Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Germany: Ranking, Courses, Fees, Admissions 2025

Germany has many Universities of Applied Sciences, known in German as Hochschulen für Angewandte Wissenschaften (HAW). These universities of Germany focus on practical education and skills that help students get ready for jobs. For Indian students looking for a career-focused education in fields like technology, economics, social work, or media, HAW/FH are excellent choices. 

The number of students at Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW/FH) in Germany has been steadily increasing. Currently, about 40% of all students in Germany are enrolled in these institutions. In the winter semester of 2022/23, around 158,000 international students were pursuing their studies at HAW/FH.

For non-EU international students, there are 5,418 courses available at these universities. This variety helps students find programs that fit their interests and career goals. It makes HAW/FH a good option for those wanting to study in Germany.

University of Applied Sciences (UAS) Highlights

Factor	Details
Type of Institution	Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)
Total Universities under UAS	200+ UAS across Germany
Courses Offered	A wide range including engineering, business, social sciences, healthcare, design, and more. Many programs are available in English for international students.
Overall Enrollment (Fall 2023)	Around 1.1 million students enrolled across all UAS in Germany (Source DAAD)
International Students Enrollment	Significant number of international students, with many universities actively promoting programs in English to attract global talent.
Average Tuition Fee	Generally no tuition fees for most programs; some may charge administrative fees (around 100-400 EUR per semester).
Acceptance Rate Trend	Acceptance rates can vary by institution and program; generally competitive but many UAS have a focus on practical skills which may influence admissions.
Average Scholarship Amount	Varies widely; some institutions offer scholarships ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 EUR per year for international students based on merit or need.
Alumni Network	Strong alumni networks exist, providing valuable connections in various industries and enhancing job placement opportunities for graduates

What are Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany?

• Practical Learning: These universities emphasize hands-on experience. Students often work on real projects and internships with companies, which helps them learn skills that are useful in the job market.
• Degrees Offered: They mainly offer bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like engineering, business, social sciences, healthcare, and design. While they do not usually offer PhD programs on their own, some partner with traditional universities to provide doctoral education.
• Student Population: Around 1.1 million students study at about 210 UAS across Germany. Many international students also choose these institutions for their studies.

How Do They Teach?

• Focus on Application: The courses are designed to combine theory with practical work. Students participate in projects and internships that give them real-world experience.
• Dual Study Programs: Many UAS offer programs where students can work while studying. This helps them gain valuable work experience alongside their education.
• Research Activities: Although UAS mainly focus on teaching, they are also involved in applied research that solves real-world problems. Some have formed groups like UAS, which includes seven leading UAS, to promote research and educational quality.

UAS Germany Courses

In Germany, Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW/FH) offer a number of courses designed to prepare students for professional careers. One can check the types of programs and the fields of study available at Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany:

Types of Programs Offered at Universities of Applied Sciences

• Undergraduate Programs: There are 4,386 undergraduate degree programs. These programs lead to a first higher education degree that qualifies students for various professions.
• Graduate Programs: There are 3,066 graduate degree programs. These programs usually require students to have completed an undergraduate degree before enrolling.

Degrees Available at Universities of Applied Sciences

• Bachelor's Degrees: A total of 4,349 bachelor's degree options are available across various fields.
• Master's Degrees: There are 3,061 master's degree options for those looking to further their education.

Popular Courses at Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany

Course of Study	Number of Options
Agricultural and Forest Sciences	107
Humanities and Social Sciences	957
Engineering Sciences	2731
Art, Music, Design	387
Mathematics, Natural Sciences	1309
Medicine, Health Sciences	600
Language and Cultural Studies	301
Economic Sciences, Law	2424
Teaching Degrees	92

UAS Scholarships 2025

Studying at a University of Applied Sciences (HAW/FH) in Germany can be financially manageable due to the availability of various scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support both domestic and international students, helping them cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with their studies. 

Types of Scholarships to study in Germany

• DAAD Scholarships
• Erasmus+ Scholarships
• University-Specific Scholarships
• Private Organization Scholarships

Studying at a University of Applied Sciences in Germany in 2025 presents an excellent opportunity for Indian students seeking a practical education that prepares them for global careers. 

Graduates from HAW/FH usually find jobs quickly because they have the skills that employers want. Many studies show that students from these universities often earn good salaries right after finishing their degrees. The focus on practical skills helps students be ready for the job market.

UAS Admissions 2025

If you are an Indian student interested in studying at a University of Applied Sciences (HAW/FH) in Germany for the year 2025, there are specific admission requirements and processes you need to be aware of.

Higher Education Entrance Qualification

To enroll in a German HAW/FH, you must have a recognized higher education entrance qualification. This can include:

• Allgemeine Hochschulreife (Abitur): This is the general qualification for university entrance in Germany.
• Fachgebundene Hochschulreife: This is a subject-specific qualification.
• Fachhochschulreife: This is a specialized entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences.
• Certain vocational qualifications may also qualify you for admission, but these are typically only available in German.

Additional Requirements

Depending on the specific program and field of study, you may also need to fulfill additional requirements such as:

• Internship Experience: Some programs require proof of a preliminary internship or vocational training related to your chosen field.
• Language Proficiency: For programs taught in German, you will need to demonstrate proficiency, usually at least at the B1 level initially, and C1 before starting your studies. For English-taught programs, proof of English proficiency is required.

What is Studienkolleg (Preparatory Course)?

