Computer Science (BSc) Hof University of Applied Sciences

The Computer Science Bachelor's programme is targeted at international students with basic skills in German language (level A2) who are not fluent enough to fully study in German but ready to work on their language skills.

The modules of first and second semester are taught in English while students have intensive German language training. From the third semester onwards, modules are mostly taught in German.

In the Computer Science Bachelor's programme, you will acquire not only up-to-date IT skills and competencies but also proficient German language and intercultural skills.

Building on the necessary fundamentals, you will learn to develop large software systems that are required in all areas of modern life. The use of the latest methods and tools of modern information technology will be practically applied in teams throughout the programme.

Thanks to this early practical experience and the close cooperation between Hof University and regional enterprises, you can start your professional life within exciting and diverse areas of responsibility. This includes for example the following entry positions:

• Software Developer
• IT Project Manager
• Software Architect
• Web Developer
• IT Consultant
• Database Developer
• Network Specialist
• Requirements Engineer
• Security Expert
• Data Scientist
• AI Engineer

EU citizens: 5 November to 15 January
Non-EU citizens: 5 November to 30 November

Semesters one and two:

• Basic subjects of Computer Science taught in English language (e.g. Mathematics, Operating Systems and an Introduction to Programming)
• Intensive German language training and intercultural preparation

Semester three to five:

• Mainly taught in German language
• Modules in the core areas of Computer Science like Web Development, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science or IT Security

Semesters six and seven:

• Mainly taught in German language
• Deepen your expertise on individual topics by freely choosing your modules from the subject catalogue (e.g. RESTful Web Services, Robotics, Internet of Things or Data Analysis and Data Mining)

Semester eight: practical project and final thesis

No tuition fees

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

General higher education entrance qualification or subject-linked university entrance qualification, University of Applied Sciences entrance qualification or professional qualification

(If you are not sure about your university entrance qualification, please check the following websites: www.uni-assist.de and www.anabin.de.)

Applicants must be proficient in English. This can be proven with one of the following options:

• TOEFL minimum 90 (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• IELTS 6.5 or above (International English Language Testing Systems)

In addition: Basic language skills in German, proven by official test score documents – minimum A2 level according to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

EU citizens: 5 November to 15 January
Non-EU citizens: 5 November to 30 November

No

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.

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.

We know that adjusting to your new life in Germany is an adventure that is both exciting and challenging. There is no need to be scared – we are here to help you!

At Hof University, we are proud of our warm welcome culture and offer numerous services for our international students. Our team will assist you in all aspects of your stay in Hof. We will help you find the right academic programme and language courses and support you in organising all formalities such as visas, residency, insurance, and banking.

Prior to the start of each semester, we organise an orientation period for our new international students. With the expert assistance from our motivated team, you will smoothly settle into your new personal and academic environment. Additionally, our International Student Network, a group of motivated students, will help you feel at home by organising social activities.

Studying at Hof University – your benefits at a glance

• first-class, practice-oriented education focused on employability
• friendly and open-minded study environment, especially for international students
• extensive personal support for international students from the Welcome Service, International Office, and Career Service
• assistance in finding accommodation in Hof
• orientation week before the start of the studies
• career-building activities, such as intercultural trainings, field trips, and company visits

About Hof University

Founded in 1994, Hof University offers a very attractive study environment with its modern architecture and its state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and dormitories. You will receive a first-class, hands-on education here. 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 ranking in the renowned StudyCheck Internet portal reflects this: in both 2023 and 2024, Hof University was named the most popular university in Germany and continues to receive top marks for its teaching.

We offer more than 40 modern Bachelor's and Master's programmes in business, computer science, and engineering as well as in interdisciplinary and innovative sciences. Students with at least one year of professional experience find exciting further education opportunities completely in the English language at Hof University Graduate School.

Strong practice orientation

All professors have a strong academic background as well as practical experience in industry. Teaching is based on innovative methods aimed at imparting application-oriented knowledge (e.g. projects with industry, site visits, involvement of company representatives). As a result, our graduates are ideally prepared for national and international labour markets.

Intensive personal support

We are known for our friendly study atmosphere. An excellent student-to-lecturer ratio allows for frequent and personal contact between students and professors and an active exchange of ideas. Students receive intensive personal support during their studies and benefit from numerous services, such as orientation sessions, social integration events, and housing support.

The outlook of the university is extremely international, with more than 130 partner universities all over the world. More than 40 percent of students come from abroad, creating a truly multinational atmosphere.

Applied research

The university's six research institutes focus on information systems, biopolymers, materials science, sustainable water systems, hydrogen and energy management, and organisational research. The guiding principles of our research are practice-orientation, internationalisation, and resource efficiency (focusing on indoor climate systems / water).

Students who are interested in starting a business can find advice and support at Einstein1, the digital business incubator on campus of Hof University.

Hof is a medium-sized town located at the top of Bavaria and in the heart of Europe, right in the middle of Berlin, Munich, and Prague. Hof has a population of about 50,000 and is an appealing and safe university town with plenty of leisure activities. To relax and unwind, there are numerous bars, cinemas, an orchestra, a theatre, a landscaped park called Theresienstein, and a beautiful lake – the Untreusee. Hof is also known for the International Hof Film Festival, which is one of the most important German film festivals.

The region around Hof has the second-highest industrial density in all of Europe, mainly specialising in manufacturing machinery and plastic (automobile) parts. The companies are mostly small and medium-sized businesses, the so-called hidden champions, and they provide ample opportunities for internships and entry 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.