Noch nicht das Richtige für dich gefunden?
We'd be happy to help.
Are you thinking about going to university but still have some questions? We’ll take the time to answer your questions so you can get a clear picture of your next steps. We’ll always be here to listen, so you can focus fully on your studies.
When is study counseling right for you?
We're here for you if you:
Are looking for guidance: Which field of study suits your strengths?
Are wondering: Is studying at HSO the right path for me?
Have doubts: Does my current plan align with my goals?
Face obstacles: How do I finance my studies, or how can I manage studying while raising a child?
Here’s how to reach us: Just send us an email at studienberatung@hs-offenburg.de to ask your question(s) or schedule a personalized consultation. We’ll advise you in person, over the phone, or online—whichever works best for you.
Questions about the application
Our Admissions Office is your point of contact for all matters related to grades, documents, and the official application process.
Requirements
To enroll in our bachelor's degree program, you need a university entrance qualification that is valid in Baden-Württemberg (e.g., Abitur, Fachhochschulreife, or a diploma from a vocational college).
Did you earn your diploma abroad? If you are a German citizen and obtained your diploma abroad, please have it recognized by the Stuttgart Regional Council.
International applicants: If you are not a German citizen and your diploma is from abroad, the Studienkolleg Konstanz is your first point of contact. Your documents will be reviewed there before you submit your application to us.
Master’s program: Your bachelor's degree or diploma is your ticket to admission.
Selection Process
For degree programs with a high number of applications, we allocate spots using the university’s own procedure. If there are more spots than applications, everyone who meets the requirements will receive an immediate acceptance. For programs with limited enrollment, we create a ranking list.
Your advantage: Completing vocational training improves your GPA by 0.2 points!
Academic Advising
In Baden-Württemberg, an orientation test is required for all applicants for a bachelor's degree. It helps you discover where your talents lie.
Here’s how it works: Take the test at www.was-studiere-ich.de. Simply submit the certificate of completion (the mandatory section takes about 15 minutes) when you enroll.
Alternative: We also accept the Check-U from the Federal Employment Agency.
International applications
Foreign nationals with a German high school diploma: Are you a foreign citizen who has earned a German high school diploma? If so, you have equal opportunities in the application process as German applicants.
Document Review: If you do not have a German high school diploma, please send your documents in advance to the Studienkolleg Konstanz (STK). The STK will review your grades and language proficiency and issue you the necessary certificate for your application to us.
German language proficiency: Since our lectures are held in German, we require proof of proficiency such as TestDaF (Level 4) or DSH. You can find a list of other recognized language exams at the Studienkolleg Konstanz.
If you have questions about the application, deadlines, or requirements, please contact the Studienkolleg Konstanz directly.
Prospective students from France
Alsace right on our doorstep, with the Rhine as our neighbor. We promote cross-border cooperation and are particularly eager to hear from applicants from France. Here, you’ll study in an intercultural environment that combines the best of both worlds. With easy access across the border and great opportunities for an international career right here in the region.
For prospective students with an Abibac
Both the AbiBac and the Franco-German Abitur are qualifications recognized in both countries as full-fledged university entrance qualifications, without the need to apply for equivalence. A letter of recognition from the regional council is therefore not required.
Your language skills from the AbiBac are sufficient. If you feel unsure, attend our summer course "German as a Foreign Language" before you start. This 4-week intensive course introduces you to the German language and culture before the start of the winter semester or provides specialization in your existing language skills.
For prospective students with a Baccalauréat + good knowledge of German
How can I prove my proficiency in German?
All applicants with a French baccalaureate must demonstrate a very good command of German, as courses are taught in German.
Enrollment at a university is only possible after passing the German Language Examination for University Admission of Foreign Applicants (DSH) or the Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF) (with an average score of TDN 4 and passing all four parts of the exam).
If you already have a valid TestDaF certificate, you are exempt from taking the DSH. For more information, visit www.testdaf.de
On the website of the Studienkolleg Konstanz, you will also find detailed information on proof of German language proficiency and language courses in Baden-Württemberg.
How do I obtain a university entrance qualification in Germany?