If your current qualifications do not meet the requirements, you can attend a Studienkolleg, which is a one-year preparatory course. This course helps international students acquire the necessary skills for their desired degree programs.

How to apply for Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany?

1. Check Your Qualifications: Use resources like the DAAD database to see if your qualifications are sufficient for admission.
2. Choose Your Degree Program: Research and select a specific program that interests you.
3. Prepare Your Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including certificates and proof of language skills.
4. Apply Through uni-assist: Most applications are processed through uni-assist, which checks your documents and qualifications.
5. Wait for Acceptance: After submitting your application, there may be a waiting period while your documents are reviewed.

International Offices

Each HAW/FH has an international office that can assist you with questions regarding admission requirements and living in Germany. They are a valuable resource for prospective students.

Documents Required for Admissions at Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany

When applying to a University of Applied Sciences (HAW/FH) in Germany, you will need to provide several important documents as part of your application. 

1. Academic Qualifications

• High School Certificate
• Transcripts

2. Proof of Language Proficiency

• German Proficiency, if applicable
• English Proficiency, if applicable

3. Additional Documents

• Passport Copy
• Motivation Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Letters of Recommendation

4. Pre-study Internship Certificate

• If required by the program, provide a certificate confirming completion of any necessary pre-study internships.

5. APS Certificate (for specific countries)

Application Deadlines for UAS Germany 2025

If you are looking to apply to a University of Applied Sciences in Germany for the academic year 2025, here are the key application deadlines to keep in mind:

• Winter Semester 2025: July 15, 2025
• Summer Semester 2025: January 15, 2025

Some programs and universities may have earlier deadlines, so it's essential to check the individual university's website for detailed information. Candidates should also note that the applications for Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW/FH) in Germany can be submitted either directly to the university or through the centralized application service, uni-assist.

Universities of Applied Sciences Fees 2025

When considering studying at a University of Applied Sciences (HAW/FH) in Germany in 2025, understanding the fee structure is crucial. While many public universities do not charge tuition fees, there are some other requisites one should know. 

• Public Universities: 
• Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate programs, even for international students. Instead, students pay a small semester fee.
• Semester Fee: This fee typically ranges from €100 to €350 per semester and covers administrative costs, student services, and often includes a public transport ticket.
• Private Universities: 10,000 euros/year to 20,000 euros/year.

Top Universities of Applied Sciences Fees

University Name	Tuition Fees
FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences	No tuition for most programs
HTW Berlin	No tuition for most programs
Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences	Up to 400 EUR/semester
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences	No tuition for most programs
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences	No tuition for most programs
Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences	No tuition for most programs

UAS Rankings 2025

Here are some well-known universities of applied sciences in Germany:

University Name	QS Ranking 2025	Popular Programs Offered
FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences	99	Engineering, Business, Design
Hochschule fur Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin	126	Technology, Business, Culture
Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences	309	Business & Management, Engineering
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences	191	Engineering, Life Sciences, Media
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences	-	Engineering Management, Social Sciences
Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences	241	Engineering, Computer Science

These universities are known for their strong academic programs and close ties to industries, which helps students get good jobs after graduation.

List of Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany

Here is a list of selected Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW/FH) in Germany along with the number of courses each university offers:

University/Institution	No. of Courses offered
RWTH Aachen University	0
FH Aachen - University of Applied Sciences	101
University of Aalen - Engineering and Business	87
Albstadt-Sigmaringen University - Engineering and Economics	31
Anhalt University of Applied Sciences	79
Augsburg University of Applied Sciences	46
Berlin University of Applied Sciences	78
Berlin School of Applied Sciences (HTW)	78
Berlin School of Economics and Law	57
Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin	20
Catholic University of Applied Social Sciences Berlin (KHSB)	12
Biberach University of Applied Sciences	21
Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI)	71
Bochum University of Applied Sciences	55
Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola	16
Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences	98
University of Applied Sciences Bremen	71
Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences	24
Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Dresden	42
Hochschule Düsseldorf	44
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences	42
Fulda University of Applied Sciences	57
Furtwangen University	65
Westfälische Hochschule, University of Applied Sciences	97
Technical University of Applied Sciences of Central Hesse	70
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences	70
SRH University of Applied Sciences Heidelberg	170
Heilbronn University	61
HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim	48
Ernst Abbe University, Jena	48
Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences	45
University of Applied Sciences Kempten	43
Kiel University of Applied Sciences	43
Technische Hochschule Köln	104
Cologne University of Applied Sciences	35
HTWG Konstanz University of Applied Sciences	37
Landshut - University of Applied Sciences	52
Leipzig University of Applied Sciences	42
University of Applied Sciences Ostwestfalen-Lippe	53
Technische Hochschule Lübeck	40
Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences	46
Mannheim University of Applied Sciences	39
FH Münster University of Applied Sciences	116
Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences	100
Georg Simon Ohm University of Applied Sciences Nuremberg	62
Nürtingen-Geislingen University	54
University of Applied Sciences Offenburg	47
Reutlingen University of Applied Sciences	47
Saarland University of Applied Sciences	67
Hochschule Schmalkalden	38
Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences	34
Ulm University of Applied Sciences	35
RhineMain University	70
Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau	39
Wismar University of Applied Sciences	85
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt	56
Zittau-Görlitz University of Applied Sciences	45
West Saxon University of Applied Sciences of Zwickau	63
Technische Hochschule Deggendorf	91
International School of Management	50
University of Applied Sciences of Economics and Management	65
Hof University of Applied Sciences	52