Fulda University of Applied Sciences

Fulda University of Applied Sciences offers over 60+ degree and certificate programs across 8 departments, including undergraduate, graduate, dual, part-time, and continuing education options. 

The university’s diverse portfolio spans STEM, business, liberal arts, law, health, nutrition, and emerging fields like data science and biotechnology, with several programs taught in English and unique specializations not found elsewhere in Germany.

Some of the best courses to study in Germany at Fulda University of Applied Sciences are:

• MSc Global Software Development: Focuses on international IT project management and software engineering.
• MSc Applied Computer Science: Emphasizes advanced computing, software, and systems technology.
• MA in Communication and European Studies: Explores cultural exchange, European integration, and policy.
• BSc Global Health: An Interdisciplinary program on integrated healthcare systems and policy.
• BSc Food Technology: Applied sciences in food production, safety, and innovation.
• BSc Biotechnology: Combines biology, engineering, and industrial applications for biotech solutions.
• BSc International Business and Management: Global business, economics, and management practices.
• B.A. Social Work (with specialization in Childhood & Youth): Prepares graduates for impactful careers in social services, with top national rankings for study support and organization.

Program availability alone isn’t enough. Here's how much these degrees will cost in terms of semester contributions and tuition.

Fulda University of Applied Sciences welcomes international students for its 2025 admissions, offering a wide range of English- and German-taught programs.  

The admission requirements to study in Germany are transparent, with clear deadlines, no application fees. International applicants must have recognized secondary school certificates or relevant bachelor's degrees. Language proficiency is required, typically in German or English, depending on the program.

Here are the requirements you must meet to be fully prepared for the application process:

Admission Requirements

At Fulda University of Applied Sciences, applicants must provide a recognized school-leaving certificate or bachelor’s course, proof of language skills (DSH 2 for German or TOEFL iBT 79/B2 for English), and official transcripts.

Those without equivalent qualifications may need to complete a preparatory course, as is typically required when applying to public universities in Germany.

Here’s a closer look at all the academic qualifications needed for undergraduate and postgraduate entry.

Academic Qualification

Applicants to Fulda University of Applied Sciences must present a recognized school-leaving certificate for undergraduate programs (such as the International Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate, or equivalent to the 13th year/German Abitur or a relevant bachelor’s degree for postgraduate studies. 

If the previous education is not deemed equivalent to the German Abitur, applicants are required to complete a preparatory course (Studienkolleg) before admission. 

Below are the detailed requirements for studying in Germany for Indian students at Fulda University of Applied Sciences.

Language Proficiency

Most German-taught programs at Fulda University require advanced German language proficiency (DSH 2/C1), while English-taught programs accept internationally recognized English test scores at the B2 level or higher. Bilingual programs demand proficiency in both languages, and only official test results are accepted.

Here are the usual language proficiency level details:

Competitive Exams

Fulda University of Applied Sciences generally does not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission to undergraduate or postgraduate programs. However, a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) is required for most programs, including popular master's degrees like Data Science, Applied Computer Science, and Public Health.

Note: Requirements vary with programs. Check the university's official website for the latest news. 

Visa Requirements

A German student visa is mandatory for most non-EU/EEA applicants. Key requirements include a valid passport, official admission letter, proof of financial means (approx. €11,880/year or INR 10.8 L), and health insurance.

Here are the detailed German student visa requirements:

Note: Specific requirements may vary depending on the program and the applicant's country of origin.

Fulda University of Applied Sciences is not ranked by QS Ranking, THE Ranking, or similar global rankings, but it holds a solid national and subject-specific reputation in Germany.

 The university’s Social Work program is consistently rated among the top in Germany by the CHE Ranking, and Fulda also achieved 2nd place nationally in the education ranking. 
Below are some of the regional and global rankings of Fulda University of Applied Sciences over the years:

Beyond its overall position, Fulda University of Applied Sciences gains recognition in subject-specific rankings that reflect the university’s academic depth.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2024/25

The 2024/25 rankings highlight Fulda University of Applied Sciences' strong academic presence across various fields. Notable rankings include Medical and Health Sciences at 84th, Economics & Econometrics at 161st, and Engineering & Technology at 217th.