All international applicants without a German university entrance qualification who wish to study at Hochschule Offenburg must submit their documents to the Studienkolleg Konstanz (STK). The Studienkolleg reviews your transcripts and issues the necessary certificates, which you can use to submit an application to Hochschule Offenburg.
In addition, the Studienkolleg assesses German language proficiency and offers courses that prepare applicants for university studies in terms of both language skills and academic content.
The STK does not award study places. You will receive a certificate of eligibility from the Studienkolleg, which you can use to submit an application for a study place. Please submit this document to Hochschule Offenburg by the application deadline to submit your application.
If you have questions about the application process, deadlines, or requirements, the Studienkolleg Konstanz is here to help.
Application materials
When submitting an application for a place at a university in Germany, submit all documents related to your university entrance qualification, namely:
The relevant degree certificate with individual grade transcripts—that is, the “Relève de notes” or the tabular grade summary of the Franco-German Abitur.
The certificate confirming that you have passed the German Abitur. This is either included in the diploma or issued as a separate document. It is important that it confirms equivalence to the German university entrance qualification (specifically for the applicant) and states the German average grade.
We are happy to assist with this:
Email: zulassungsamt@hs-offenburg.de
or
Phone office hours at 0781/205-4792 – Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Tuesday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Grade Conversion
There is no uniform standard for converting foreign grades into the German system. At Hochschule Offenburg, we use the official conversion table issued by the French Ministry of National Education, Higher Education, and Research.
Working adults without a high school diploma
We place a high value on practical experience! If you have completed a recognized advanced vocational training program (e.g., master craftsman or business administrator), you are eligible for admission to our program. You may also be admitted to our program if you have completed a qualified apprenticeship and have relevant work experience.
Contact us at studienberatung@hs-offenburg.de and we’ll review the admission requirements together.
Application for higher semesters
Are you thinking about switching universities or majors? If your previous coursework aligns with your new program of study, you can have those credits transferred. Provided there is an opening, you can start directly in a higher semester. Contact us early so we can work out the details with the examination board.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the application or admission process, please feel free to send an email to zulassungsamt@hs-offenburg.de or call during office hours:
Phone 0781/205-4792 – Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Tuesday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Admitted?
You can now enroll online via the applicant portal to secure your spot.
Studying without financial worries?
BAföG, scholarships, part-time jobs: There are many ways to finance your studies.
By the way: With StudiumPLUS, you can combine an apprenticeship or internship with your studies and start earning your own money right from the start.
Fees
Semester fees and charges
The Hochschule Offenburg charges an administrative fee of 80.00 euros and a social contribution for the Studierendenwerk Freiburg of 65.00 euros per semester. In addition, the student body of the University levies a student body fee of 25.00 euros per semester from all enrolled students to fulfil its duties. Students on leave of absence from their studies are also subject to the fee, but not foreign students enrolled for a limited period of time in accordance with § 60 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 LHG.
= 170 euros per semester
Additional costs for teaching degree programs
For students of the bachelor's programs
Elektrotechnik/Informationstechnik-plus
Mechatronik-plus
Medientechnik/Wirtschaft-plus
Wirtschaftsinformatik-plus
as well as the master's degrees
Höheres Lehramt an Beruflichen Schulen - Ingenieurpädagogik Elektrotechnik/Informationstechnik
Höheres Lehramt an Beruflichen Schulen - Ingenieurpädagogik Mechatronik
Höheres Lehramt an Beruflichen Schulen - Ingenieurpädagogik Informatik/Wirtschaft
Höheres Lehramt an Beruflichen Schulen - Ingenieurpädagogik Medientechnik/Wirtschaft
have to pay an additional contribution of 28.00 euros for local public transport (semester ticket) in accordance with the contribution regulations of the Studierendenwerk Freiburg.
If you are enrolled at two universities at the same time, you only have to pay the semester fees at one university.
The following therefore applies to students in our teaching training programs:
You pay the semester fee at Hochschule Offenburg; however, you are enrolled at both Hochschule Offenburg and Freiburg University of Education.
Additional costs for master's programs at the Graduate School
Students of the master’s programs from the Graduate School
Biotechnology
Communication and Media Engineering
Enterprise and IT Security
International Business Consulting
Renewable Energy and Data Engineering
Process Engineering
Sustainable Business Development
must also pay a flat-rate service fee of 150.00 euros per semester, unless they are subject to the fee obligation as an international student.
