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Deutsch - State-recognised private university of applied sciences in Buxtehude (Hamburg Metropolitan Region)
- Dual Bachelor's programmes with 50 percent practical component — no numerus clausus
- Fields: construction, technology and health sciences
- All programmes state-accredited; quality assured through regular re-accreditation
- Institutional backing: regional chambers of commerce, municipalities and savings banks (public-private partnership)
- Since summer semester 2024: part-time Master's in Civil Engineering (M.Eng.)
- All degree programmes are taught exclusively in German
Are there English-taught programmes at hochschule 21?
No. All degree programmes at the hochschule 21 are taught exclusively in German. There are no English-medium Bachelor's or Master's programmes. International students who are not yet proficient in German will need to reach at least B2 level — ideally C1 — before starting their studies. The hs21 does not offer a dedicated language preparation course on campus, but German courses are available at language schools in Buxtehude and Hamburg.
If you are looking for English-taught programmes in Germany, the hochschule 21 is currently not the right fit. Consider institutions such as IU International University, SRH Mobile University or Constructor University, which offer fully English-medium degrees.
What makes hochschule 21 stand out?
The hochschule 21 operates on a model that is unusual even by German standards: every Bachelor's programme is structured as a dual study programme from day one. This means students alternate between academic study at the university and practical phases at a cooperating company, typically in three-month cycles. By the time they graduate, students have accumulated several years of professional experience alongside their degree.
The institution is not a commercially driven private university. Its parent company is a non-profit GmbH whose shareholders are primarily regional chambers of commerce and crafts, municipal savings banks, districts and cities. This makes it structurally closer to a public university than to an investor-backed private institution — with correspondingly close ties to regional employers.
Founded in 2004 and operational since winter semester 2005/2006, the hs21 was built on the site of the former Fachhochschule Nordostniedersachsen. Today it enrols around 1,060 students — a size that allows for short lines of communication and personalised academic support.
How does hs21 compare to other German private universities?
The hs21 occupies a clearly defined niche: regionally anchored, practically oriented, non-profit. Compared to large-scale private universities such as IU International University or Hochschule Fresenius, it offers a narrower subject range but deeper integration with local employers and a smaller student body. There is no numerus clausus, and admission decisions are made on an individual basis.
The dual model also sets it apart from private universities that offer dual programmes as an optional track. At hs21, every undergraduate programme is dual — there is no purely classroom-based full-time alternative. That is a strength for students who want structure and guaranteed professional exposure, and a limitation for those who prefer academic flexibility.
Tuition fees and how students finance their studies
In a dual study programme, the cooperating company typically covers the tuition fees on behalf of the student. In addition, students receive a monthly training allowance from the company, the amount of which varies by employer and sector. This means many students at hs21 study at no personal cost and earn an income simultaneously.
For the part-time Master's programme in Civil Engineering, tuition fees apply independently of any employer arrangement. For current fee information, contact the hochschule 21 study counselling team directly: studienberatung@hs21.de.
There is no semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) at hs21 comparable to what students pay at public German universities, as the funding model differs from state institutions.
Location: Buxtehude near Hamburg
Buxtehude is a Hanseatic town of around 40,000 inhabitants, located approximately 35 kilometres west of Hamburg. The hs21 campus sits at Harburger Straße 6, within easy reach of the town centre. Hamburg is accessible via S-Bahn line S3 in roughly 40 to 60 minutes — making it realistic to live in Hamburg and commute to Buxtehude, or vice versa.
For international students, Buxtehude offers a considerably more affordable rental market than Hamburg. Shared apartments (Wohngemeinschaften) typically range from €400 to €650 per month for a room, compared to €700–€1,100 in Hamburg. The town has a functional local infrastructure — supermarkets, healthcare, public transport — though cultural life and international community are significantly more developed in Hamburg.
Visa and residence requirements for non-EU students
Non-EU students who wish to study at hochschule 21 need a German student visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken). The application is made at the German embassy or consulate in your home country before arriving in Germany. Processing times vary significantly by country — plan for at least eight to twelve weeks.
Once admitted, students apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the local Ausländerbehörde in Buxtehude. The residence permit is typically tied to the duration of the study programme. Required documents generally include:
- University admission letter
- Proof of financial resources (blocked account with at least €11,904 per year as of 2024, or equivalent sponsorship)
- Health insurance coverage valid in Germany
- Proof of language proficiency (German B2 minimum)
- Valid passport
The dual study contract with a cooperating company can serve as supporting evidence of financial stability, but a blocked account is still recommended for the initial visa application. Check the current requirements with the German embassy in your country, as documentation standards can change.
Cost of living in Buxtehude
Germany's official minimum monthly budget for international students is set at €992 per month (2024 blocked account basis). In practice, costs in Buxtehude are somewhat lower than in Hamburg. A realistic monthly budget for a student in Buxtehude:
- Rent (shared apartment): €400–€650
- Food and groceries: €200–€280
- Transport (monthly ticket, Niedersachsen): approx. €30–€50 with the Deutschlandticket
- Health insurance: €110–€130 (public student tariff)
- Other (mobile, clothing, leisure): €100–€150
Total: approximately €840–€1,260 per month. The training allowance from the cooperating company — typically €700–€1,100 per month in technical and construction fields — can cover a significant portion of these costs.
