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Innovative, hands-on, international

About us

Founded in 1994, Hof University is a state-run University of Applied Sciences, funded and operated by the Free State of Bavaria. Our modern campus combines inspiring architecture with state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and dormitories.

We are practice-oriented: all programs include integrated internships, giving students hands-on experience and strong employability skills.

With more than 50 Bachelor's and Master's programs in business, computer science, engineering, health, and design, we blend innovation, applied research, and real-world learning.

For professionals with at least one year of experience, Hof University Graduate School offers advanced programs entirely in English, preparing graduates for international careers and leadership roles.

Supported by a welcoming, international community and close faculty guidance, our students gain the skills, confidence, and experience to succeed in today’s professional world.

 

What we stand for

What is a University of Applied Sciences?

Accreditation and awards

Hochschule Hof, Blick auf rot-blaue Säule und den Eingang des Gebäudes B

Our mission

All students are excellently educated and cared for in our internationally oriented  Green Tech University.

 

Our teaching is influenced by the ideas of strong-practice orientation, open-mindedness and resource efficiency.

Our promise: Unfold your career

At Hof University, it’s not about following a predetermined career plan. It’s about discovering your potential, gaining new perspectives and shaping your own path step by step.

Whether you are considering studying at Hof University, are already a student, or are looking to shape your professional future as a member of our staff: We create space for growth. Through hands-on degree programs, personal support, innovative research, strong connections with industry, international opportunities, and a wide range of career and professional development opportunities.

At Hof University, Unfold your career means developing your talents, gaining experience, taking responsibility and shaping the future – in your studies and in your career.

What defines Hof University

Strong practice orientation

All professors have a strong academic background as well as practical experience in industry. Teaching is based on innovative methods to convey application-oriented knowledge (e.g. projects with industry, site visits, involvement of company representatives). As a result, our graduates are ideally prepared for the domestic and international labour markets.

Intensive personal support

We are well-known for our friendly study atmosphere. German and international students from more than 50 countries learn together on our open-minded campuses. An excellent student-to-lecturer ratio allows for frequent and personal contact between students and professors and an active exchange of ideas. Students receive intensive personal support during their studies and benefit from numerous services, such as orientation sessions, social integration events, and housing support.

The outlook of the university is extremely international, with more than 130 partner universities all over the world. More than twenty percent of students come from abroad, creating a truly multinational atmosphere.

Applied research

The university's five research institutes concentrate on Green Tech and sustainability:

The guiding principles for our research are practice-orientation, internationalisation and resource efficiency (focusing on indoor climate systems / water).

Start-up culture

Entrepreneurial thinking, striving for innovation and inventive spirit are firmly anchored in the self-image of Hof University. We support start-ups and founders individually and tailor-made in all phases - from the first idea to the foundation. StartupLab is the central hub where (international) students turn ideas into real ventures. 

Through mentoring, hands-on resources, and formats such as the Makerspace and Ideation Week, we support you from first idea to startup prototype.

What is a University of Applied Sciences?

Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) are a special feature of the German Higher Education system. 

In Germany, UAS and research universities have equal academic status within the university system. Both of them award Bachelor's and Master's degrees. In cooperation with research universities, UAS also award PhDs.

Research universities mainly teach theoretical knowledge and emphasize basic research. The UAS have a practice-oriented approach and focus on applied research. This means, the focus is more on practical job requirements than on theory. The range of subjects at a UAS comprises specialist fields such as engineering, technology and business.

A special feature of education at a UAS is that it always includes practical phases where students complete work placements, longer project phases or entire practical semesters, often in the industry. 

More than 70 percent of the German engineers are UAS graduates and in high demand on the labour market. Also with international students, UASs are very popular due the excellent job perspectives after graduation.

Find out more about the different types of higher education institutes in Germany on websites of DAAD.

Accreditation and awards

Top Hochschule 2026

In 2026, StudyCheck awarded the “Top Hochschule” distinction, recognizing Hof University as one of the most popular institutions in Germany with fewer than 5,000 students.

StudyCHECK 2024

Hof University was ranked as the most popular university in Germany second time in a row by the rating platform StudyCHECK.de (January 2024).

StudyCHECK 2023

Hof University was ranked as the most popular university in Germany by the rating platform StudyCHECK.de (January 2023).

Zertifikat Systemakkreditierte Hochschule

System accreditation

Hof University has the highest level of accreditation in Germany (= system accreditation).

Logo gegen Fremdenfeindlichkeit

Against racism and chauvinism

We participate in the nationwide campaign „German Universities open to the world against racism and chauvinism“.

Logo Fairtrade University Hof

Fairtrade University

We are certified as a Fairtrade University.

National Code of Conduct for German Universities Regarding International Students

Hof University has joined the National Code of Conduct, which ensures that international students receive the quality of support and advice they need when studying in Germany.