Furtwangen University, located in the scenic Black Forest, offers practice-oriented Bachelor's and Master's programs in fields like engineering, IT, and business. It provides a welcoming environment for international students with several English-taught Master's programs and strong industry connections.
Furtwangen University (HFU) is a public German university of applied sciences founded in 1850 and rooted in the Black Forest's precision-engineering tradition. It offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's programs in engineering, computer science, business, media, design and health sciences across three campuses. HFU is valued for its strong industry links, applied research, mandatory internship semesters and a welcoming international community with several English-taught master's programs.
Student life at Furtwangen University centres on small, hands-on campuses in the Black Forest, with active student groups, sports, maker and project labs, and international-student initiatives that ease integration. The region offers excellent outdoor activities, from hiking and skiing to cycling, while well-connected towns provide an affordable and safe environment for studying in Germany.
All students pay a semester contribution covering administration and student services; exact amounts are published each semester by the university.
Furtwangen University is a state-recognised public university of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg, and its degree programs are accredited within the German higher-education system.
Non-EU/EEA students must obtain a national student visa (Type D) before arrival and then convert it to a student residence permit at the local Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde). To prove financial self-sufficiency, most applicants open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) holding €11,904 — €992 per month for twelve months — an amount in effect since 2024 and unchanged for 2026. The blocked account caps monthly withdrawals at €992 so the funds last the year.
Non-EU international students may work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per calendar year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency — an allowance raised from the previous 120/240-day limit under the 2024 skilled-immigration reform. A shift of more than four hours counts as a full day. Student-assistant roles at the university (Hiwi positions) generally fall outside this cap, and hours during semester breaks count toward the same annual allowance.
After completing a degree at a German university, non-EU graduates are entitled to an 18-month residence permit to seek work under the Residence Act, during which any employment is allowed. Separately, the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), introduced in June 2024, lets qualifying non-EU nationals enter to look for work for up to a year using a points system, with limited part-time work permitted. Recent German graduates qualify for the 18-month post-study permit directly, without the points test.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
full fundingOpen to applicants who hold or expect a Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, with strong coding skills, an interest in large-scale software projects and the ability to write and present in English (no German required). Candidates should be passionate about high-quality academic research, willing to mentor undergraduate students, and have a long-term vision and persistence for deep research. Positions are filled on a rolling basis as suitable candidates are identified.
full fundingOpen to international students of all nationalities with a strong academic background in computer science, data science, or a related field, or a degree in a domain science (such as life sciences, medicine, health, earth observation, or robotics) or interdisciplinary fields (such as geoinformatics or bioinformatics) with a strong data science emphasis. Applicants need a passion for applying state-of-the-art data science techniques to real-world scientific challenges. Selection is based on academic record, research potential, and motivation.
full fundingOpen to applicants who hold a Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with strong knowledge of metallurgy, slip/twinning mechanisms and the mechanical behaviour of metals. Experience with magnesium (Mg) alloys, micro-compression or SEM techniques is an advantage. Candidates need strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international environment. The post is a salaried PhD position open to international applicants.
Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree in soil science, geosciences, environmental sciences or a closely related field, are proficient in written and spoken English, and are physically fit for extended fieldwork in tropical regions (Ghana and India). Experience with soil analysis, spectral tools and drone operations is an advantage but not mandatory.
full fundingOpen to international applicants who hold a master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field with strong academic performance, with experience in electrochemical modelling and simulation, knowledge of PEM and AEM electrolyser technology, skills in automation and data analysis (Python, LabVIEW), and proficiency in German and English.
full fundingFor researchers from abroad — postdoctoral (normally within 4 years of a PhD) or experienced (within 12 years of a PhD) — to carry out a long-term research stay in Germany with a host of their choice. Selection is on academic record and research potential; applications can be submitted at any time.
Non-EU/EEA international students pay state tuition of around EUR 1,500 per semester, plus a small semester contribution. EU/EEA students only pay the semester contribution, which covers administration and student services.
Students should budget approximately EUR 850–1,000 per month for accommodation, food, insurance, and personal expenses. This is the amount generally required for a German student visa.
Furtwangen University offers practice-oriented Bachelor's and Master's programs in engineering, computer science, business, media, design, and health sciences.
Yes, Furtwangen University has several English-taught Master's programs available, in addition to its German-language options.
For English-taught Master's programs, applicants typically need an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 80–90.
International students may be eligible for the merit-based Deutschlandstipendium or scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).