English 
Deutsch SRH University of Applied Sciences Heidelberg — commonly known as SRH University — is one of Germany's oldest and largest private universities, headquartered in Heidelberg since 1969. With 18 campuses across Germany and over 200 Bachelor's, Master's and MBA programmes, it is one of the most internationally oriented private universities in the German higher education system. Students from more than 140 countries are currently enrolled.
English-taught programmes: What SRH University offers international students
SRH University offers a substantial range of fully English-taught degree programmes at both Bachelor's and Master's level, with particular depth in business, management, technology, psychology and health sciences. Many programmes are bilingual or offered in parallel in English and German, which gives international students the option to study entirely in English while living in Germany.
This is not a token offering. English-language programmes are embedded across multiple faculties and campuses — not limited to a single international track. If you are looking to study in Germany without needing German language proficiency for your degree, SRH University is one of the more realistic options among private universities.
The CORE principle: How learning works at SRH University
SRH University does not follow a conventional semester structure. Instead, it operates on the CORE principle — Competence-Oriented Research and Education. Under this model, students work through intensive five-week learning blocks, each focused on a specific topic or real-world challenge. Assessment is integrated into each block rather than concentrated in a single exam period at the end of term.
The practical implications for students are significant: smaller group sizes, continuous engagement with the material, and a closer connection between theory and application. The CORE model was recognised with the Genius Loci Award for Excellence in Teaching — one of Germany's most prestigious awards in higher education pedagogy.
- Five-week learning blocks with integrated assessment — no end-of-semester exam marathon
- Small group sizes — personal contact with faculty is the norm, not the exception
- Real-world projects — students work on applied problems from industry and research
- Flexible pacing — the block structure makes it easier to combine study with internships or work
Campuses and locations across Germany
One of SRH University's most distinctive features is its geographic spread. With 18 campuses, it is present in most major German cities and regions. The main campus and university headquarters are in Heidelberg — a historic university city in Baden-Württemberg with a strong international community and excellent transport links.
Other campuses include Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Stuttgart, Dresden, Leipzig and several mid-sized cities. Not every programme is available at every location, so it is worth checking the specific campus offering for your chosen field of study.
Admission: No numerus clausus, individual selection
SRH University does not use a numerus clausus (NC) — the grade-based admission threshold common at German public universities. Instead, admission is based on an individual selection process that varies by programme and may include a motivation letter, an aptitude test, or an advisory interview.
For international applicants, this means your grades from your home country's secondary or undergraduate education are assessed holistically, not against a fixed German GPA threshold. The university's International Office provides dedicated support throughout the application process.
- No NC — admission is not grade-based; individual assessment applies
- Two intakes per year: Winter semester (October) and Summer semester (April); some programmes are annual only
- Language certificates: IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programmes; TestDaF or DSH for German-taught tracks
- Academic credential recognition: International degrees are evaluated individually; the admissions team assists with equivalency questions
- APS certificate: Required for applicants from China, Vietnam and Mongolia
Tuition fees and cost of living in Germany
As a private university, SRH University charges tuition fees. The exact amount varies by programme, campus and study format. As a general reference: Bachelor's programmes typically involve semester fees in the four-digit range; Master's and MBA programmes are priced higher. Always check the current fee schedule directly with the university or on the individual programme page, as fees can differ significantly between fields.
Financing options available to international students include DAAD scholarships, the Deutschlandstipendium (for which SRH students are eligible), SRH's own scholarship programme, and education loans from providers such as the KfW student loan (available to EU residents) or private lenders like Prodigy Finance.
Visa and entry requirements for non-EU students
Students from outside the EU and EEA require a German student visa to enrol at SRH University. The process is managed through German embassies and consulates in the applicant's home country. Key steps:
- Receive a letter of admission from SRH University — this is required for the visa application
- Open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) with a minimum of approximately 11,904 EUR per year (current requirement as of 2025) to prove financial self-sufficiency
- Obtain health insurance — German statutory health insurance is mandatory for enrolled students
- Apply for the student visa at the German embassy; processing times vary by country (4–12 weeks is common)
- Upon arrival, register at the local residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) and apply for a residence permit for study purposes
Accreditation and degree recognition
SRH University of Applied Sciences Heidelberg is state-recognised (staatlich anerkannt) under German higher education law and institutionally accredited by ZEvA (Zentrale Evaluations- und Akkreditierungsagentur Hannover). The current accreditation runs until 30 September 2027.
