Furtwangen University

Furtwangen University looks back on a tradition of over 150 years as a teaching institution. It has founded its third campus and enjoys a reputation for outstanding and innovative study programmes. Yet it still remains a relatively small university which offers students the real advantage of having quick and easy access to infrastructure as well as close and personal contact with professors and staff, making studying with us both easy and pleasant. In general, Furtwangen University's study programmes are regularly ranked amongst the top programmes in their field, according to research into university education in Germany. Most recently, Furtwangen University was voted number one in Germany in the International Student Barometer.

Furtwangen University emerged from the first German School of Clockmaking in Furtwangen in the Black Forest. The school was founded in 1850 by the engineer Robert Gerwig. The German Clock Museum, the largest German watch collection (founded by Robert Gerwig as a display collection), is still a department of the University.

After the Second World War, the Furtwangen School of Clockmaking was divided into two branches: a vocational school (today the Robert Gerwig School, which still houses the Watchmaking School today) and the State Engineering School for Precision Engineering, which became the Furtwangen University of Applied Sciences (FHF) with the introduction of the universities of applied sciences in 1971.

The founding director of the engineering school was Friedrich Aßmus. After teaching and research in Furtwangen had concentrated on engineering sciences for a long time, the range of courses of study was expanded to include computer science, business informatics, economics and digital media from the 1970s onwards. In 1997, with the amendment of the State University Law of the State of Baden-Württemberg, it was first renamed "Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft" and later "Hochschule Furtwangen".

Currently, the university is headed by Rolf Schofer, who has been the rector of the HFU since 2006. His predecessor was Rainer Scheithauer. Scheithauer in turn took over the office in 1998 from Walter Zahradnik (term of office from 1985 to 1998).

Admission requirements at Furtwangen University (Germany) typically include holding a recognized higher education entrance qualification, such as the Abitur or an equivalent international diploma. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, with specific admission criteria varying depending on the chosen degree program. For undergraduate courses, applicants usually need to demonstrate proficiency in German or English, depending on the language of instruction, through standardized tests like DSH or TOEFL/IELTS. International applicants are advised to provide proof of language skills and may need to submit proof of their prior education credentials for recognition by German authorities. Some programs may have additional entrance examinations or portfolio assessments, particularly for creative or technical fields. The university also considers relevant work experience or internships where applicable. To apply, prospective students should complete the online application form via the university's admissions portal and submit all required documents such as academic certificates, language test results, passport copies, and motivation letters within the specified deadlines. International applicants should check specific admission guidelines for their country or qualification type, as procedures and requirements can differ. The university recommends early application to ensure adequate processing time, especially for visa applications and accommodation arrangements. Once the application is reviewed and all criteria are met, successful candidates receive an admission letter, enabling them to proceed with enrollment and visa procedures if necessary. The university also provides support services for international students to facilitate their application process, including information on visa regulations, language courses, and orientation programs.

Furtwangen University is accredited by ACQUIN (Akkreditierungsagentur akkreditiert durch ACQUIN e.V.), which is an accreditation agency recognized by the German Accreditation Council. The university's programs are regularly evaluated to ensure they meet high-quality standards in teaching, research, and academic infrastructure. Accreditation confirms that the university complies with national and international quality benchmarks, fostering trust and recognition in the global academic community. Additionally, Furtwangen University participates in quality assurance procedures mandated by the German government and international accreditation bodies to maintain and enhance academic standards. It holds accreditation for its various degree programs, including engineering, business, computer science, and health sciences, among others. The accreditation process involves rigorous assessments of curriculum content, faculty qualifications, facilities, student support services, and research activities. This continuous quality assurance system ensures that students receive a comprehensive education aligned with contemporary scientific and industry requirements. Furtwangen University's commitment to quality is also reflected in its striving for excellence in research, innovation, and practical training, which meet recognized national and international standards. The university's degrees are recognized across Germany and in many countries, facilitating global mobility and employment opportunities for its graduates. Regular reaccreditation cycles are part of the university’s efforts to uphold and improve educational quality, ensuring that it remains responsive to the evolving demands of the labor market and technological advancements. Overall, the accreditation status of Furtwangen University underscores its dedication to delivering high-quality higher education that is credible, reputable, and aligned with international academic standards.

Education in Germany is decentralised. The federal states independently take care of schools and universities and draw up their own laws and regulations. This also affects the student bodies of the universities. In Baden-Württemberg, the legal basis is the State University Act (German: Landeshochschulgesetz (LHG)). There the student organization is regulated, too. In 2013 the so-called constitutional student bodies were reintroduced in Baden-Württemberg. The constitutional student bodies are made up of all registered students of a university and are legally bound to the respective university as a public corporation and are therefore under the legal supervision of the university. They are largely independent and can decide on finances and student university policy themselves. They also represent the professional, social, economic and cultural interests of their members.

The executive body of the constitutional student body is the General Student Committee (German: Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss (AStA)). This committee is mainly responsible for the organization, financing and control of the student leisure and sports activities at the HFU. In addition, there are festivities and other events in cooperation with the faculties' student bodies. Since the LHG does not take into account the particularities of several, distant locations of the HFU when re-introducing the student bodies, this presents the student self-administration with special challenges. In everyday life, communication and organisation across three locations and two learning centres is particularly affected.

The student life is, similar to the HFU, divided between the three locationsand and is concentrated at the respective locations. De facto, the AStA is also divided between the three locations and takes care of student affairs largely independent from the other parts of the HFU. In order to comply with the law, these "Campus-AStas" are only branches of the actual AStA, which operates across all three locations.

In close cooperation with the university, the Technology Department (German: AStA-Technik) at Campus Furtwangen is mostly responsible for the lighting and sound systems for many HFU events and for the university's own student events. In addition to accompanying graduation ceremonies of various faculties, the HFU half-marathon, the International Festival of the International Center and other events of the faculties are also supervised - including the Media Day (a kind of student work show) with the MediaNight in the evening, organized by the faculty of digital media at the end of semester. The event equipment is fully owned by the constituted student body and is only operated by selected members of the student body, organized in the Technology Department.

For international students, the International Office arranges a two-week orientation programme with an intensive German language course. Organisational issues are handled by the course coordinator.

Furtwangen University offers a compelling choice for students seeking quality education in Germany due to its strong emphasis on practical and application-oriented learning. Renowned for its close ties with industry, the university provides students with numerous opportunities for internships, collaborative projects, and real-world experience that significantly enhance employability upon graduation. The university's programs are designed closely in partnership with industry stakeholders, ensuring that curriculum remains relevant to current market demands, especially in fields like engineering, computer science, business, and media. Furtwangen University boasts modern facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories that support innovative research and hands-on training. Its international community and exchange programs encourage cultural diversity and global perspectives, preparing students for careers on an international scale. Additionally, the university is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, with dedicated student services, mentoring programs, and language courses to facilitate academic success and integration. The campus atmosphere is vibrant yet focused, combining academic excellence with extracurricular activities ranging from sports to cultural events. Students benefit from personalized attention due to favorable student-to-teacher ratios and small class sizes, which promote active participation and tailored guidance. Located in the scenic Black Forest region, the university offers an inspiring setting conducive to both studying and personal development. Its commitment to innovation, research, and industry relevance makes Furtwangen University a distinguished choice for those looking to gain a competitive edge in their careers.