Fulda University of Applied Sciences

Fulda University of Applied Sciences is a practice-oriented university with an international profile. The special focus on applied research includes the independent right to confer the doctorate. Founded in 1974, the university encompasses, at present, eight departments with over 60 study programs, approx. 9,000 students of which 2,230 international students from more than 90 countries.

The university offers a wide range of academic and professional education with a particular focus on "health, nutrition, and food". Numerous research and development projects are undertaken with private businesses and industries. Fulda University cooperates with ca. 100 universities around the world. The number of international programs is growing continuously: Bachelor such as "International Business and Management", "Food Technology", "Industrial Biotechnology" or "Global Health" as well as Master's programs like "International Management", "Intercultural Communication and European Studies", "International Food Business and Consumer Studies", "Data Science" or "Global Software Development" are partly or entirely taught in English.

Studying at Fulda University means:

1. Living in the center of Germany
2. No tuition fees: education is funded by the state
3. Practice-oriented education with a strong focus on applied research
4. State-of-the-art laboratories
5. Strong links to business and industry: good job opportunities
6. Excellent support services for international students

Why study in Fulda?

Many Possibilities

Fulda University of Applied Sciences with its eight departments offers around 60 Bachelor's and Master's programs. The selection is large and ranges from technology, computer science, business, and law to nutrition, health, society, and culture. In addition to traditional subjects such as business administration or electrical engineering, we also offer innovative degree programs such as Nutrition, Health Sciences, or Renewable Energies.

Applied Sciences - the Combination of Theory and Practice

Fulda University of Applied Sciences is a university of applied sciences. This means that studying with us is not just about theory, but also has a lot to do with practice. This is reflected, among other things, in the close relationship between the university and regional organizations and companies, for example, when it comes to internships or theses. The International Careers Service of the International Office also offers international students and graduates a comprehensive range of information and advice on the topics of internships and career entry - paving the way to your future career.

Dual Study Programs - a German Success Story

More practice is not possible. As a student in a dual study program, you attend courses at the university and work in a company. In this way, you gain specialized knowledge that you can apply directly, gain the necessary experience for the transition into work, and also earn money. Some degree programs even include complete vocational training. This means you study in a discipline and learn a profession at the same time.

State-of-the-Art Equipment and the Latest Technology

Where could technicians, scientists, or engineers apply their acquired knowledge better than at the workplaces typical for their work? Fortunately, Fulda University of Applied Sciences has a wide range of so-called "labs" for authentic experimentation, real research, and repeated application. This Audio/video, NetLab, Renewable Energies Lab, Raw Materials Science Lab, Microbiology Lab, and Skills Labs simulate real working conditions and thus help students acquire the skills for their future profession.

From Preparatory Program to Doctorate

At Fulda University of Applied Sciences, you can follow the complete path of higher education. If you still lack some knowledge, you can catch up on it in a preparatory program. If you want to complete a Master's degree or even a doctorate, all doors are open to you. Since 2016, Fulda University of Applied Sciences has been the first university in Germany to have the right to award doctorates independently.

Thriving Internationality

Of the approximately 8,700 students at Fulda University of Applied Sciences, about 1,750 are not from Germany, but from over 100 different countries. The mix of languages, cultures, and perspectives not only creates an international atmosphere on campus and in the refectory but also enriches the courses and (student) life in the city.

Short Distances and Personal Contact

A great advantage of small towns and small universities is the short distances and personal contact between students and their lecturers. Despite its now 9,000 students, Fulda University of Applied Sciences still has a familiar atmosphere. People know each other and meet regularly. If you need support, you don't have to look far and the contact persons are easy to reach.

Support Where It is Needed

We want to help international students with their transition to life in Germany and Fulda. To this end, we have developed various measures for the time before and during your studies. Special preparatory programs such as Pre-College and Pre-Study help you to improve your German language skills, acquire specialist knowledge, or get to know the German academic system. The Buddy program, the orientation week as well as field trips provide opportunities for encounters and exchange.

Historic City With a Central Location

With a population of around 72,000, Fulda is one of the smallest cities in Germany. However, it offers a high quality of life, short distances, public safety, and nature on your doorstep. Its central location and direct connections to trains, long-distance buses, and highways make Fulda an ideal starting point for getting to know the whole of Germany.

Free Time Activities

A historic city center, museums and theatres, restaurants, and bars, concerts, clubs and parties, hiking and cycling trails, and the mountains of the Rhön. The list of leisure activities in and around Fulda is very long. On campus, there are university sports, and events as well as student projects, film evenings, the University Days, and the International Evening. And if you want even more, the train to Frankfurt/Main only takes about 80 minutes...

