Furtwangen University

Furtwangen im Schwarzwald, Germany

Furtwangen University, also known as HFU, is a leading German university of applied sciences located in the heart of the Black Forest region of Furtwangen im Schwarzwald. Established in 1850 as Germany’s first state school of clockmaking, the university has evolved into a modern institution known for its strong focus on applied learning, innovation
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Tuition Fees, Cost of Living & Accommodation at Furtwangen University

Cost Of Living

€ 12000

Undergraduate Fees International Students

€ 1500

Post Graduate Fees International Students

€ 1500

Bachelors

  • € 1500
  • € 1500
  • € 1500
  • € 1500
  • € 1500
  • € 1500

Furtwangen University Departments

  • Business & Management
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Science
  • Medical and Allied Healthcare
  • Media

Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of Furtwangen University

The major USP of Furtwangen University is its strong combination of practical education, industry collaboration, international exposure, and applied research. The university is widely recognized as one of Germany’s leading universities of applied sciences, especially in fields such as engineering, computer science, business, media, and health sciences. HFU focuses on career-oriented learning where students gain hands-on experience through internships, live projects, laboratory work, and close cooperation with companies. Another key strength of HFU is its deep connection with industry and innovation. The university works closely with regional and international companies for research projects, internships, technology transfer, and student training. Through its Innovation and Research Center (IFC), students and researchers gain access to modern research facilities, startup support, and real world industrial projects. HFU is also highly international in outlook. The university has partnerships with more than 150 universities worldwide and welcomes students from over 90 countries. Many programmes are taught in English, and the university strongly encourages exchange semesters, double degrees, and global mobility opportunities through Erasmus+ and other international collaborations. 

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Distinguished Alumni of Furtwangen University

Albrecht Schwab

Albrecht Schwab is one of the most recognized alumni associated with Furtwangen University. He graduated in 1962 from th... View More

Jörg Rupp

Jörg Rupp is an HFU graduate who became the CEO of KTR Systems, a global company specializing in power transmission and... View More

Dr. Christian Dick

Dr. Christian Dick studied engineering at HFU and later became Chief Technology Officer at TRUMPF Group, one of the worl... View More

Dr. Volker Latuske

Dr. Volker Latuske is a business informatics graduate from HFU and the founder of Latuske GmbH. He built a successful so... View More

Anna Schmitt

Anna Schmitt is associated with ZEISS Meditec, where she has worked in medical technology and precision optics. A gradua... View More

Markus Weber

Markus Weber studied automotive engineering at HFU and later became Vice President of Engineering at Bosch. He is recogn... View More

Infrastructure & Facilities at Furtwangen University

Furtwangen University offers modern infrastructure and advanced academic facilities across its campuses in Furtwangen, Schwenningen, and Tuttlingen. The university is equipped with smart classrooms, modern lecture halls, computer centres, collaborative study spaces, research institutes, innovation hubs, cafeterias, and student support facilities designed to support practical and research-oriented learning. The Schwenningen campus combines historic industrial architecture with modern infrastructure, including advanced laboratories and a contemporary library.

HFU is especially known for its industry-focused laboratories and research facilities. Students have access to specialized labs such as the Additive Manufacturing Lab, Fuel Cell and Battery Research Lab, Digital Electronics and Microprocessor Technology Lab, Digital Communication & Signal Processing Lab, and Engineering Psychology/Human Factors Lab. These facilities support hands-on learning, applied research, and innovation in engineering, artificial intelligence, healthcare technology, and digital systems.

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Furtwangen University Student Life

Furtwangen University offers a vibrant and multicultural student life across its campuses in Furtwangen, Schwenningen, and Tuttlingen. Students enjoy a close-knit community atmosphere with small class sizes, strong interaction with professors, and a welcoming international environment. The university regularly organizes orientation programmes, cultural festivals, networking events, workshops, student parties, and sports activities that help students build friendships and integrate into campus life. HFU is especially known for its scenic location in the Black Forest region, which provides students with opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, mountain biking, climbing, and camping. The university also offers a wide range of sports clubs and recreational programmes including football, volleyball, badminton, fitness training, and winter sports. 

Student organizations and the General Students’ Committee (AStA) actively organize social events, international evenings, music nights, and intercultural programmes throughout the academic year. International students benefit from buddy programmes, language support, and student communities that help them adjust to life in Germany. Cafeterias, student residences, libraries, cafés, and collaborative study spaces further contribute to a comfortable and engaging student experience. 

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Furtwangen University Career support

Furtwangen University has a strong industry-oriented recruitment system that focuses on internships, practical training, thesis collaborations, and graduate employment opportunities. The university maintains close ties with companies from sectors such as engineering, automotive, information technology, healthcare technology, manufacturing, consulting, and business management. Through its career services and industry partnerships, HFU helps students connect with employers for internships, working student roles, research projects, and full-time jobs.

One of the major highlights of campus recruitment at HFU is the University Careers Fair, which is organized twice every year at the Furtwangen campus. The event brings together recruiters, HR managers, startups, and multinational companies who interact directly with students regarding internships, thesis opportunities, trainee programmes, and graduate jobs. Companies from industries such as software development, automation, electronics, consulting, and manufacturing regularly participate in these fairs.

HFU also operates an official online Job Exchange portal where companies post internships, thesis projects, working student positions, and graduate vacancies specifically for HFU students and alumni. The platform supports students in finding industry experience during their studies and improving employability after graduation. 

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Step-by-Step Guide to Admission Requirements at Furtwangen University

The below information is required while
completing the university application :

1. International students applying for undergraduate programmes at Furtwangen University must possess a recognized higher education entrance qualification equivalent to the German Abitur or university entrance qualification.

