Coburg University Applied Sciences and Arts

Coburg University of Applied Sciences (German: Hochschule Coburg, abbreviated Coburg University), re-established in 1971, is an engineering university in Coburg, Northern Bavaria, with more than 4,400 students (as of WS 2012/13). It offers a broad scope of subjects. Young people from over 40 countries study at Coburg University. Coburg University has 75 international partner institutions.

Academic programs

HS-Coburg(Campus)

The university offers a practice-based study programme both in bachelor courses and courses with international qualifications in the faculties of engineering, business administration and social work. Excellent facilities, including computer pools and workshops, are available to the design-based diploma courses of interior design and integrated product design. Every year many people apply for a place to study at Coburg University of Applied Sciences.

The courses offered includes the four areas: Economics, Computer Science & Technology, Health and Social Work & Build, design and style.

They are distributed over two campuses. The design-based courses are conducted in the historic Hofbrauhaus. The other subjects have their rooms on campus Friedrich-Streib-Straße. The campus is located on a hill opposite to the Veste Coburg.

Research

All research is application-oriented. Within the six faculties, research projects of the companies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), as well as state-sponsored assignments are carried out. The students are involved through their seminar papers, final thesis and increasingly by doctorate studies. Within these studies, Coburg UoAS cooperates with national and international universities.

For legal reasons (Article 2 of the Bavarian Law on Higher Education), the research activities of the university are limited to applied research and development projects. The university has extensive contacts in industry throughout the region and carries out numerous technology and knowledge transfer projects.

Services for students

The "Akademische Auslandsamt” (international office) offers foreign first-year students special services, such as finding accommodation, information about aspects of life in Germany, and help with administrative tasks such as university registration and dealing with authorities.

History

• 1814 Friedrich Streib founds a private school for “civil architecture”
• 1852 Ducal School of Architecture
• 1920 State Architecture School (1920 Coburg became a part of Bavaria)
• 1959 State Polytechnic Coburg
• 1971 State University of Applied Sciences
• 1999 creation of the Campus Design in the Hofbrauhaus (previously the ducal brewery)
• as of 2007 Coburg University of Applied Sciences

Dual school of architecture

The origins of Coburg University in Germany is a private school for “civil architecture”, which was founded in Coburg in 1814 by the ducal architect, Friedrich Streib (1781-1852). The purpose of the school was to prepare the builders of that time for the title of “Meister” (master craftsman).

After the death of Friedrich Streib the school continued as the Ducal School of Architecture. After Coburg became part of the Free State of Bavaria in 1920, the name was changed to "State Architecture School ". After the Second World War, the school continued with 193 students as Bavaria’s first State School of Architecture.

State polytechnic Coburg

In 1959 the era of a school for only architecture came to an end. The fields of mechanical engineering and electrical engineering were added to create the State Polytechnic Coburg.  The campus on Friedrich-Streib Street was opened, and it has continued to grow till the present day.

In 1952 students bricked up the entrance to the old State Architecture School because the future of the institution was uncertain. The new building on Friedrich-Streib Street was opened in 1960.

The university of applied sciences Coburg

When Bavaria developed the Universities of Applied Sciences in 1971, the State Polytechnic Coburg became the Coburg University of Applied Sciences. At that time, there were only seven other Universities of Applied Sciences in Bavaria: in Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg, Regensburg, Würzburg, Rosenheim and Weihenstephan. The range of subjects in Coburg was expanded to include the fields business and social work.

Design Coburg

With the new interior design program, 1975 marked the beginning of what has come to be known as Design Coburg. Later the program in product design was added. In 1999 a second campus was built in Coburg - on the site of the former ducal brewery: Campus Design. Today this campus houses the programs for architecture, civil engineering, interior design, product design and heritage conservation. Throughout Germany, Coburg is known for design.

The future of Coburg University

Coburg University has grown significantly over the last ten years. The number of students has doubled. Therefore the entire campus on Friedrich-Streib-Street will be rebuilt and expanded by 2021.
A new laboratory building - the Centre for Mobility and Energy - and a parking deck with over 500 parking spaces have already been completed. A new IT and media centre is currently under construction. The computer centre and the library will be located there.

Application requirements and admission process at Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts are designed to ensure that prospective students meet the necessary academic and language standards to succeed in their chosen programs. Typically, applicants are required to submit a completed application form along with proof of their previous academic qualifications, such as high school diplomas or university entrance certificates, which must be recognized qualifications for university admission in their home country or an equivalent qualification. For international applicants, proof of language proficiency in English or German is mandatory, depending on the language of instruction of the chosen program. Accepted language proficiency tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF, with specific minimum scores required, which can vary from program to program.