Degrees awarded by SRH University are recognised throughout Germany and — within the framework of the Bologna Process — across the European Higher Education Area. For recognition outside Europe, degrees from state-recognised German universities are accepted by most international employers and academic institutions, though specific recognition procedures may apply in individual countries.
SRH University is part of the broader SRH Group, which also includes EBS University of Business and Law, the SRH Fernhochschule – The Mobile University, and international partner institutions in the Netherlands and Paraguay.
Is SRH University the right choice for you?
SRH University works well for international students who want a structured, campus-based study experience in Germany without the language and admission barriers of the public university system. The CORE model rewards self-directed learners who can manage their own schedule within a defined block structure. Students who prefer large lecture-hall formats or a traditional semester rhythm may need time to adjust.
- Looking for an English-taught Bachelor's or Master's programme at a state-recognised German university
- Applying without a German GPA and want holistic rather than grade-based admission
- Interested in business, management, technology, psychology or health sciences
- Wanting to live and study in Germany while building a career network in Europe
- Seeking a university with multiple campus options across Germany
Frequently asked questions about SRH University
Yes. SRH University of Applied Sciences Heidelberg is state-recognised under German higher education law and institutionally accredited by ZEvA. The accreditation is valid until September 2027. Degrees are recognised across Germany and within the European Higher Education Area (Bologna Process).
Yes. SRH University offers a substantial range of fully English-taught Bachelor's, Master's and MBA programmes. German language proficiency is not required for admission to English-taught tracks, though basic German skills are useful for daily life in Germany.
English-taught programmes typically require an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 80–90. Exact requirements vary by programme. Native English speakers and applicants who completed their previous degree in English may be exempt — check with the admissions office for your specific programme.
No. SRH University does not use NC-based admission. Applicants are assessed individually through a selection process that may include a motivation letter, aptitude test or advisory interview. This applies to both domestic and international applicants.
Tuition fees vary by programme and campus. Bachelor's programmes typically start at several thousand euros per semester; Master's and MBA programmes are priced higher. In addition to tuition, students should budget approximately 900–1,500 EUR per month for living costs depending on the city. Check the current fee schedule directly on the SRH University website or the individual programme page.
Students from outside the EU and EEA require a German student visa. You will need a letter of admission from SRH University, a blocked account (Sperrkonto) showing approximately 11,904 EUR, and health insurance. Apply for the visa as early as possible — processing times of 4–12 weeks are common depending on your country.
CORE stands for Competence-Oriented Research and Education. Instead of traditional semesters with a single exam block, students study in intensive five-week learning phases with integrated assessments. The model emphasises small groups, applied learning and real-world projects. It was recognised with the Genius Loci Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Advisory Service
Questions for the private university SRH University? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the university or the editorial team will answer you.
For international applicants from Cameroon, the general admission requirements for a Master's programme in business are:
A recognised Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (business, economics or a related subject)
Proof of English proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–90 (exact requirements vary by programme)
A motivation letter and, depending on the programme, an aptitude test or advisory interview
There is no numerus clausus — admission is based on individual assessment, not grades alone
Please note that as a Cameroonian applicant, you will need to have your academic credentials evaluated. The university's International Office can advise you on the equivalency process for your specific degree.
Tuition fees for Master's programmes vary depending on the specific programme and campus. We recommend requesting the current fee schedule directly from SRH University via their website at srh-university.de — the admissions team will provide you with an exact breakdown for your chosen programme.
For your visa application, you will also need to open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) of approximately 11,904 EUR per year to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency — this is a standard German visa requirement, separate from tuition fees.