GERMANY · HILDESHEIM
Fachhochschule Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen, Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaft und Kunst
public · Founded 1971 · Languages: German, English
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In short
HAWK Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen is a German public university of applied sciences offering practice-oriented degrees with no general tuition fees. It is located across three affordable, student-friendly campuses in Lower Saxony and emphasizes strong industry connections.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1971
- Students
- 6,400
- International students
- 500
- Acceptance rate
- 55%
- Tuition (intl)
- €1–3k/yr
- Languages
- GERMAN, ENGLISH
- Location
- Hildesheim, Germany
HAWK Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen is a public university of applied sciences in Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1971. It combines applied sciences, engineering, and the arts across three campuses, offering practice-oriented bachelor's and master's degrees. Teaching emphasises hands-on project work, laboratory and studio practice, and strong cooperation with industry and regional employers. With no general tuition fees and only a modest semester contribution, HAWK is an affordable, career-focused option for German and international students alike.
Why study here
- Benefit from practice-oriented degrees with integrated internships and close links to industry.
- Study with no general tuition fees, paying only a low semester contribution typical of German public universities.
- Choose from a distinctive mix of engineering, design, health, social work, and applied science programmes.
- Live and study affordably in the historic, student-friendly Lower Saxony region near Hannover and Göttingen.
- Access modern laboratories, studios, and applied research opportunities in small class settings.
Student life
Student life at HAWK is shaped by its three campus cities in Lower Saxony, each offering an affordable and welcoming environment. Students benefit from active student bodies (AStA), cultural and creative events, sports offerings, and support services for international students, including help with accommodation, German language courses, and integration. The semester contribution typically includes a regional transport ticket, making it easy to explore the surrounding region.
Fees
InternationalAs a German public university of applied sciences, HAWK charges no general tuition fees for most bachelor's and master's programmes for both EU and non-EU students. Students pay only a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of roughly €300-€400 per semester, which typically includes a regional public transport ticket and student services. A few specialised or continuing-education master's programmes may charge separate fees.
HomeDomestic German and EU students pay no tuition, only the semester contribution of approximately €300-€400 per semester.
LivingLiving costs in Lower Saxony are moderate by German standards, estimated at roughly €850-€1,100 per month for accommodation, food, health insurance, study materials, and personal expenses. International students must show proof of funds (Blocked Account) for the visa, generally around €11,900 per year.
International applicants from outside the EU generally need to demonstrate financial resources via a blocked account and obtain health insurance. Exact semester fees and any programme-specific charges are listed on the official HAWK website.
Admissions
Entrance QualificationRecognised higher education entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent) for bachelor's; relevant first degree for master's.
German Language ProficiencyDSH-2 or TestDaF TDN 4 typically required for German-taught programmes.
uni-assist ApplicationInternational applicants usually submit documents via uni-assist for credential evaluation.
PortfolioRequired for design and arts-related programmes.
IELTS6.0-6.5 for English-taught programmes (where applicable)
TOEFL iBT80-90 for English-taught programmes (where applicable)
Rankings
German universities of applied sciences (HAW)Regionally recognised, not globally ranked
University scholarships
Deutschlandstipendium€300 per month
DAAD ScholarshipsVaries by programme and nationality
Accreditation
HAWK is a state-recognised public university of applied sciences in Lower Saxony, and its degree programmes are accredited in accordance with the German accreditation system, ensuring recognition of its bachelor's and master's qualifications throughout Germany and the EU.
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 HAWK?
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As a German public university of applied sciences, HAWK does not charge general tuition fees for most bachelor's and master's programs for international students. You will only need to pay a semester contribution, which is approximately €300-€400 per semester.
What is the semester contribution fee and what does it cover?
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The semester contribution is roughly €300-€400 per semester and typically includes a regional public transport ticket and student services. Specific details and any program-specific charges are available on the official HAWK website.
What are the estimated living costs for students in Lower Saxony?
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Living costs in Lower Saxony are considered moderate by German standards, with estimated monthly expenses of €850-€1,100 covering accommodation, food, health insurance, study materials, and personal expenses.
Are most programs taught in English or German?
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Most programs at HAWK are taught in German, requiring proof of German language proficiency for admission. However, some English-taught or bilingual programs are available, which require proof of English language proficiency.
How can international students apply to HAWK?
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International applicants typically apply online or through uni-assist, which evaluates foreign educational credentials. Specific admission requirements vary by program and applicant background.
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