Below is a detailed summary of its subject-wise rankings:

Rankings are essential to understand a university's global and regional standing, but financial planning is just as important. Let's take a closer look at the costs associated with studying at Fulda University of Applied Sciences.

Understanding the cost of studying in Germany at Fulda University of Applied Sciences is crucial for budgeting and planning your education. The university charges no tuition fees for most programs, making it highly affordable, but students must pay a semester contribution of  €600 (INR 57K) per year and cover living expenses. 

Below is a summary of typical costs for international students in 2025, including tuition and average annual expenses.

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

Proper planning helps avoid financial stress during your studies. An expense calculator lets you estimate living and semester costs in advance.

Beyond academic expenses, daily living expenses add up. This breakdown gives a realistic view of annual other living costs at Fulda University of Applied Sciences. 

The Fulda University of Applied Sciences provides over 10 scholarship opportunities annually, including merit-based, need-based, international student-specific awards, and a fully-funded scholarship for Indian students.

These scholarships support tuition, living expenses, study abroad, and research activities, with dedicated support from the International Office for application guidance. 

Let's take a look at internal and external scholarships:

Internal Scholarships

The university strongly supports students with some of the top scholarships in Germany. Its association of friends and sponsors, and over 25 regional partners, provides direct financial aid to dozens of students each year. 

For the 2024/25 academic year, 27 students received the prestigious Deutschlandstipendium, each awarded €300 per month (INR 26K), with around 300 students applying annually for this scholarship alone. 

Internal scholarships include:

Beyond internal awards, national and international scholarships also support Fulda University students, often with higher funding potential

External Scholarships

External scholarships at Fulda University of Applied Sciences are funded by renowned organizations such as DAAD, HessenFonds, and foundations like Heinrich Böll and Konrad Adenauer, offering targeted support for international students, refugees, and doctoral candidates. 

Some external scholarships include: 

While financial support is important during your studies, it's equally crucial to consider career opportunities after graduation. Let's explore where Fulda University of Applied Sciences graduates are making their mark.

Fulda University of Applied Sciences offers a dedicated International Career Service that provides comprehensive support for career planning, internships, and job placement in Germany, especially for international students and graduates.  

Here are the internship & Co-op program opportunities available at Fulda University of Applied Sciences: 

1. Integrated Internships in Degree Programs

Many study programs at Fulda, like food technology and applied computer science, require mandatory internships, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with companies, research institutes, or public organizations as part of their curriculum.

2. Dual Study Programs

Fulda offers dual degree and joint degree options, combining academic coursework with paid, long-term placements in partner companies, providing both professional experience and financial support.

3. International Internship Support

The International Career Service helps students find internships abroad, including Erasmus-funded placements, and provides guidance on application processes and funding opportunities.

4. Career Buddy and Peer-to-Peer Programs

Students can access peer support through the Career Buddy program, receiving guidance from experienced peers on finding jobs and internships in Germany.

5. JobTeaser Platform

The university partners with JobTeaser, an online platform where students can find current internships, working students, and entry-level job listings tailored to their field of study.

6. On-Campus and Library Internships

Fulda offers internships within university departments, including administrative and library roles, giving students insight into university operations and supporting their professional development.

Fulda University's Career Service supports students with professional orientation, leading to strong employability and excellent job prospects with top employers in Germany. Let's look at some of the leading companies that hire graduates from the university.

Top recruiters

Fulda University of Applied Sciences maintains strong partnerships with regional and national employers like Viridicon, ensuring students benefit from practical and excellent jobs and part-time job opportunities in Germany.

While Fulda does not publish an official list of recruiters, its graduates are highly sought after by employers in the Rhine-Main region and beyond. 

