FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences
FH Aachen
Located in Aachen, a city in western Germany known for its proximity to the Dutch and Belgian borders, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences is a popular educational destination for international students. As one of Germany's largest universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen / HAW), FH Aachen was founded in 1971 and offers a dynamic academic environment with approximately 15,000 students. Known for its focus on practical education in fields like engineering, business, and design, the university aims to equip its students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
If you're looking to study in Germany and specifically considering education opportunities in Aachen, FH Aachen stands out with its wide range of programs and international student-friendly environment. While it's sometimes confused with RWTH Aachen, a university often discussed among international students, FH Aachen carves out a distinct profile with its unique educational philosophy and strong industry connections. You're in the right place to learn about language course options and student life in the city!
Quick Facts
- University Type
- Fachhochschule / HAW (University of Applied Sciences)
- City
- Aachen
- State
- Nordrhein-Westfalen
- Founded
- 1971
- Student Population
- ~15,000
- HRK Member
- Yes
- Uni-Assist Member
- Yes
FH Aachen: The Heart of Applied Education
As one of Germany's largest universities of applied sciences, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences is committed to equipping its students with the practical knowledge and skills demanded by the professional world. It boasts a large academic staff, including approximately 15,000 students, 250 professors, and 470 lecturers. While the university's main campuses are in Aachen and Jülich, it also has facilities in various other locations such as Cologne, Düren, Linnich, Euskirchen, and Geilenkirchen. This distribution offers students access to diverse study environments and specialized fields.
Based on 2015 data, FH Aachen offers a broad spectrum of programs, including 53 Bachelor's, 22 Master's, and 3 cooperative programs. The university provides education in numerous fields, from engineering sciences to business, design, and architecture, placing particular emphasis on research activities. Securing 12.8 million Euros in third-party and research funding in 2013 demonstrates the university's commitment to innovative projects and its academic strength. Students get the chance to participate in real-world projects through modern laboratories, workshops, and industrial partnerships.
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living
Places to Visit and Student Hangouts
Main campuses filled with modern educational buildings, laboratories, and student services.
Details ↗This historic UNESCO World Heritage site is located in the heart of the city and is one of Europe's oldest cathedrals.
Details ↗One of the city's symbols, this neoclassical building is famous for its thermal waters and is a popular spot for socializing.
This medieval city gate is a significant structure reflecting Aachen's historical character and a common meeting point for students.
This green area overlooking the city is ideal for walks, picnics, and enjoying panoramic views of Aachen.
The university library offers students a wide range of resources and modern study spaces.
Details ↗Student Life and Culture
Aachen is a true student city, home to two major universities: FH Aachen and RWTH Aachen. This creates a vibrant and dynamic student culture throughout the city. Thanks to their practically oriented programs, FH Aachen students frequently participate in industrial projects and build strong connections with local companies. The university's international student community is quite large, offering you the chance to meet people from diverse cultures and build a global network.
Cycling is very common in the city and serves as a practical mode of transport for students. Additionally, with the semester ticket (Semesterticket) that FH Aachen students receive, you can use public transportation within the Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW) state for free or at very affordable rates. This is a huge advantage, allowing you to explore surrounding cities and participate in social events. You'll find many student clubs, sports activities, and cultural events both on and off campus. Aachen's proximity to the Netherlands and Belgium also offers attractive options for weekend trips.
- Strong focus on applied education and industry connections
- Vibrant and international student community
- Strong cycling culture, popular for transportation
- Semesterticket provides public transport access throughout the NRW state
- Easy travel opportunities thanks to proximity to the Netherlands and Belgium
FH Aachen Program Types (2015 Data)
| Program Type | Number of Programs |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 53 |
| Master's | 22 |
| Cooperative Programs | 3 |
Distribution of program types offered by FH Aachen as of 2015. Please visit the university's official website for the current program list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a 41f visa application take? Is it normal for it not to arrive in a month? ▼
Processing times for 41f visa (student visa) applications can vary depending on the workload and application volume at the consulate or embassy. One month might be a short estimate in some cases. It's generally considered normal for it to take between 4-12 weeks. The best way to track your application status is through iData or the relevant consulate's website. Many students share their current experiences in our forums and Telegram groups; you can reach out to them for information.
Are phones allowed inside the iData office during the interview? ▼
Generally, cell phones are not allowed inside iData offices during visa interviews. Due to security procedures, you may be asked to leave your phone outside or place it in special lockers. It's advisable to check iData's official website for current security rules before attending your appointment.
Do I have a chance to find a language course and accommodation (dorm) in Aachen? I got accepted to another city but want to come to Aachen, will that be a problem? ▼
Yes, you certainly have a chance to find a language course and accommodation in Aachen, but this process, especially for dorms, can be time-consuming and competitive. Aachen hosts a large student population due to major universities like RWTH Aachen and FH Aachen. For language courses, you'll find many private language schools. For accommodation, you can apply to the Studierendenwerk Aachen dorms or look for private shared rooms (WG - Wohngemeinschaft). Changing cities after your visa is issued usually isn't a problem, but you'll need to register your residence (Anmeldung) in your new city and inform the foreigners' office if necessary.
