University of Labour

Hessen, Germany

About University of Labour

The University of Labour (Hochschule der Arbeit) is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences located in Frankfurt am Main, Hessen. Founded in 2021 by IG Metall and the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), it is the first university in Europe established by trade unions and was formally accredited by the Hessian Ministry for Science and Art in April 2021.

The university operates from the "House of Labour" building and focuses exclusively on work-integrated, project-based study programmes in labour-related fields. Its mission is to equip works council members, supervisory board representatives, and union-affiliated professionals with the academic qualifications needed to shape a self-determined working world. As of Winter Semester 2023/24 it enrolled around 54 students, making it one of Germany's smallest higher education institutions.

All bachelor's programmes follow a part-time, job-integrated format with in-person sessions held approximately every six weeks in Frankfurt (Thursday to Saturday) plus virtual components, allowing students to continue working while studying. The university also runs the Academy of Labour and a range of university certificate courses in areas such as AI management and supervisory board work.

Key facts

Founded: 2021
Students: 54

First university in Europe founded by trade unions (IG Metall and DGB), recognised 2021

All programmes are work-integrated — students remain employed throughout their studies

Located in the House of Labour, Frankfurt am Main

Offers Bachelor of Arts in Applied Business Administration (Labour Relations), Bachelor of Laws in Labour Law, Bachelor of Arts in Applied Educational Sciences, and a Master's in Strategy and Sustainable Management

Also runs the Academy of Labour and university certificate courses (AI management, supervisory board, occupational pensions)

Small, specialist institution (~54 students) with a strong focus on co-determination (Mitbestimmung) and social sustainability

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

The University of Labour is a private institution and charges fees. Monthly personal study costs are up to €475, depending on employer contributions and study support received. A one-time enrolment fee of €540 applies (waived if the application is submitted by the promotional deadline). There is no tuition-free public-university status here.

Admission requirements

Applicants must be in active employment — this is a prerequisite for all programmes. Required entry qualification: general university entrance qualification (Abitur), technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife), or subject-specific university entrance qualification. Alternative pathways exist for applicants with a completed master craftsperson, technician, or business administrator qualification (grants general university access), or for those with a three-year vocational qualification plus secondary education with a minimum grade of 2.5, or two-year vocational training plus two years of relevant work experience (requires an external university entrance examination). No APS certificate requirement is mentioned (the university's target audience is primarily employed professionals in Germany). Language requirements are not separately specified; instruction is in German so proficiency is implicitly expected. International applicants are not specifically addressed on the official site; prospective students should contact the study programme management directly.

Application deadlines

Bachelor programmes: applications accepted until 16 August 2026 for the Winter Semester 2026 intake (start date 8 October 2026). An early-application incentive waives the €540 enrolment fee for applications submitted by 30 June 2026. MBA admission deadlines are listed separately on the official site.

Languages of instruction

German (all degree programmes taught in German); no English-taught degree programmes offered

Campuses & locations

Frankfurt am Main (House of Labour)

Eschersheimer Landstraße 155-157, 60323 Frankfurt am Main — single campus

Living in Hessen

Frankfurt am Main is Hessen's largest city and Germany's financial capital, home to the European Central Bank and a major international airport (Frankfurt Airport, FRA). The city has a large international community, a well-developed public transport network (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram), and a vibrant student life supported by Goethe University and several applied-sciences universities. Cost of living is among the higher end for Germany; average student rent ranges from €700 to €1,100/month for a single room.

Student life & support

Because the University of Labour is very small (~54 students) and study is part-time and work-integrated, campus life differs significantly from a conventional university. Residential student facilities are not offered. In-person study blocks take place every six weeks, providing a cohort-learning atmosphere during those sessions. The broader Frankfurt student scene — including student housing, cultural events, and social infrastructure — is accessible via the city's other universities.

Accredited Programmes

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

Master