Some of the top recruiters include:

• Klinikum Fulda: Offers positions in healthcare management, nursing, public health specialists, medical informatics, and therapeutic professions such as physiotherapy and elderly care.
• IT Companies (e.g., Viridicon AG, it-novum GmbH, FERCHAU GmbH): Provide roles like software developer, IT project manager, system administrator, IT support specialist, and embedded software engineer.
• Local Government & Public Administration: Recruit for social worker, legal advisor, integration officer, and public policy analyst roles supporting community and administrative services.
• Food & Consumer Industry (Food Tech firms): Employ food technologists, quality assurance managers, and supply chain analysts focused on product development and safety.
• Financial Services & Business Consulting: Offer positions such as business analyst, financial controller, HR specialist, and management trainee in the corporate and consulting sectors.
• Engineering & Manufacturing Firms: Hire process engineers, industrial biotechnologists, quality engineers, and production planners in the manufacturing and biotech industries.
• Research Institutes & Academia: Provide opportunities as research assistants, doctoral candidates, and project coordinators involved in applied research projects.

To give you a clearer picture, let's compare Fulda University of Applied Sciences with other top universities in Germany.  

Fulda University of Applied Sciences V/S University of Hildesheim V/S Esslingen University of Applied Sciences: Which is Better?

Fulda University of Applied Sciences, University of Hildesheim, and Esslingen University of Applied Sciences are all respected German institutions, each excelling in different academic areas and student experiences. 

Here's a side-by-side look at how these universities differ in tuition, programs, and student opportunities:

As you weigh your university options, the location and infrastructure are key considerations. This is where Fulda University of Applied Sciences offers a unique and enriching experience.

Fulda University of Applied Sciences Campuses

Fulda University of Applied Sciences operates from a single, integrated campus located at Leipziger Straße, in the city of Fulda, Hesse, Germany. 

It stands out as the first University of Applied Sciences in Germany with the independent right to award doctoral degrees. 

Here are some of the salient features of Fulda University's main campus: 

Top-Ranked Social Work Department

• Fulda University's Department of Social Work has consistently ranked in the top group nationwide in the CHE Ranking since 2017, achieving the best ratings in general study situation, study organisation, and practical orientation.

Pioneering Doctoral Programs

• Fulda is the first University of Applied Sciences in Germany to be granted the independent right to award doctoral degrees, underscoring its leadership in academic innovation.

Building a strong International Community

• Nearly 20% of the student body are international students, a proportion well above the national average, reflecting Fulda’s global appeal and commitment to diversity and intercultural exchange. 

Advanced Facilities

• The campus features modern simulation and software labs, coworking spaces for innovation, hybrid classrooms, and skills labs for hands-on learning in sciences and engineering.

Beyond lectures and labs, student life also shapes your university years. Here's what to expect in terms of community and extracurricular activities at Fulda University of Applied Sciences.

Fulda University of Applied Sciences, University of Hildesheim, and Esslingen University of Applied Sciences are all respected German institutions, each excelling in different academic areas and student experiences. 

Here's a side-by-side look at how these universities differ in tuition, programs, and student opportunities:

As you weigh your university options, the location and infrastructure are key considerations. This is where Fulda University of Applied Sciences offers a unique and enriching experience.

Fulda University of Applied Sciences operates from a single, integrated campus located at Leipziger Straße, in the city of Fulda, Hesse, Germany. 

It stands out as the first University of Applied Sciences in Germany with the independent right to award doctoral degrees. 

Here are some of the salient features of Fulda University's main campus: 

Top-Ranked Social Work Department

• Fulda University's Department of Social Work has consistently ranked in the top group nationwide in the CHE Ranking since 2017, achieving the best ratings in general study situation, study organisation, and practical orientation.

Pioneering Doctoral Programs

• Fulda is the first University of Applied Sciences in Germany to be granted the independent right to award doctoral degrees, underscoring its leadership in academic innovation.

