International Engineering (IEB) Furtwangen University

German engineering continues to be highly regarded worldwide, and this is particularly true of the state of Baden-Württemberg. Our region is a primary European hub for medical technology, mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, and software development.

Unfortunately, rigid admission regulations in Germany can prevent well-qualified international students from accessing degree programmes. To address this, Furtwangen University has implemented a unique admissions policy. While most non-EU applicants are typically restricted from direct access to Bachelor’s studies, we offer a direct entry route to the International Engineering programme. If you demonstrate your academic suitability through our three-hour aptitude test, you can begin your studies with us directly. You will find all the details on our dedicated "Smart Admission" page.

With regard to the International Engineering programme itself, industry is increasingly seeking engineers who combine technical expertise, economic knowledge, and intercultural skills in order to successfully lead international and intercultural projects. This globally-focused degree programme provides a distinctive blend of approximately 70% technology (with a specialisation in mechanical engineering or medical engineering), and the remaining 30% consists of economics, languages and intercultural aspects.

This study programme is all about being international, mixing different subjects and looking towards the future. The programme addresses technology and business with a focus on intercultural communication and language skills. In the first part of the programme, you'll get the basics of engineering, learn about different cultures and pick up some business skills. Additionally, you will get to choose another language to study: Chinese, French, Spanish or German. The main part of the programme introduces you to the work of an engineer. You will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. During this phase, you have the option to specialise in either Mechanical Engineering or Medical Engineering (proficiency in German is recommended for Medical Engineering). Furthermore, you will have the chance to personalise your studies by choosing elective courses based on your interests. This programme offers an exciting opportunity for students to participate in a fantastic study semester abroad and gain valuable hands-on experience through a practical internship. These experiences further enhance students’ global perspective and professional skills, making them well equipped to succeed in a dynamic and interconnected world.

In the sixth semester, students engage in a practical, paid internship where they spend six months working in a company. During this time, they apply the theoretical knowledge and skills acquired in the earlier semesters of their study programme.

The application deadline is 15 July.
If places are still available from 15 July onwards, applications will remain open.

Applicants must submit all the required information stated within the online application process MIO – My University Portal – Furtwangen University. Should there be any problems or questions regarding your qualifications, you will be notified.

Foreign applicants are encouraged to contact our International Coordinator, Daniel Krause, for personalised guidance. To help us determine your best admission pathway, please attach all available academic records and language proficiency certificates to your e-mail.

Students have to pay a semester contribution to the student social funds and a contribution to administrative costs. Currently, this integrated fee is 176 EUR per semester.

Student organisations estimate that the cost of living is approx. 800 to 1,000 EUR per month, depending on individual needs and expectations. 

As a student, you are legally entitled to work 90 full days or 180 half days per year. This can help cover your living costs.

Please note that some knowledge of German is a significant advantage when looking for a student job.

In addition, a limited number of student assistant positions are available within the faculty or across the university.

The "Germany Scholarship" supports particularly gifted students whose background suggests that they will be particularly successful in their studies and career. Besides outstanding academic grades, a commitment to social causes and special personal achievements (for example, the overcoming of personal obstacles in one's academic background) are taken into consideration in the selection process for the Germany Scholarships. The scholarship is awarded for a minimum of two semesters and is normally only granted for the duration of the regular study period. The Germany Scholarship is awarded by the university. The application period is announced well in advance. (Only matriculated students may apply.)

As numerous surveys have shown, those who study at Furtwangen University (HFU) receive a top-rated education.

Furtwangen University started off as the "Großherzoglich Badische Uhrmacherschule" (Archduke of Baden Clockmakers' School) in 1850. It became the "Staatliche Ingenieurschule für Feinwerktechnik" (the State Engineers' School for Mechatronics) in 1947 and the Fachhochschule Furtwangen in 1971. It has been called the Hochschule Furtwangen University since 2008. Strong demand led to the foundation of a second campus in Villingen-Schwenningen in 1988, and the Mechanical Engineering and International Business Faculties were added in 1995. The HFU opened a third campus in Tuttlingen at the end of 2009.

Today, HFU offers 26 Bachelor's and ten Master's courses in the fields of computer sciences, business, engineering, and media.

HFU is situated in the heart of Europe, close to France, Switzerland, and Lake Constance. This area is also home to many global companies including Porsche, Daimler, SAP, and Hugo Boss.

HFU is proud of the numerous awards it has received for the uniqueness of its study programmes. In May 2006 and 2008, the International Business programme was ranked number one in a survey among the largest international corporations in Germany assessing the "employability" of students. In addition, the university has won the prestigious prize awarded annually by the German Foreign Ministry and the DAAD for outstanding quality in international student support.

Since the beginning of 2009, the Faculty of International Business changed its name to HFU Business School. It reflects the school's standing as a firmly established centre for excellence in an increasingly globalised educational marketplace. It also emphasises the school's long-term commitment to offering business degrees tailored to the needs of the international job market.

Villingen-Schwenningen, where the HFU Business School is based, is a medium-sized town (80,000 inhabitants) located in the Black Forest in Germany's southwestern corner.

It is located in beautiful surroundings and is excellent for winter sports as well as hiking and walking. It is also close to many exciting and attractive towns and cities. Freiburg and Stuttgart as well as Constance and Zurich (Switzerland) are all ideally located for day trips.

The town itself can easily be explored without a car. It offers ample shopping and night life; with three universities located here, student life is something special!