Information for International Students

The information provided in this section is for all international students who would like to start or continue their studies at HTWG Konstanz – University of Applied Sciences: whether as full-time, part-time or exchange students. Become part of our diverse group of students in Germany’s southernmost university of applied sciences!

Study at the HTWG Konstanz

The HTWG Konstanz welcomes many students from around the world each year. International students have several options:

Pursue a German-language bachelor’s, master’s, or double degree
Apply for our new English-language Sustainable Engineering and Future Technologies (SET) bachelor's program
Participate in one of our exchange programs
Take part in our 2-semester preparatory “Studienkolleg” program
Apply as a refugee student

We look forward to welcoming you on campus. Please contact us for more information, or if you would to set up an advising session.

Location: Lake Konstanz, Germany

The city of Konstanz and the University of Applied Sciences (HTWG) Konstanz are located in the very south of Germany. Our campus is located directly on Lake Constance, Central Europe’s largest lake, close to the Alps and our three neighbors, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein. This is a very attractive place to live and study.

Get a glimpse of student life in Konstanz

Basic Information for International Students

This section provides you with the most essential information and contact persons to get started at our university.

Applications and Getting Accepted

Apply for a Bachelor’s or Master’s Program
Foreign applicants with German university entrance qualifications can apply DIRECTLY for a degree program (bachelor’s or master’s). Students however can only enroll after completing the German language exam “Deutsche Sprachprüfung for the Hochschulzugang” (DSH) which is regularly offered in different cities. See the Studienkolleg website for alternative German tests.
NEW English-Language Program! The HTWG now offers a bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Engineering and Future Technologies (SET). This program requires B2 English and A1 German proficiency.
Foreign applicants who completed their secondary school or university diplomas abroad need to first have their diplomas and language proficiency recognized / certified by the Studienkolleg Konstanz. They will then receive the entrance qualifications needed to apply to the University of Applied Sciences Konstanz. Applicants will also need to pass the German language test (DSH) or the assessment test, which both regularly takes place in Konstanz.
Participate in an Exchange Program
Students who wish to spend one or two semesters at the University of Applied Sciences Konstanz should visit the webpage of our
International Office
Take Part in our 2-Semester Preparatory "Studienkolleg" Program
We offer a 2-semester preparatory program for applicants who first need to acquire the necessary academic qualifications and language skills to apply to German universities of applied sciences. You can find more information at the Studienkolleg webpage
Apply as a Refugee Student
We also welcome refugee students. For more information, or if you would like to set up an advising session, please see our Refugees@HTWG webpage
How do I get my diplomas/certificates verified?
All international applicants first need to have their diplomas and qualifications checked and certified by the Studienkolleg.
Detailed information is available on their webpage:
Link to Studienkolleg
German or English Requirements
Most of the degree programs at the HTWG Konstanz - University of Applied Sciences require C1-level German skills. (TestDaF: 16 or more points, DSH test: DSH 2 or 3).
Students applying to our English-language Sustainable Engineering and Future Technologies (SET)bachelor's program need B2-level English and A1 level German proficiency
Please note: You can submit your application before taking the language test. However, you need to submit the TestDaF score to the HTWG Konstanz before the start of the semester!

Accommodations, Financial Questions and More

After completing your application and receiving your acceptance letter, the next questions involve where to stay, how to cover your expenses, getting around and more. All of these questions are covered in detail on our Campus Life page:

Link to Campus Life

Tuition for International Students

Most international students who choose to study at the HTWG Konstanz are exempt from tuition. This includes students from:

The European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA)
HTWG Konstanz partner colleges and dual degree programs,
Students of all nationalities who completed their high school degrees (Abitur) in Germany but do not have German citizenship
Refugee students

All other international students in Baden-Württemberg are currently required to pay a tuition of 1,500 Euro per semester.

You can find more information (in German) about tuition for foreign students at the websites of the Ministry for Science, Research and Arts Baden-Württemberg

Information and Advising on Campus

The HTWG Konstanz has a number of departments who are here to support international students before, during and after their studies. This section introduces these departments.

Intercultural Center (IKZ)
The Intercultural Center is the main contact for all international students and refugee students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree at the HTWG Konstanz.
They offer the following services:
Welcome (online) session before you start your studies
Meet & greet event in 1^st semester
Buddy program – an upper-class student to support you
Intercultural classes and workshops to help you adjust to life in Germany
Advising for personal and other issues

Link to Intercultural Center website
Link to Refugees@HTWG website
International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt)
Do you want to study abroad in Konstanz? The International Office organizes all exchange programs for both HTWG Konstanz and international students. They offer an orientation program and a wide-range of events for all incoming exchange students, including dealing with bureaucratic issues, registering for courses and finding accommodations.
Link to International Office website
Studienkolleg (Center for International Students)
Not to be confused with the International Office, the "Studienkolleg" validates and certifies your diplomas and certifications to allow you to apply to universities of applied sciences in the state of Baden-Württemberg.
In addition, the Studienkolleg offers a two-semester preparatory course that provides students with both academic and language skills needed to pass the university entrance exam ("Feststellungsprüfung"):
Link to the "Studienkolleg" website
Student Advising Center (ZSB)
Our Student Advising Center provides confidential and competent advising for both prospective and current students. If you are unsure about what to study or could use some support (study skills, personal issues), they offer a wide-range of support options.
Link toStudent Advising Center (ZSB) website

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