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GERMANY · GIESSEN

Fachhochschule Gießen-Friedberg

public · Founded 1971 · Languages: de

In short

Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) is a public university of applied sciences in Hesse, Germany, offering career-oriented programmes in engineering, computer science, and business. It provides a practical education with strong industry ties and affordable living costs in Gießen and Friedberg.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1971
Students: 13,000
International students: 2,000
Acceptance rate: 65%
Tuition (intl): €2–3k/yr
Languages: DE
Location: Gießen, Germany

Fachhochschule Gießen-Friedberg, now operating as Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM), is a public university of applied sciences in Hesse, Germany with campuses in Gießen and Friedberg. Founded in 1971, it serves approximately 13,000 students across programmes in engineering, computer science, business, and life sciences. THM is known for its highly practical, career-oriented approach, strong ties with regional industry, and popular dual-study programmes combining academic study with professional training.

Why study here

Highly practical, industry-aligned education with strong employer partnerships across engineering and technology.
Dual-study programmes combining academic study with paid professional training at a company.
Affordable study in Germany — semester fees are modest and living costs in Gießen are lower than in major German cities.
Access to Erasmus+ exchange programmes and a growing international network.
Gießen's student-city atmosphere with affordable housing and Frankfurt accessible within 40 minutes.

Student life

THM offers various services including a bike-sharing system for campus transport, psychological counselling, and academic support for students facing challenges. The university's location in Gießen gives students access to a lively student city shared with Justus Liebig University, featuring affordable housing, cafes, sports facilities, and cultural events. The student union (AStA) organises social activities and represents student interests.

Fees

InternationalNon-EU international students at public universities in Hesse pay a fee of approximately €1,500 per semester (€3,000 per year) from 2024 onward, plus the semester contribution.

HomeGerman and EU students pay only semester contribution fees of approximately €300-€400 per semester (covers student services and public transport pass). No tuition fees for public universities in Hesse.

LivingLiving costs in Gießen are approximately €750-€950 per month covering rent, food, transport, and personal expenses — lower than Frankfurt or Munich.

Semester contribution covers the student union, sports facilities, and a Semesterticket for public transport in Hesse.

Admissions

German programmesAbitur or equivalent secondary school leaving certificate; DSH-2 or TestDaF 4 for non-native German speakers

English programmesAbitur or equivalent plus English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80)

Dual study programmesAbitur plus a training contract with a partner company

IELTS Academic6.0 overall for English-taught programmes

TOEFL iBT80 overall for English-taught programmes

Rankings

CHE Hochschulranking (Germany)Good ratings in Engineering and Computer Science programmes

Times Higher Education (Impact Rankings)Participates as a regional university of applied sciences

University scholarships

DAAD ScholarshipsVarious amounts for international students in Germany

Deutschlandstipendium€300/month — merit-based, jointly funded by federal government and private donors

Accreditation

THM is a state-recognised university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) in Hesse, Germany, operating under the Hessian Higher Education Act. Programmes hold accreditation from AQAS and other German accreditation bodies.

For international students

Germany

Student visa & funds

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.

Working while you study

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 you graduate

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.

English tests

IELTS6.0–6.5 for English-taught bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s
TOEFL iBT80–90 for most programs; competitive universities (e.g. TUM) 88–95
German (TestDaF/DSH)German-taught programs require TestDaF level 4 (TDN 4) or DSH-2

Main intakes

OctoberApril

Typical living cost

€1,050/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in Germany — Proof of financial resources · Make it in Germany — Studying and working · BAMF — To Germany as a graduate · Make it in Germany — Opportunity Card · DAAD — Admission requirements · DAAD — Costs of education and living

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Fachhochschule Gießen-Friedberg · Germany

Supply Chain Management (M.Sc.)

This application-oriented Master's program focuses on the holistic analysis and design of international value creation networks. Over three semesters, you will intensively study all aspects of supply chain management, from design and relationship management to information technology and advanced planning systems. The program also integrates key business administration topics like general management and leadership skills. Theories and methods are made practical through case studies, company excursions, and guest lectures from industry professionals. Social skills, such as negotiation, are also developed to prepare you for future professional challenges.

Scholarships

for Germany

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

The Software Lab (CISPA & University of Stuttgart)

CISPA & University of Stuttgart Software Lab PhD Scholarships

Open 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.

Munich School for Data Science (MUDS)

Munich School for Data Science (MUDS) PhD Scholarships

Open 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.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Hydrogen Technology

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon PhD Position in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering

Open 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.

Leibniz University Hannover

Leibniz University Hannover Soil Science PhD Scholarship

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.

Forschungszentrum Julich

Forschungszentrum Julich Funded PhD Positions

Open 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.

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowships (for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers)

For 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.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM)?

From 2024 onwards, non-EU international students at public universities in Hesse, including THM, will pay approximately €1,500 per semester, in addition to the semester contribution fee of around €300-€400. German and EU students only pay the semester contribution.

What is the living cost for students in Gießen?

Living costs in Gießen are estimated to be around €750-€950 per month. This includes expenses for rent, food, transportation, and personal needs, which is considered lower than in cities like Frankfurt or Munich.

What is the main focus of THM's study programmes?

THM is known for its highly practical, career-oriented approach. The university has strong ties with regional industry, offering programmes focused on engineering, computer science, business, and life sciences with an emphasis on practical application.

Does THM offer dual-study programmes?

Yes, THM offers popular dual-study programmes that combine academic study with paid professional training at a company. This offers a unique opportunity to gain work experience while earning a degree.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for English-taught programmes?

For English-taught programmes, prospective students typically need to provide proof of English proficiency with a minimum score of 6.0 on the IELTS Academic test or 80 on the TOEFL iBT test.

Last updated 3 July 2026