Your path to a university degree
At HFU, we make the entire academic path possible, from the first enrolment on a bachelor's degree programme right up to a doctorate. The range of courses we offer is particularly diverse – whether its the very first course after graduating from high school, multilingual, part-time, dual or in an elite sports programme – with us, studying is flexible so that it suits your life!
Here we try to give you all the information you need in order to plan your course of study. However, if you have any further questions, we are happy to help. You can contact our Central Student Advisory Service at any time. Contact details are at the bottom of this page.
Semester dates
Foundation level studies
A bachelor's degree programme generally lasts seven semesters (standard period of study). The two-semester foundation courses consist of modules, successful completion of which demonstrates that students have acquired the basic content of the subject, a methodological toolkit and a systematic orientation.
Modules are made up of one or more courses. Examinations are usually taken at the end of the lecture period, during the three-week examination period. Some examinations to demonstrate successful participation in courses are taken during the lecture period. These can take various forms (e.g. written examination, laboratory work, presentations, etc.).
Advanced level studies
Master's degree
A master's degree usually lasts three semesters. The master's thesis is written in the third semester. A practical semester is not planned.
Students with fewer than 210 ECTS from a previous degree programme, or no knowledge of a subject area specified as an entry requirement, must complete a preliminary semester. The modules are selected following a consultation.
Doctoral studies
At Furtwangen University we offer our students a continuous education – from bachelor's to master's to doctorate.
Numerous HFU graduates have continued their academic careers with a doctorate after completing their master's degree, and some are now even professors themselves. As a University of Applied Sciences, HFU offers various equivalent paths to a doctorate.
Internal link opens in the same window:More information on doctoral studies at HFU
Internship semester
One of the major differences between studying at a university and studying at a university of applied sciences such as HFU, is the integrated internship semester.
In our bachelor's degree programmes, a practical semester is a compulsory internship. The semester in which this takes place is decided individually in each degree programme.
The practical semester lasts six months. At least 95 working days are spent in a company. During the internship semester, students are supervised by a professor.
Semester abroad
Furtwangen University offers a variety of ways for you to go abroad. The Internal link opens in the same window:International Center will be happy to support you in planning this.
Language courses
Our School of Languages and Cultures (SLC) offers all members of Furtwangen University the opportunity to acquire, improve or deepen their foreign language and intercultural skills.
Internal link opens in the same window:More information about the School of Languages and Cultures
Tuition and semester fees
Semester fees
In addition to any tuition fees incurred, all students at Furtwangen University pay semester fees of €155 per semester.
These are made up of:
- Administrative fee €70.00
- Student services contribution (includes accident, personal liability and theft insurance on the university campus) €66.00
- Student body contribution €19.00
Tuition fees for non-EU citizens
Tuition fees are paid by students who come to Germany to study in Baden-Württemberg and who are not citizens of a member state of the European Union (EU) or another state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA: Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein). Normally, these students have a residence permit in accordance with § 16 of the Residence Act.
They must pay €1,500 per semester in addition to the regular semester fee of €155 in WS 2024/25.
Download file:Information form to establish obligation to pay tuition fees (in German)
Download file:Information form to establish obligation to pay tuition fees (English translation)
In Baden-Württemberg tuition fees are also charged from students who are pursuing a second or further degree programme or a second or further course of study in a consecutive Master's degree programme. The fee is €650 per semester.
Download file:Information form to establish obligation to pay tuition fees for a second degree (in German)
Financing options
Surveys have calculated that the average cost of living during a degree programme is around €842 per month (including rent, travel costs, food, clothing, learning materials, health insurance, telephone, internet and leisure expenses, etc.).
There are various ways to finance your studies, for example through parental support, money you earn from a job, state support through government BAföG grants, student loans, scholarships and social benefits. There are also benefits for students. Often, student financing will be a mixture of these options.
We at HFU are happy to advise you on financing options. Many of our degree programmes can also be studied on a dual or part-time basis.
Enrolled students have access to an online job exchange where companies post offers, from internships, thesis topics and vacation jobs, to their first real job. There are also opportunities at the university to earn some extra money as a student assistant (Hiwi).
We're happy to provide advice if you have any questions. Just get in touch with our Central Student Advisory Service. The contact details are at the bottom of this page.
Studying and elite sport
Studying with children
HFU supports you with various initiatives including childcare cooperation agreements and parent-kids workrooms. So that it is possible to combine studying and family there are clear regulations for maternity and parental leave for students, as well as flexible examination conditions.
Please contact our coordinator who will be happy to find a solution for your individual questions and requirements!
Studying with a disability
To support prospective students with a disability or chronic illness, there are some special regulations that we can use to make it easier for you to apply and study, for example
- Hardship application during the application process
- Compensation for disadvantages when applying
- Financing your studies
- Accessibility of HFU buildings
We recommend that you talk to our Central Student Advisory Service to look for individual solutions to compensate for disadvantages. You can find the contact details at the bottom of this page.
Visiting HFU as a wheelchair user
If you are a wheelchair user and would like to visit Furtwangen University's Furtwangen Campus, for example before deciding on a course of study, you can use the parking spaces for wheelchair users in front of the Clock Museum. This takes you directly to the main building, the A Building. Here you will find an information sign indicating that the building can be accessed via the cafeteria. A path to the left of the main entrance leads to the cafeteria.
If you contact our Internal link opens in the same window:HFU Representative for the Disabled, Ralf Weißer ahead of time, he'll be waiting for you in front of the A Building. He can show you the most important places to go, such as the Examinations Office, and will be happy to be your contact person in the future!