Applicants must also provide a curriculum vitae (CV) and a motivation letter explaining their interest in the chosen field of study and their career goals. In certain cases, admission might require a portfolio or additional documents, especially for creative or design-oriented programs. For international students coming from non-EU countries, a student visa is necessary, and proof of health insurance coverage in Germany must be submitted.

The application process usually involves submitting all required documents through the university’s online application portal or via the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) platform. The deadline for applications typically falls months before the start of the semester—commonly in the spring or summer for the winter semester intake. Once applications are received, the university’s admissions committee reviews submissions based on academic performance, language proficiency, and the applicant’s motivation. Selected candidates are then notified of their admission via official letters.

International students may also need to attend an interview, either online or in person, depending on the program. Once admitted, students must complete enrollment procedures, including registering for courses, paying tuition fees if applicable, and providing further documentation such as residence registration or proof of health insurance. The entire admission process emphasizes transparency, fairness, and the importance of meeting academic and language requirements to ensure students are prepared for their studies at Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts.

Accreditation is an essential process that ensures the quality and credibility of higher education institutions. Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, located in Germany, has undergone rigorous accreditation procedures to validate its academic programs and institutional standards. The university is accredited by the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat), which is the national agency responsible for accrediting higher education institutions and study programs in Germany. This accreditation confirms that Coburg University meets the high standards set by German and European quality assurance frameworks, including the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) principles.

Furthermore, individual study programs at Coburg University are subject to accreditation and review processes to ensure they deliver high-quality education aligned with current professional and academic requirements. These program accreditations are typically awarded by recognized accreditation agencies such as ASIIN or ZEvA, which specialize in evaluating technical, engineering, business, and arts programs. The ongoing accreditation process involves thorough evaluations of curriculum content, faculty qualifications, facilities, research activities, and student support services.

The university maintains accreditation status through continuous quality assurance practices, including regular internal reviews and external audits. These procedures help Coburg University adapt to changing educational demands and uphold its commitment to academic excellence. Accreditation also enables students to be assured that their degrees are recognized both nationally and internationally, facilitating their access to further education and employment opportunities worldwide.

In summary, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts holds full accreditation from the German Accreditation Council, and its individual programs are accredited by recognized agencies, ensuring high standards in teaching, research, and student services. This accreditation guarantees that the university continues to offer high-quality education and remains competitive within the global higher education landscape.

Coburg lies in the northern part of the culturally rich state of Bavaria and is characterised by a strong presence of small and medium-sized enterprises, among them global players. It is a medium-sized city offering a combination of tradition and modernity. The town was established in the Middle Ages and has a historic town centre and a medieval castle. At the same time, it offers all the comforts of a modern city, including many interesting cultural events. Coburg is an attractive destination both for studying and for leisure activities.

Foreign students are supported by a student tutoring and counselling system to make their stay here in Coburg as easy as possible. A well-organised social and cultural activities programme specially for foreign students helps to integrate the students into life at the university. Moreover, there is a buddy programme for international students.

Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts offers a comprehensive and practical education that prepares students for the challenges of the modern workforce. The university emphasizes close collaboration with industry and business partners, providing students with valuable practical experience and internship opportunities. Its strong focus on applied sciences ensures that graduates are well-equipped with relevant skills and knowledge, making them highly competitive in the job market. The campus boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and dedicated study spaces that foster an innovative learning environment. Coburg University is known for its international orientation, welcoming students from all over the world, which enriches cultural diversity and broadens students' global perspectives. The university also emphasizes personalized support and small class sizes, enabling more individualized attention and mentorship from faculty members. Additionally, Coburg places a high value on sustainability and social responsibility, integrating these principles into its curriculum and campus activities. Its location in the picturesque city of Coburg provides a peaceful yet vibrant setting for study, with access to historical sites, natural landscapes, and a strong regional economy. The university offers a range of degree programs in engineering, business, computer science, design, and social sciences, tailored to meet the needs of various career paths. Students benefit from a broad network of alumni and industry contacts, facilitating internships and employment opportunities post-graduation. Overall, Coburg University stands out for its practical approach to education, international atmosphere, modern infrastructure, and commitment to student success, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a high-quality, applied sciences education in Germany.