International recognition of degrees
The hochschule 21 is state-recognised by the Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur (Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture). All degree programmes carry the standard German university designations: Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) for undergraduate programmes, and Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) for the postgraduate offering in Civil Engineering.
German Bachelor's and Master's degrees from accredited institutions are part of the Bologna Process framework, which means they are recognised across all EU member states and in most countries with bilateral recognition agreements. For recognition outside the EU — including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia — the degree typically needs to be evaluated by the relevant national recognition body. In most cases, a B.Eng. or B.Sc. from an accredited German Fachhochschule is treated as equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from a domestic university of applied sciences.
Graduates in architecture and civil engineering can additionally apply for registration with the Ingenieurkammer Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony Chamber of Engineers) and, where applicable, the Architektenkammer — a professional recognition step that carries weight in the German and wider European labour market.
Degree programmes at hochschule 21
All programmes are taught in German. A working knowledge of German (minimum B2, preferably C1) is required for admission.
Faculty of Construction
- Architecture (dual) — Bachelor of Engineering, 6 semesters. Includes eligibility to apply for registration with the Architektenkammer (architects' chamber).
- Civil Engineering (dual) — Bachelor of Engineering, 6 semesters. Graduates receive the Ingenieur title from the Ingenieurkammer Niedersachsen.
- Construction and Real Estate Management (dual) — Bachelor of Engineering, 6 semesters. Combines technical and business management content for roles at the intersection of construction and property.
- Civil Engineering (part-time) — Master of Engineering, 4 semesters. Launched summer semester 2024. Designed for working professionals with a relevant Bachelor's degree.
Faculty of Technology
- Mechatronics (dual) — Bachelor of Engineering, 6 semesters. Integrates mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science.
- Building Technology (dual) — Bachelor of Engineering, 6 semesters. Covers design and planning of technical building systems, with a focus on smart building and climate-efficient solutions.
Faculty of Health
- Physiotherapy (dual) — Bachelor of Science, combined with state-recognised vocational training at the Fachschule für Physiotherapie of the Elbe-Kliniken Stade-Buxtehude.
- Nursing (dual) — Bachelor of Science, integrated with vocational nursing training. Designed for those aiming for leadership roles in healthcare.
- Midwifery (dual) — Training-integrated programme for prospective midwives.
Admission requirements and application
The admission process at hochschule 21 has two steps:
- Find a cooperating company: A training or cooperation contract between the company and the university is required before admission. The hs21 maintains a database of partner companies and can assist with the search.
- Apply to the university: Applications are submitted directly to the hs21. There is no central clearing house. Admission decisions are made individually — no numerus clausus applies.
Formal entry requirements:
- German Abitur, Fachabitur or Fachhochschulreife — or a recognised equivalent (for international applicants: an equivalent secondary school leaving certificate, evaluated through anabin or uni-assist if necessary)
- German language proficiency: minimum B2, C1 recommended
- Master's applicants: relevant Bachelor's degree and professional experience
Application deadlines vary by programme and semester. Current deadlines are published on hs21.de. Applications for the winter semester (October start) typically close in spring or early summer.
Who should consider hochschule 21?
The hs21 is a strong option for a specific type of student — and a poor fit for others. It makes sense if:
- You are already proficient in German (B2+) or committed to reaching that level before enrolment.
- You want a dual study programme that guarantees professional experience from semester one.
- You are drawn to construction, engineering or health sciences — the hs21 does not offer business, law, media or social sciences.
- You prefer a small, regionally embedded university over a large urban campus.
- You want to build a career in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region or northern Germany.
It is not the right choice if you need English-medium instruction, are looking for a broad subject portfolio, or prefer the flexibility of a non-dual study format.
Frequently asked questions about hochschule 21
No. All degree programmes at hs21 are taught exclusively in German. International applicants need a minimum of B2 German proficiency. There are no English-medium tracks or bridging programmes at the university itself.
Yes. The hs21 is state-recognised and all programmes are Bologna-compliant. Bachelor's (B.Eng., B.Sc.) and Master's (M.Eng.) degrees are recognised across the EU and in most countries with bilateral agreements. Outside the EU, degree recognition depends on the national body of the target country — in most cases the degree is treated as equivalent to a Bachelor's from a university of applied sciences.
Non-EU nationals need a German student visa before arriving in Germany. Apply at the German embassy or consulate in your home country at least 8–12 weeks before the intended start date. After arrival, you apply for a residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde in Buxtehude.
In dual Bachelor's programmes, the cooperating company typically pays tuition fees and provides a monthly training allowance. Students often study at no personal cost. For the part-time Master's in Civil Engineering, fees apply — contact studienberatung@hs21.de for current rates.
No NC applies. Admission decisions are made individually based on the application. Applicants must hold an Abitur, Fachabitur or Fachhochschulreife — or a recognised equivalent.
German at B2 level is the minimum; C1 is strongly recommended, as all lectures, course materials and examinations are in German. The university does not offer on-campus language preparation courses.
Around 1,060 students were enrolled in winter semester 2024/2025. The small size means shorter waiting times for administration, more direct contact with professors, and a close-knit campus community.
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