Hands-on learning from day one: higher education focused on practical application
Applications for the 2025/26 winter semester are now open
On the Application Deadlines page, you’ll find all the courses for the 2025/26 winter semester – and you can apply for them now.
HAWK is a state university offering undergraduate and graduate programmes at 3 sites across the northern state of Lower Saxony.
Each study programme comprises lectures and theoretical input underpinned by practical experience, for example laboratory work, internships, field trips, exhibitions and practical projects, sometimes in collaboration with companies from the world of business.
Frequently asked questions
Professional
Study in Germany places a lot of emphasis on independent learning. You will attend lectures by specialist lecturers and participate in assignments and (practical) seminars to consolidate what you have learnt. There are also internships and projects to enable you to gain practical experience.
Study requires time management and self-discipline, as you will often have to work independently. The knowledge you acquire will be tested through term papers, presentations and written examinations. You even put together your own timetable.
Personal
A degree programme offers the opportunity not only to gain expertise in a subject but also for personal development and new friendships. You will meet people with similar interests and have the opportunity to participate in student clubs and groups.
You will also be able to consolidate your command of the German language and get to know German culture, helping you gain a foothold in the German labour market at a later stage.
Most study programmes require one of the following certificates of German language skills:
- Level 4 TestDaF issued by the TestDaF Institute
- DSH (German Language Test for University Entrance) Level 2
- Goethe Institute Certificate C2
- telc certificate in German C1 University
- DSD (German Language Diploma of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs) Level 2
Help with learning German
You can acquire and consolidate the German language skills you need at the HAWK Language Center.
The Studienstart plus programme gives you more time in your first two years of study to improve your basic and academic German skills.
The costs of study basically break down into 2 types of costs:
- The semester fee, approx. € 200 - 400 per semester, depending on location
- Accommodation and subsistence costs, at least € 500 per month, also varying by location
There are additional costs for international students:
- Study visa: Students must demonstrate (e.g. through a blocked bank account) that they are able to pay a monthly sum of € 934 or an annual sum of € 11,208 for their study visa.
- Health insurance: On average, health insurance costs € 110 per month for students aged 29 and under. Insurance is generally more expensive for students aged 30 and over.
Learn more about How to Fund Your Studies.
Semester dates are the same for all faculties and study programmes every year:
- Winter semester: 1 October - 31 March
- Summer semester: 1 April - 30 September
Lecture periods vary from semester to semester. Examinations and block (intensive) seminars may also be held outside the times listed below.
Application portals open:
- on 1 June for the winter semester
- on 1 December for the summer semester
Some study programmes require you to meet preliminary requirements before submitting an application, for example through completion of an internship or an aptitude test. So make sure you check the details of the programme you wish to study in good time.