To apply for a study programme at Fulda University of Applied Sciences is straightforward. When to apply, how to apply and what documents to bring depends on your nationality and academic background (secondary school or university diplomas, language skills). You´ll find everything you need to know on Fulda University´s website.

Students with EU citizenship do not need a visa to enter Germany.

Citizens of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, South Korea, and the USA, for example, do not need to apply for a visa in advance. However, they will have to apply to the immigration office in Fulda for a residence permit (website available in German only) within three months after arrival. A residence permit that is valid for up to 12 months costs approx €100.

All students who need to apply for a visa at the German embassy in their home country will be sent an official letter of invitation after receipt of their application. After arriving in Fulda, students must register with the immigration office in Fulda. A representative of the International Office will accompany them.

It takes a few weeks for the new credit card-style residence permits to be issued. You should therefore plan ahead if you need to apply for or extend a residence permit and start the process at least two months before your current permit expires.

Fulda University of Applied Sciences usually ranks high in student satisfaction, quality of the onboarding period as well as career orientation. Among other student feedback based rankings the CHE ranking is a reliable source to compare higher education institutions in Germany. Here you can find the results for Fulda University following this link https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/universities/che-ranking/?che-a=university-detail&che-university-id=450

Choosing where to study is crucial for your future: Where will I meet fellow students who will become friends for life? How can I live and possibly work for the next 5 years? Do I feel comfortable in the local community?

We are convinced that Fulda offers something for everyone, whether you are a nature lover or a city dweller. In the centre of Germany, at the foot of the Rhön and the heart of life.

1. Lots of selection: Fulda University of Applied Sciences offers around 60 study programmes and continuing education courses. The programmes range from nutrition, health, social and intercultural studies to technology, business and law.
2. Quality of Life: Fulda is a beautiful town in the centre of Germany at the foot of the Rhön. The historic centre of the baroque city has a special charm. The green spaces such as the castle gardens or the Fuldaauen are wonderful places to relax from university studies and meet fellow students. It's not only nice to live here, it's also affordable.
3. Modern University: Fulda University of Applied Sciences offers its students modern seminar rooms and laboratories. Modern resources with state-of-the-art technology are extremely important for good training. Students at Fulda University of Applied Sciences study and work in modern facilities with high-quality resources.
4. Unique Campus: The campus of Fulda University of Applied Sciences is always worth a visit. Those who study here and can enjoy the extensive grounds are lucky. The campus is home to both charming historical buildings and award-winning modern architecture. The centrepiece is the plane tree courtyard between the library, cafeteria and Student Service Centre. But the sports facilities, the campus garden and the many cosy seating areas are also popular meeting places for students.
5. Innovative Teaching and Research: Fulda University of Applied Sciences is one of the strongest research universities for applied sciences. This benefits not only researchers but also students at the university. Innovative research characterises teaching in Fulda and offers students and doctoral candidates the opportunity to participate in exciting research projects.
6. International: Of the approximately 8,800 students at Fulda University of Applied Sciences, around 1,800 do not come from Germany, but from over 100 different countries. This creates an international atmosphere on campus, which enriches the courses and student life in the city. The university nurtures many international collaborations with universities and facilities. These partnerships enable students to complete semesters abroad or internships abroad.
7. University Community: One of the great advantages of small towns and small universities is the short distances and personal contact between students and their lecturers. Despite now having almost 9,000 students, Fulda University of Applied Sciences still has a family feel. People know each other and meet up. With numerous support and counselling services, students can seek help with the various challenges of everyday student life.
8. Shaping the Future: Fulda University of Applied Sciences is known for its practice-oriented teaching and research. If you want to make a difference and are looking for a task with meaning, Fulda is the right place for you. Together with its students, Fulda University of Applied Sciences wants to make a positive impact and take responsibility for a good future.
9. Leisure Programme: A historic city centre, museums and theatres, restaurants and bars, concerts, clubs and parties, hiking and cycling trails, the mountains of the Rhön. The list of leisure activities in and around Fulda is very long. University Sports, music (big band and university choir), student projects, film evenings, university festivals and the International Evening are all on offer on campus.
   And if you want even more, you can be in Frankfurt, Kassel or Würzburg in no time at all by train.
10. The best reason: You are the best reason. With your university studies in Fulda, you are investing in yourself and your future. Your goals and interests take centre stage. The employees at Fulda University of Applied Sciences are there to support you with a comprehensive range of counselling services. Secure your place now.

• The International Office's orientation week, buddy programme, intercultural trainings, field trips and events
• Careers Service - guidance, workshops and skills training as well as coaching and networking opportunities
• University library with 2,400,000 items and 456 workstations, rooms for group work, reading areas and quiet rooms
• University sports organization with various offers as well as sports facilities right on campus