Tuition fees for international students and students pursuing a second degree
Since the winter semester 2017/18, the universities for the state of Baden-Württemberg have been charging tuition fees of 1,500.00 euros per semester for international students and 650.00 euros per semester for students in their second degree programme.
Further information on these fees can be found here:
Landeshochschulgebührengesetz (German, PDF)
http://www.bw-studyguide.de/en/studying/finance-and-funding.html
Exceptions to the obligation to pay fees for international students:
According to § 3 LHGebG, international students who are not citizens of an EU/EEA state and do not have a German higher education entrance qualification are liable to pay fees. However, the law provides for a few exceptional cases.
Students who were enrolled in a Studienkolleg in Baden-Württemberg to prepare for the Feststellungsprüfung in the academic year prior to the start of the 2017/18 winter semester do not pay tuition fees for international students in the degree program in which they are enrolled for the first time immediately after successfully completing the Feststellungsprüfung.
International students in accordance with § 3 LHGebG and students of a second degree program in accordance with § 8 LHGebG who were enrolled in a degree program at a higher education institution in Baden-Württemberg when this Act came into force may continue their studies in this degree program at this higher education institution free of charge.
To assess the obligation to pay fees, you can use the following information form and send it completed with the necessary evidence to the following address::
Hochschule Offenburg
Studentische Abteilung
Badstr. 24
77652 Offenburg
Tuition Fee Information Form (German, PDF)
To apply for exemption from the obligation to pay fees, please use the relevant application form:
Application for Exemption from Tuition Fee for International Students (German, PDF)
Application for Exemption from Tuition Fees for a second Degree Program (German, PDF)
Pursuant to § 6 paragraphs 4 and 5 LHGebG, Offenburg University of Applied Sciences may fully or partially exempt a limited number of international students from the obligation to pay the tuition fee for international students if it considers them to be particularly gifted. The requirements etc. are regulated in the Statutes for the Exemption from Tuition Fees for International Students on the Basis of Special Talent. The number of maximum exemptions per semester can be found in the corresponding announcement.
Announcement: Winter Semester 2025/26 (German, PDF)
Application for Exemption from Tuition Fees for International Students (German, PDF)
Special tuition fees for graduate and continuing education programs
For the advanced study program International Business Consulting and for the continuing education program MBA Part-time General Management special tuition fees are charged. Separate fee regulations apply for these tuition fees.
BAFöG
Information about BAföG is available on the website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. If you have any questions about BAföG, the Studierendenwerk Freiburg-Schwarzwald, which is responsible for Hochschule Offenburg, will be happy to assist you under the “Money” section. You can submit applications for financial aid at the Studierendenwerk branch on the Offenburg campus.
Studierendenwerk Branch Office
Badstraße 24, 77652 Offenburg
Phone: 0781 205-328
Office hours:
Mon and Wed from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
and by telephone arrangement
Here you will find a PDF (in German) in which we have summarized the criteria for the so-called standard benefits that you must demonstrate to continue receiving funding after two years of BAföG.
Contacts
Scholarships
There are a wide variety of scholarship programs—yet few students take advantage of this opportunity. You don’t have to be exceptionally talented or financially in need to qualify for funding. Find out here which scholarship organizations offer grants and how to find opportunities that match your personal profile.
Take advantage of our online counseling service on Moodle: Here, you’ll receive personalized guidance on your path to a scholarship, from an initial overview of the scholarship landscape all the way through the application process.
Search for Scholarships
There are hundreds of scholarship programs—but few people know about them! Boost your chances by doing your research and discovering lesser-known scholarship providers. Use these databases to quickly search for suitable opportunities:
MyStipendium
Comprehensive scholarship database with over 2,100 funding programs
Stipendienlotse
Vergleich.org publishes the "big scholarship guide" every year. Hundreds of scholarships are presented in the PDF, which can be downloaded free of charge.
Scholarships for students at Hochschule Offenburg
Deutschlandstipendium
Once a year, at the start of the winter semester, Hochschule Offenburg awards Germany Scholarships in the amount of 300 euros per month to students. The funding period is at least one year. All students enrolled at the university are eligible to submit applications, including those who have not yet begun their studies or are currently in their practical semester.
