and social advisory services.
Campuses & locations
Main campus; Universitätsplatz 1, 31141 Hildesheim - central administration and main faculty buildings
Lübecker Straße 3, 31141 Hildesheim
Samelsonplatz, 31141 Hildesheim
Cultural campus; Domänenstraße, 31141 Hildesheim
Living in Hildesheim
Hildesheim is a city of approximately 100,000 inhabitants in central Lower Saxony, about 30 km south-east of Hannover. It is known for its well-preserved medieval old town and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - St. Michael's Church and Hildesheim Cathedral. The city offers a range of cultural venues including theatres, cinemas, and concert halls, and is described as a compact, liveable university city with good rail connections to Hannover.
Student life & support
The Studierendenwerk Hildesheim (shared with HAWK - Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaft und Kunst) operates student dormitories at Blauer Kamp and Hansering, as well as Mensen (cafeterias) and social advisory services. The university's Centre for University Sports (Zentrum für Hochschulsport) offers predominantly free sports activities each semester. The university's International section organises orientation events for incoming international students each semester, with separate programmes for exchange and degree-seeking students. German language courses and preparatory language support are provided through the Hildesheimer Sprachenforum.
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