Sustainable Textiles (MEng) Hof University of Applied Sciences

In the Sustainable Textiles programme, you will gain deeper knowledge about the challenges of the global textile industry today. The programme addresses the quality of renewable and petrochemical based materials, responsible production and environmental production, legal regulation and labour rights. It is about achieving transparency in the complex global value chain in order to create the future textile industry.

During your studies, you will acquire the skills needed to create (more) sustainable processes in textile chemistry, optimise production processes and conduct research on innovative fibres and finishings.

The conditions on our Münchberg campus are ideal. In addition to our Institute for Material Sciences (ifm), we recently opened our brand-new technical centre for textile research. Complemented by our local Fraunhofer Application Center for Textile Fiber Ceramics, Hof University is excellently equipped for applied research.

In addition, Hof University is part of several textile-related networks. This is a unique opportunity for our students to establish business contacts with potential employees at an early stage, e.g. for internships and research topics for the Master‘s thesis. Study excursions to innovative textile tech companies and discussions with experts from research and industry form a vital part of the Master's programme.

With a Master's degree in Sustainable Textiles, you will have excellent career opportunities, both in Germany and worldwide. Study at Hof University and participate in a Master's programme that is unique in Germany!

Typical entry positions include

• Head of quality assurance in textile industry or textile chemistry industry
• Research and development manager
• Quality manager / certification officer
• Technical adviser
• Compliance manager

All modules of the Master's programme in Sustainable Textiles are fully taught in English. During the three semesters with a standard duration, you will study the following modules:

Textile Technology / Textile Chemistry

• Advanced Textile Production
• Advanced Textile Chemistry
• Effect and Process Auxiliaries
• Resource Efficient Application Technologies

Management/ International Law

• Legal Framework and Digitalisation of the Textile Value Chain
• Sustainable Project Management

Sustainability and Renewable Products

• Circular Economy / Certificates and Eco Labels
• Sustainable Functionalisation and Surface Modification of Textiles
• Renewable Products for the Textile Industry (Fibres, Auxiliaries, Dyestuffs)

Electives (choose one)

• Project Simulation
• Sustainable Products for Medical or Hygienic End-Use
• Simulation and Optimisation

Master's thesis

Our MEng students conduct a practical internship in industry in the third semester (e.g. in a textile production facility, a chemical supplier, or a textile trading company). The Master's thesis is project-based and written in cooperation with the company. Thus, you can immediately apply your scientific knowledge and gain profound professional experience at the same time.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or natural sciences providing sufficient knowledge in textile technology and textile chemistry from an accredited university, at least 210 ECTS or equivalent (depending on home country); minimum grade 2.5 according to the German grading system
• Sufficient knowledge means that you achieved at least 60 credits (or their equivalent) in textile technology and 20 credits in (textile) chemistry during your first degree.
• Applicants with less than 210 credits (ECTS) can be accepted but have to gain the missing credits by attending appropriate modules at Hof University. In this case, please calculate an additional (fourth) semester.

Administrative fee of approx. 150 EUR per semester

The cost of living in the city of Hof is moderate compared to both other European countries and bigger cities in Germany. On average, living expenses for a student range between 800 and 1,000 EUR per month in total.

The following is an approximate cost calculation of expenditures per month:

• accommodation: 350 to 550 EUR
• mandatory health insurance: about 120 EUR
• food and personal expenditures: at least 350 EUR

The Career Service team at Hof University offers you a wide range of career preparation and orientation services, including workshops, company excursions, and job fairs. We will prepare you for the German labour market by providing you with specific information, counselling, and qualifications. Thus, you will be able to start your individual career as an intern and as a graduate.

The Housing Office supports international students in finding appropriate accommodation.

Rent for a single student room is approx. 350 to 550 EUR. Rent for a private one-room apartment for one tenant or for a couple is more than 550 EUR. We also have a limited number of double rooms for friends that cost about 250 to 320 EUR per person. Beside the rent, there are additional costs for water, energy, broadcast fee, and Internet.

For a full overview of the practical issues related to living in Hof and our support services for international students, please have a look at the website of our Welcome Service and Housing Office.

Studying at Hof University – your benefits at a glance

• Hands-on education that prepares you for a successful career
• Friendly, international study community
• Personal support from Welcome Service, International Office, and Career Service
• Help finding accommodation and a guided Orientation Week
• Career-building activities like intercultural training, field trips, and company visits

About Hof University

Founded in 1994, Hof University offers a modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities and a hands-on learning environment. As a practice-oriented university of applied sciences with integrated internships in all programmes, the employability of our graduates is the main focus of our teaching.

Our commitment to students is reflected in StudyCheck rankings: Hof University was Germany’s most popular university in 2023 and 2024 and continues to receive excellent teaching ratings. In 2026, StudyCheck awarded the “Top Hochschule” distinction, recognising Hof University as one of the most popular institutions in Germany with fewer than 5,000 students.

We offer over 50 Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in engineering, advanced computing and AI, business, and design. The Graduate School provides fully English-taught postgraduate programmes for professionals with at least one year of work experience.

Practice-oriented learning

All professors have a strong academic background as well as practical experience in industry. Teaching is application-focused, including real-world projects, company collaborations, and site visits. This approach ensures students gain practical skills and confidence to succeed in national and international careers.

Personal support & international environment

Hof University is known for its friendly study atmosphere. An excellent student-to-lecturer ratio enables close interaction between students and professors and an active exchange of ideas. Students benefit from personal support services such as orientation programmes, integration events, and housing assistance.

With over 130 partner universities worldwide and more than 30% international students on campus, Hof University offers a truly multicultural and welcoming environment where you can grow both academically and personally.

Applied research & entrepreneurship

Six research institutes focus on areas such as information systems, sustainable water and energy systems, materials science, and organisational research, always connecting research to practical and sustainable solutions.

Students with entrepreneurial ideas receive guidance and support at Einstein1, the on-campus incubator that helps turn innovative ideas into real-world ventures.

Our main campus is located in the city of Hof, a safe and cosy town located at the top of Bavaria and in the heart of Europe. Hof has a population of about 45,000 inhabitants and offers all the amenities of a university town: a cinema, theatre, an annual film festival and a variety of cafés, bars and clubs.

Our region has the second-highest density of industry across Europe, with many companies specialising in machinery, automotive components, ceramics, and textiles. Many of these are small and medium-sized “hidden champions” in their field, offering excellent opportunities for internships and entry-level jobs.

The city of Hof is surrounded by beautiful nature. It is located between the low mountain regions of the Fichtelgebirge and the Franconian Forest on the banks of the Saale River. You will find excellent possibilities for all outdoor sporting activities such as cycling, hiking, climbing, and skiing.

Big cities like Berlin, Prague, and Munich are also within easy reach by train or bus. This means you can study in a practice-oriented environment while also enjoying life outside the classroom.