GERMANY
Fachhochschule Heilbronn, Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft
public · Founded 1961 · Languages: German, English
F
In short
Fachhochschule Heilbronn (HHN) is a public university of applied sciences specializing in engineering, business, and IT, with a strong industry focus and campuses in Heilbronn, Künzelsau, and Schwäbisch Hall. It offers practice-oriented programs, dual-study options, and a supportive international environment with affordable fees for EU students and manageable semester fees for non-EU students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1961
- Students
- 8,200
- International students
- 1,400
- Acceptance rate
- 60%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–3k/yr
- Languages
- GERMAN, ENGLISH
- Location
- Germany
Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences (HHN) is a public Fachhochschule in Heilbronn, Germany, founded in 1961. It specialises in engineering, business, and information technology and is known for its tight integration with regional industry through dual-study programs and applied research. The university operates three campuses — Heilbronn, Künzelsau, and Schwäbisch Hall — and has exchange agreements with over 100 universities worldwide. With a student body of roughly 8,200, HHN provides a supportive, internationally active learning environment in the heart of one of Germany's most economically dynamic regions.
Why study here
- Practice-oriented curricula co-developed with leading regional companies such as Bosch, TRUMPF, and the Schwarz Group.
- Dual-study tracks that allow students to earn while they learn and graduate with real-world work experience.
- English-taught master's programs and an active international exchange network spanning 100+ partner universities.
- Low or no tuition fees for EU students; affordable semester contributions for all students.
- Compact, student-friendly campuses in a high-quality-of-life region with lower living costs than major German cities.
Student life
Campus life at HHN is shaped by active student unions (AStA), sports clubs, and a rich schedule of cultural events organised across the three campuses. The Heilbronn Experimenta science museum, local vineyards, and proximity to Stuttgart (45 min by train) mean students enjoy both a vibrant academic community and easy access to regional recreation. International students are supported by a buddy program, dedicated international offices, and German language courses.
Fees
InternationalNon-EU students pay a semester fee of approximately €1,500 per semester (€3,000/year) introduced in Baden-Württemberg in 2017.
HomeEU/EEA students pay only the semester social contribution fee of roughly €140–€170 per semester.
LivingMonthly living costs in Heilbronn average €700–€900, covering rent (student dormitories from €280/month), food, transport, and insurance.
Semester fees for non-EU students were introduced in Baden-Württemberg from winter semester 2017/18 onwards. Scholarships and waivers are available for exchange students and high-performers.
Admissions
Undergraduate entryGerman Abitur or equivalent upper-secondary qualification; numerus clausus (NC) applies for competitive programs.
Master's entryRelevant bachelor's degree with a minimum grade equivalent to 'good' (2.5 on the German scale).
Dual-study programsMust secure a training contract with a partner company before enrolling.
International credentialsEvaluated via uni-assist; some applicants sit the Feststellungsprüfung at a Studienkolleg.
IELTS Academic6.0 overall (English-taught master's programs)
TOEFL iBT80 minimum (English-taught programs)
Cambridge C1 AdvancedGrade C or above
University scholarships
Deutschlandstipendium€300/month
Baden-Württemberg Stipendium (exchange)Varies by destination country
Accreditation
Accredited by the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) and the state of Baden-Württemberg; member of the Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK).
For international students
GermanyStudent 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.
Scholarships
for Germany
full fundingThe 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.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Dec 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingMunich 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.
full
Funding
€55k
Max
May 6, 2027
Deadline
full fundingHelmholtz-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.
full
Funding
€55k
Max
May 11, 2027
Deadline
full fundingLeibniz 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.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
14d left
Deadline
full fundingForschungszentrum 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.
full
Funding
€42k
Max
Dec 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingAlexander 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.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Fachhochschule Heilbronn?
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Non-EU students pay a semester fee of approximately €1,500 per semester, which totals around €3,000 per year. This fee was introduced in Baden-Württemberg from winter semester 2017/18 onwards. EU/EEA students only pay a semester social contribution fee of roughly €140–€170 per semester.
What are the estimated living costs for students in Heilbronn?
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Monthly living costs in Heilbronn average between €700 and €900. This estimate covers rent, food, transportation, and insurance. Student dormitory rent starts from around €280 per month.
Does Fachhochschule Heilbronn offer programs taught in English?
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Yes, Fachhochschule Heilbronn offers English-taught master's programs. Applicants for these programs typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 80 minimum.
What are the main fields of study at Fachhochschule Heilbronn?
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The university specializes in engineering, business, and information technology. It is known for its strong integration with regional industry, particularly through dual-study programs and applied research.
How does Fachhochschule Heilbronn integrate with industry?
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HHN has tight integration with regional industry, co-developing practice-oriented curricula with leading companies like Bosch, TRUMPF, and the Schwarz Group. They also offer dual-study tracks allowing students to gain work experience while studying.
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