Can I reuse my Uni-Assist profile created 2 years ago? ▼
You can reuse your Uni-Assist profile. Generally, your basic information from old profiles (personal data, educational history, etc.) is retained. However, you'll likely need to create a new application for each application period and upload your updated documents (diploma, transcript, language certificate, etc.) to the system. Also, Uni-Assist's system or application procedures might have changed within two years, so it's important to carefully review the current application guide.
For a visa application, is 'denklik' or a 'Statement of Comparability' sufficient? ▼
For visa applications for university studies in Germany, the distinction between 'denklik' (Zeugnisbewertung – an official evaluation of your foreign qualifications) and a 'Statement of Comparability' (a document obtained from the Anabin database) is important. Some universities directly require a 'denklik,' while others might accept a 'Statement of Comparability' from Anabin. What matters most are the admission requirements of the university you're applying to. For the visa application itself, the acceptance letter from the university and the documents it requests are usually sufficient. However, the consulate might occasionally ask for additional documents. For the most precise information, it's best to contact the international office of your target university and consult the German Consulate's current visa guides.
I studied economics in Turkey; I want to study industrial engineering in Germany. Do I need to attend Studienkolleg? ▼
Even if you've been accepted to a Bachelor's program in Turkey, you might need to attend a 'Studienkolleg' (preparatory college) if you want to study in a completely different field in Germany, especially one like engineering. This depends on the criteria of the Anabin database, which compares your Turkish education to German university entrance qualifications (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung - HZB), and the specific requirements of your target university. Since there's a significant difference between economics and industrial engineering, it's likely you'll be directed to a Studienkolleg rather than a direct transfer. For the most accurate information, you can contact FH Aachen's international student office or inquire when applying through Uni-Assist.
Take the first step towards your dream education at FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences! Don't forget to visit the official website for detailed program information and application processes.
Community discussions about FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences
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These threads come from an external source (community.deutschstudent.com). To join ApplyToGerman (AlmanyaUni)'s own forum visit /forum.
FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences — Images
Programs
Useful Links
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Programs & Departments
14 active programs · 6 English · 0 NC-frei
Bachelor (6)
Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
DEBachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
View details →Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
DEBachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
View details →Bachelor of Engineering in Physical Engineering
DEBachelor of Engineering in Physical Engineering
View details →Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry
DEBachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry
View details →Freshman Program of the FH Aachen
DE+ENBachelor
Are you thinking about a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business & economics, or medicine, biology & psychology in Germany? Do your school certificates not allow you direct access to the German aca...
View details →Global Business and Economics (BSc)
ENGlobal Business and Economics (Bachelor of Science)
View details →Master (2)
International Business Development (MSc)
ENMaster
Diverse, practice-orientated, and well-founded courses and lectures International Business International Brand Management Cross-Cultural Competencies International Supply Chain Management Internationa...
View details →Master of Science in Nuclear Applications (MNA)
ENMaster
Students acquire a wide-ranging, integrated knowledge and understanding of the scientific and technical fundamentals of nuclear technologies. They have at their disposal a critical understanding of th...
View details →PhD (5)
Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
DEDoctorate
The degree programme has a strong focus on applied engineering with practical experience. Students are required to complete an internship before their studies in order to obtain practical experience i...
View details →Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
DEDoctorate
The degree programme has a strong focus on applied engineering with practical experience. Students are required to complete an internship before their studies in order to obtain practical experience i...
View details →Bachelor of Engineering in Physical Engineering
DEDoctorate
The degree programme has a strong focus on applied engineering with practical experience. Students are required to complete an internship before their studies in order to obtain practical experience i...
View details →Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry
DEDoctorate
The degree programme has a strong focus on applied chemistry, with an emphasis on sustainability and practical experience. All students receive an in-depth, comprehensive education in all the importan...
View details →Global Business and Economics (Bachelor of Science)
ENDoctorate
The Global Business and Economics (GBE) degree programme can be studied with an optional semester abroad. Students study for six semesters (180 credit points) or seven semesters with one semester abro...
View details →Sprachkurs (1)
Aachen
State: North Rhine-Westphalia
Study in Aachen: RWTH Aachen and Beyond
Aachen is renowned for hosting RWTH Aachen University, one of Germany's most respected technical universities. With a global reputation, especially in...
more →Where Borders Meet: Life in Aachen
Aachen isn't just known for its academic excellence; it also stands out for its geographical location and cultural richness. Being at Germany's wester...
more →Student Life and Culture
Aachen is a very young and dynamic student city, largely due to the influence of RWTH Aachen and FH Aachen. The high student population contributes to...
more →More about Aachen
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How do I apply to FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences (FH Aachen) as an international student?
Non-EU applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS certificate for some countries). EU applicants apply directly. You need a recognised degree, language certificate, motivation letter and CV. After admission, open a Sperrkonto and book a visa appointment at your local German embassy.
- Pick a programme — Browse the programme list above — filter by language, degree, field.
- Verify your eligibility — Check Anabin/APS for your country and degree-equivalence rules.
- Get language certificate — TestDaF/DSH for German, IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programmes.
- Apply via uni-assist or directly — Submit by 15 July (winter) / 15 January (summer) deadlines.
- After admission: Sperrkonto + visa — Open the blocked account, get health insurance, attend embassy interview.