Building a strong International Community

• Nearly 20% of the student body are international students, a proportion well above the national average, reflecting Fulda’s global appeal and commitment to diversity and intercultural exchange. 

Advanced Facilities

• The campus features modern simulation and software labs, coworking spaces for innovation, hybrid classrooms, and skills labs for hands-on learning in sciences and engineering.

Beyond lectures and labs, student life also shapes your university years. Here's what to expect in terms of community and extracurricular activities at Fulda University of Applied Sciences.

Fulda University of Applied Sciences offers a lively student life with over 20 active student clubs, organizations, and departmental councils, covering interests from social engagement to academic societies and cultural activities. Wednesdays are lecture-free after 1 p.m. to encourage participation in student committees and activities. 

Here's how the Fulda University of Applied Sciences promotes extracurricular activities among students: 

1. Student Initiatives and Clubs

• Over 20 student-run initiatives, including the UNICEF university group, student communities, and the Slow Food project, offer opportunities for social engagement, sustainability, and global citizenship.
• Departmental student councils (FSR) in each faculty organize welcome events, cultural excursions, workshops, and support networks for students.

2. Academic and Professional Associations

• Students in applied computer science are connected to the Gesellschaft für Informatik (GI), the largest computer science society in the German-speaking world, and the Fachbereichstag Informatik (FBTI), which supports academic excellence and networking.

3. Student Government and Representation

• The General Student Committee (AStA) and departmental councils represent student interests in university governance, organize university-wide events, and facilitate dialogue between students and administration.

4. Cultural and Social Events

• Regular events include the "Ersti-Ralley" (first-year rally), pub crawls, annual winter parties, May hikes, and guest lectures, fostering community and integration.

5. Sports Programs

• The university offers a range of sports activities and teams, including football, volleyball, basketball, and fitness classes, with facilities available on campus and collaboration with local sports clubs.

6. Support Networks

• Buddy programs, international student support, and grievance boxes ensure all students have access to assistance, networking, and advocacy throughout their studies

As you explore the student life of Fulda University, it's worth highlighting the success of its graduates. Let's take a look at some of the notable alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

For the winter semester 2025/26, international applicants can submit their applications from March 1, 2025 (closed), with most program deadlines set for September 30, 2025, although some competitive or restricted programs may close earlier.

Here are important deadlines and intake periods for various programs:

Note: Higher semester applications refer to students transferring or continuing studies in later semesters and have specific deadlines.

Now that you know the admission requirements, it’s important to understand where the Fulda University of Applied Sciences stands globally. 

Fulda's location in a medium-sized city offers more affordable living compared to major German cities. Student accommodation options are budget-friendly, with on-campus rooms starting at about €377/month (INR 33K). Private apartments in the city center can cost up to €491/month (INR 45K).

Here’s a detailed breakdown of living expenses in Germany:

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

Living in Fulda is more affordable than major German cities, but planning is still essential. An education loan calculator can help you estimate your future repayments.

If cost is a concern, support is available. Fulda University students can access a range of scholarships to ease the financial load.

The education system in Germany is renowned for offering high-quality degrees with minimal or no tuition fees, making it possible for international students to study in Germany for free. 

At Fulda University of Applied Sciences, there are no tuition fees in Germany for undergraduate or postgraduate programs; students pay only a modest semester fee (€300–€390/INR 28K-38K per semester) covering administrative costs and public transport. 

Below is a breakdown of typical tuition fees for key programs:

Once you know the offerings and costs, the next step is understanding how to apply to Fulda University of Applied Sciences. Let’s explore the 2025 admissions process.

Fulda University of Applied Sciences has a vibrant alumni network of over 11,000 graduates, many of whom have made significant contributions in fields such as health sciences, computer science, business, and social engagement. 

Below is a selection of distinguished alumni from Fulda University recognized for their excellence and influence in their respective domains.