2. Non EU applicants are required to submit academic transcripts, school leaving certificates, a valid passport copy, a tabular CV, and proof of language proficiency depending on the programme language.

3. For German taught programmes, German language certificates such as TestDaF, DSH, or equivalent are usually required, while English taught programmes require proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent tests.

4. Applicants must apply through HFU’s online application portal (MIO), and some programmes may also require registration through Hochschulstart.de.

5. Additional documents such as proof of internships, extracurricular achievements, vocational training, or work experience can strengthen the application for admission restricted programmes. Certain courses may also require a pre study internship.

6. The standard application deadlines for undergraduate programmes are 15 July for the Winter Semester and 15 January for the Summer Semester. 

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Campus
Recruitment By top Companies

Furtwangen University has a strong industry-oriented recruitment system that focuses on internships, practical training, thesis collaborations, and graduate employment opportunities. The university maintains close ties with companies from sectors such as engineering, automotive, information technology, healthcare technology, manufacturing, consulting, and business management. Through its career services and industry partnerships, HFU helps students connect with employers for internships, working student roles, research projects, and full-time jobs.

One of the major highlights of campus recruitment at HFU is the University Careers Fair, which is organized twice every year at the Furtwangen campus. The event brings together recruiters, HR managers, startups, and multinational companies who interact directly with students regarding internships, thesis opportunities, trainee programmes, and graduate jobs. Companies from industries such as software development, automation, electronics, consulting, and manufacturing regularly participate in these fairs.

HFU also operates an official online Job Exchange portal where companies post internships, thesis projects, working student positions, and graduate vacancies specifically for HFU students and alumni. The platform supports students in finding industry experience during their studies and improving employability after graduation. 

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    Furtwangen University Corporate Partnership

    • MedicalMountains GmbH : Collaborates with HFU on medical technology innovation, research projects, and healthcare product development through the CoHMed programme.
    • TechnologyMountains e.V. : Works with HFU on Industry 4.0, engineering innovation, and regional technology transfer initiatives.
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    Notable Achievements of Furtwangen University

    Furtwangen University has earned recognition for its excellence in applied education, research, innovation, and internationalization over the years. In 2023, several of its master’s programmes in business, business informatics, and industrial engineering received top ratings in the prestigious CHE University Ranking, particularly for practical relevance and timely graduation rates. HFU has consistently ranked among Germany’s leading universities of applied sciences in fields such as computer science, engineering, business informatics, and digital media according to CHE, Wirtschaftswoche, and Manager Magazin rankings. In 2021, HFU was listed among the Top 15 German universities for international students by Edarabia.com because of its strong combination of innovation, practical education, and international programmes. In 2025, the university improved its global standing in the Webometrics Ranking, reaching 2228th globally and 81st in Germany for research visibility and academic performance. HFU also regularly honors outstanding academic achievements through awards such as the DAAD Prize, Germany Scholarships, HFU Teaching Award, and student excellence awards presented in partnership with companies like doubleSlash and M&M Software. 

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    Achievements

    01.
    Improved Webometrics Global Ranking

    Furtwangen University improved its position in the Webometrics Ranking 2025, reaching 2228th globally and 81st in Germany. The ranking recognized the university’s growing research visibility, digital presence, and academic performance.

    Year
    2025
    02.
    Top Ratings in CHE University Ranking

    In 2023, several HFU master’s programmes received top ratings in the prestigious CHE University Ranking. The university was particularly recognized for practical relevance, industry orientation, student satisfaction, and strong graduation outcomes in business, engineering, and informatics programmes

    Year
    2023
    03.
    Participation in Upper Rhine Artificial Intelligence Symposium

    HFU gained recognition for its contribution to artificial intelligence research through the Upper Rhine AI Symposium under the TriRhenaTech alliance. The university collaborated on research related to Industry 4.0, healthcare technology, and intelligent systems

    Year
    2021

    Notable Innovation, Research & Development Furtwangen University

    Furtwangen University is known for its strong focus on applied research, innovation, and technological development. Founded in 1850 as Germany’s first state school of clockmaking, the university has evolved into a leading institution in engineering, artificial intelligence, healthcare technology, and advanced manufacturing. HFU has led major projects such as “BISS 4.0” for blockchain-based industrial systems, “SmartOptics” for microsystem technology, and “3DTuMo-Print” for cancer bioprinting research. The university also contributes to AI and digital healthcare innovation through initiatives like the Upper Rhine AI Symposium, “ColdWheel” advanced manufacturing research, and the ongoing “Connected Health in Medical Mountains (CoHMed)” programme.

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    Notable Innovation

    01.
    HFU Skills4MedTec Initiative

    In 2025, HFU introduced the “HFU Skills4MedTec” project to expand advanced education and research in medical technology. The initiative develops modern scientific training programmes for healthcare and medical technology professionals, combining blended learning with industry-focused innovation.

    Year
    2025
    02.
    ColdWheel Advanced Manufacturing Project

    HFU’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing launched the “ColdWheel” project in 2024. The research focuses on developing innovative DLP-printed grinding tools with adjustable grain structures and integrated cooling channels. The project aims to revolutionize precision grinding and advanced material processing through additive manufacturing technologies.

    Year
    2024
    03.
    Upper Rhine Artificial Intelligence Symposium

    HFU participated in the Upper Rhine Artificial Intelligence Symposium through the TriRhenaTech alliance in 2020 and 2021. The research collaboration focused on artificial intelligence applications in Industry 4.0, mobility, healthcare, intelligent systems, and life sciences, strengthening HFU’s contribution to cross-border AI research and technology transfer.

    Year
    2021

    Explore Programs & Courses at Furtwangen University

    Program name
    Tuition Fees
    Deadlines
    Bachelor of Arts Business Management and Psychology NA On Campus Bachelors Program
    NA
    NA
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