Thomas Gessmann-Stiftung
This foundation supports talented students in technical fields who lack the financial means to complete their studies within the standard time to degree without appropriate support. Students can submit an application for a scholarship in early May and early November.
Printus-Stipendium
To help you focus fully on your studies, Printus GmbH provides a monthly grant of 500 euros to students pursuing a master's degree in “Dialog Marketing & E-Commerce,” “Enterprise and IT Security,” “Computer Science,” and “Business Informatics.” Students can submit an application at any time.
Stipendien des Vereins der Freunde und Förderer
The university’s support association assists dedicated students, for example with grants for semesters abroad or for project and final theses.
Deutschlandstipendium
The Deutschlandstipendium is a program of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in which scholarships worth 300 euros per month are provided. Half of these scholarships are co-financed by the federal government, so that each scholarship sponsor can achieve double the effect with their contributions. The aim is to support talented students and thus strengthen the emerging scholarship culture in Germany.
Informationen für Bewerber*innen
Since when have German scholarships been available at Hochschule Offenburg?
The Hochschule Offenburg has been offering German scholarships since the winter semester 2011/12.
What are its legal foundations?
The law for the creation of a national scholarship program (Scholarship Program Law - StipG) and the university's own statutes for the awarding of Deutschlandstipendien (German, pdf). There is no legal entitlement to the DeutschlandStipendium.
How many students at Hochschule Offenburg have received a Deutschlandstipendium?
In the first year, 13 scholarships were awarded; meanwhile, there are 29 students who have benefited from it.
How much is the grant?
Students receive 300 euros per month.
How long is the support?
The funding lasts for at least two semesters and covers a maximum of the standard period of study. After one year, a review is carried out to determine whether the eligibility criteria are still being met.
Is the scholarship also paid out during a leave semester?
No, the scholarship cannot be paid out to students on leave.
Is the scholarship income-based?
No, the Deutschlandstipendium is not dependent on income.
Does the scholarship count towards BAföG support?
No, the BAföG funds and Deutschlandstipendium are complementary programs. Students can benefit from both funds at the same time without deductions.
Is parallel scholarship funding possible?
This depends on the amount and type of scholarship funding. Students who already receive talent- and performance-based support from a "Begabtenförderungswerk", the German Academic Exchange Service, or the Stiftung Begabtenförderung Berufliche Bildung, or from another domestic or foreign institution that amounts to an average of 30 euros or more per month, are not eligible for a Deutschlandstipendium. Scholarship recipients of the Begabtenförderungswerke must forego material support if they wish to receive a Deutschlandstipendium. Double sponsorship is therefore ruled out.
Does the money have to be paid back?
No, in contrast to BAföG support, Deutschlandstipendium receipients do not have to repay any of the funds.
Who can apply for a Deutschlandstipendium at Hochschule Offenburg?
All students enrolled at Hochschule Offenburg can apply, even before the start of their studies or during their practical semester.
What are the selection criteria?
Selection criteria are, among others, special achievements and talents: for first-year students in the form of the grade of the university entrance qualification, for students of Hochschule Offenburg the ECTS points achieved so far and the average grade performance. In addition, special achievements are taken into account, awards and prizes or previous professional activity, extracurricular or extracurricular commitment such as volunteer work, social or political commitment, participation in religious societies, associations or clubs, special personal or family circumstances such as illnesses or disabilities, caring for children, especially as a single parent, or for relatives in need of care, participation in a family business, student employment, family origin, or a migration background.
Who decides on the selection at Hochschule Offenburg?
There is a selection committee which decides on the award.
When can I apply for a Deutschlandstipendium at Hochschule Offenburg?
Hochschule Offenburg announces the Deutschlandstipendium annually for the winter semester. Thus, the next opportunity to apply is August/September 2022.
How can I apply?
Please fill out and sign the application form (German, pdf), scan it and e-mail it together with all accompanying documents in one PDF file to: deutschlandstipendium-bewerbung@hs-offenburg.de. A postal-mail application is not possible.
FAQs about the Deutschlandstipendium
Answers to frequently asked questions about the Deutschlandstipendium can be found on the page of the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung.
