Hochschule Fresenius

Hochschule Fresenius, University of Applied Sciences is one of the oldest private universities in Germany. It is state-recognised and has an academic and educational tradition stretching back over 165 years. The International Business School programmes, which are taught in English, attract international students and offer globally oriented students an international dimension in higher education. The resulting study groups provide exciting possibilities for students to build bridges across cultures at the start of their academic careers.

Hochschule Fresenius was established in Wiesbaden in 1848. Today, we have around 15,000 academic and vocational college students. We have added campuses in Idstein, Cologne, Hamburg, Munich, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Berlin, Heidelberg and New York – and with our new campus in Wiesbaden, our story comes full circle. We have continued to develop for more than 170 years and have never lost sight of our goals.

We aim to provide as many young people as possible with a well-founded academic and practical education. Following in the tradition of our founder, we ensure that our teaching is consistently tailored to the latest findings and to the needs of both society and the working world. Our applied research is closely connected to this teaching. We believe in innovation and sustainability, entrepreneurial approach and actions, internationality and advancement through education. Tradition meets innovation. Since 1848.

In its many years of history, Hochschule Fresenius has introduced numerous educational innovations that have significantly shaped its development.

• 1848 — Carl Remigius Fresenius establishes the “Chemische Laboratorium Fresenius” with affiliated chemistry school in Wiesbaden.
• 1908 — Women are admitted to study for the first time.
• 1971 — Recognized by the state as a privately sponsored University of Applied Sciences.
• 1995 — Hochschule Fresenius moves from Wiesbaden to Idstein.
• 1998 — The Faculty of Economics & Media and the Faculty of Health & Social Affairs are established.
• 2003 — The Cologne campus opens.
• 2008 — Hamburg and Munich campus open.
• 2010 — Hochschule Fresenius receives institutional accreditation from the German Council of Science and Humanities.
• 2012 — Düsseldorf and Frankfurt am Main campus open, along with the liaison office in New York.
• 2013 — The Faculty of Design is established as Hochschule Fresenius merges with AMD Akademie Mode & Design.
• 2014 — The Berlin campus opens.
• 2015 — Distance learning programs are introduced. Hochschule Fresenius receives system accreditation.
• 2016 — The New York study center opens. Reaccreditation for a further five years by the German Council of Science and Humanities.
• 2017 — Hochschule Fresenius Heidelberg opens.
• 2018 — Hochschule Fresenius celebrates its 170th and Carl Remigius Fresenius‘ 200th birthday.
• 2019 — The Wiesbaden campus opens.

Language Requirements

Anyone who wishes to enrol on a German language Bachelor or Master’s course at Hochschule Fresenius – University of Applied Sciences should be fluent in German.

The following certificates are accepted as proof of adequate fluency in German.

• “Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang“ – DSH with an overall score of DSH-2

• “Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache“ – TestDaF with a minimum level
• 4 assessment in all 4 examination papers (see: www.testdaf.de)
• “Prüfungsteil Deutsch“ of the Studienkolleg assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung)
• German language diploma of the Conference of German Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs – Level II

Hochschule Fresenius – University of Applied Sciences does not offer any German language assessment tests.
People with the following certificates do not have to take a language assessment test:

• Goethe Certificate C 2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)
• School qualifications which are equivalent to a German university entrance qualification
• Foreign certificates listed in section 3 (4th indent) of the Decision of the Conference of Education and Cultural Affairs Ministers of 2.6.1995, as amended.

Anyone who wishes to enrol on an English language Bachelor course at International Business School of Hochschule Fresenius – University of Applied Sciences is required to have certain German and English skills.

The following certificates are accepted as proof of adequate German and English language skills:

• German Level B1 (Telc B1, Goethe Certificate B1)
• English Level B2 (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, others)

Hochschule Fresenius is accredited by reputable German accreditation agencies, ensuring high standards in education and quality assurance. The university's programs are regularly evaluated and receive accreditation from the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA), which confirms the academic quality and maintains transparency in curriculum standards. Additionally, Hochschule Fresenius is recognized by the German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat), which evaluates and endorses the institutional quality, research, and academic performance of higher education institutions in Germany. The university's accreditation status is also acknowledged by the German Federal State Authorities, which oversee the compliance of educational offerings with national standards. The programs offered at Hochschule Fresenius are designed in accordance with the Bologna Process, facilitating international recognition of the degrees awarded. This accreditation process involves rigorous assessment of the curriculum, faculty qualifications, research activities, infrastructure, and student support services to ensure they meet the high standards set by German and European education authorities. The university continuously works on maintaining and improving its accreditation status through internal quality management systems and external evaluations. Students benefit from this accreditation, as it guarantees that their degrees are recognized across Germany and internationally, enhancing their employment prospects and further educational opportunities. Hochschule Fresenius also seeks accreditation at the program level for specific disciplines such as health sciences, business administration, and media, among others, to ensure specialized quality assurance and compliance with sector-specific standards. The university’s commitment to accreditation demonstrates its dedication to academic excellence, student success, and compliance with legal and educational standards required by German law. Overall, Hochschule Fresenius's accreditation status affirms its position as a reputable higher education institution committed to providing quality education that meets both national and international benchmarks in higher education.

University student life at Hochschule Fresenius offers a dynamic and enriching environment that promotes academic excellence, personal development, and practical experience. Students engage in a variety of academic programs across disciplines such as business, health sciences, engineering, and communications, designed to prepare them for successful careers. The campus facilities are modern and equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, fostering a conducive learning atmosphere. Students participate in diverse extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, cultural events, and industry networking opportunities, which enhance their social skills and professional networks. Hochschul Fresenius emphasizes internationalization, welcoming students from various countries, and providing opportunities for exchange programs and joint degrees. Support services like academic counseling, career advisory, and language courses are available to assist students throughout their studies. The university encourages active involvement in research projects and internships, bridging the gap between academia and industry. Student life also benefits from friendly campus communities, where collaborations and friendships thrive. Overall, Hochschule Fresenius aims to create a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment that fosters both personal growth and academic success for every student.

Orientation week The Competence Center International Services is always available for international students. Accommodation is available on the private market. Rent for a single room in a shared flat is approx. 350-400 EUR.

Mission Statement

Founded in 1848 by Carl Remigius Fresenius, and with its roots in the Fresenius Chemical Laboratory, Hochschule Fresenius, University of Applied Sciences can look back on an over 165-year-old tradition in privately funded education in Germany. This makes it the oldest educational chemistry institute of its kind. True to the intent of its founder, it combines teaching, research, and practical application. The name Fresenius stands for practically oriented teaching closely linked to applied research and development. This holds true for the long-standing Faculty of Chemistry & Biology, the Faculties of Health & Social Affairs and of Economics & Media, both established in 1997/98, and also for the new Faculty of Design, which was integrated in 2013.

On this basis, and in coordination with professional partners as well as in communication with associations, alumni and students, Hochschule Fresenius University of Applied Sciences has continuously evolved its range of courses and its strategic direction. In doing so, it pursues the goals of sustainability and innovation in equal measure, true to its motto: “Teaching and research with practical relevance, bringing an international environment to life, challenging and supporting our students!”