Talent- and Merit-Based Scholarships
Overview of Institutions Awarding Merit Scholarships
Stipendium plus
This website offers a quick overview of the major institutions awarding talent- and merit-based scholarships in Germany.
Denominational Institutions
Avicenna-Studienwerk
Scholarship program for Muslim students
Cusanuswerk
Scholarship program for Catholic students
Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Studienwerk
Scholarship program for Jewish students
Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst
Scholarship program for Protestant students
Politically affiliated foundations
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Foundation affiliated with the SPD
Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit
Foundation affiliated with the FDP
Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung
Foundation affiliated with the CSU
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
Gifted Foundation of the Alliance 90/The Greens party
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Foundation affiliated with the CDU
Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung
Scholarship program of the party Die Linke
Other organizations that support gifted students
Hans-Böckler-Stiftung
Foundation affiliated with the DGB (Federation of German Trade Unions)
Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft
The "Studienförderwerk Klaus Murmann" supports university students and doctoral candidates
Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
Independent foundation for talented students, regardless of political, religious, or ideological background
Aufstiegsstipendium für Berufserfahrene
Funding program for first-year students who have worked in a professional capacity for at least two years before starting their studies
Scholarships for Stays Abroad
For questions about financing a stay abroad please contact the International Office of Hochschule Offenburg.
Non-Profit Foundations - Databases
Stifterverband
Database of the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft listing non-profit foundations that support university students, including doctoral students
Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen
Comprehensive database making it possible to search for smaller scholarship providers. In the subject filter of the search mask, select the subject "Bildung/Erziehung/Studentenhilfe" to retrieve information about scholarships for students.
Other Foundations and Scholarships
Speners Stiftung
The Spenersche Stiftung supports needy students for one semester whose income does not exceed twice the Hartz IV rate. Students in particular need are eligible for funding.
Application deadlines:
15 March
15 September
WiWi-Talents
Ideal sponsorship for students in the field of economics.
Application deadlines:
15 May
15 November
Support for Female Students
The Hildegardis-Verein Bonn grants interest-free loans to female students of Christian denomination who have special support needs and financing problems.
Application deadlines:
30 June
31 December
Support for students in need
The Reemtsma Begabtenförderungswerk supports qualified students who are unable to finance their studies adequately due to their financial situation.
Application deadlines:
31 January
31 July
Kölner Gymnasial- und Stiftungsfonds
The Kölner Gymnasial- und Stiftungsfonds awards scholarships to students and doctoral candidates to bridge financing bottlenecks in their education.
Application deadlines:
1 February to 1 March and
1 August to 1 September
Scholarship for Outstanding Students
The Dr. Jost Henkel Foundation supports students with above-average academic performance who are unable to finance their studies sufficiently with their own funds. The foundation focuses on students of economics, natural sciences and engineering. Applications are possible at any time.
Funding for Studies in Australia, New Zealand, or Canada
The Institut Ranke-Heinemann helps students who are planning a study visit to Australia, New Zealand or Canada. In addition to support and advice on all aspects of the stay abroad, the support centre also offers various forms of financial support.
Your contact person regarding scholarships
Already studying at Hochschule Offenburg?
If you're ever struggling with your studies, we're here to help. Students reach out to us when they:
want to improve their study strategies or cut down on procrastination,
are unsure about their third attempt or are considering alternatives to their studies,
have doubts about their choice of major or are simply not doing well in their studies right now,
want to talk to a neutral person about personal or academic difficulties.
Counseling is, of course, free of charge and completely confidential. We offer a safe space to reflect on the situation together and plan the next steps. All details can be found on the intranet.
Breaking Down Barriers Together
A safe environment is essential for successful learning. Together, we remove obstacles—whether they’re related to facilities, health, or interpersonal relationships. And, of course, we help our students structure their studies in a way that accommodates their personal circumstances:
Studying as a parent: We provide guidance on rights and support services to help balance academic studies and family life.
Accessible studying: For students with disabilities or chronic illnesses, we provide guidance on accommodations and accessible campus facilities.
Focus on health: We help you organize your studies to fit your health situation.
Safe Campus: We’re watching out. Anyone who experiences or witnesses inappropriate behavior can find counseling and support in a confidential setting.
All details and contact persons are available on the intranet.
