AI-Driven Supply Chain Management (MSc) Hof University of Applied Sciences

The programme is fully taught in English.

The English-taught Master’s programme in AI-Driven Supply Chain Management prepares students for the dynamic challenges of global supply chains. It provides a comprehensive understanding of supply chain concepts, enabling students to

• analyse complex logistics networks,
• evaluate innovative methods in the fields of logistics and procurement management, and
• apply AI-driven technologies to optimise efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in end-to-end value creation networks.

Aimed at graduates of a business-related Bachelor’s programme with an interest in digital and AI-driven supply chain management, the programme imparts both theoretical expertise and hands-on skills to ensure supply security, flexibility, and long-term competitive advantages.

The programme provides an overview in the areas of international value chain management, digital procurement, and AI-driven logistics. In addition, the programme covers core topics such as supply chain analytics, automation and digital identification and business process management. Students will also gain expertise in data science and applied AI concepts and global business strategy, ensuring they are well-equipped to drive innovation in an increasingly digitalised economy.

As a graduate, you...

• will be able to confidently design, analyse, optimise, and digitally transform global supply chains,
• will be able to enhance supply chain efficiency, sustainability, and resilience using AI-driven solutions,
• will have the skills to implement and lead data-driven decision-making processes in procurement, logistics, and supply chain management,
• will be equipped to structure and manage cross-functional, AI-powered, and international supply chain networks, and
• will have excellent career prospects for leadership positions in globally operating companies at the intersection of supply chain management and digital transformation.

You will be ready to work in the following positions:

• AI-Driven Supply Chain Manager
• Supply Chain Analyst
• Logistics and Operations Manager
• Procurement and Sourcing Manager
• Digital Transformation Manager
• Supply Chain and Digital Innovation Manager
• Sustainability and Risk Manager in Supply Chains
• Digital Consultant in SCM
• Digital Operations Manager

1. Application period for the winter semester:

• for EU applicants: 1 May to 15 July
• for non-EU applicants: 15 April to 31 May

2. Application period for the summer semester:

• for EU applicants: 15 November to 15 January
• for non-EU applicants: 5 November to 30 November

If you have acquired your university entrance certificate abroad, it has to be assessed by uni-assist before you send it to Hof University. We advise you to send your documents to uni-assist at least four weeks before the application deadline at Hof University.

On the following links, you will find more information on the general entry requirements and the specific entry requirements.

To bridge theory and practice, students gain in-depth experience through a practical internship in the third semester in an internationally operating company, focusing on areas such as supply chain analytics, digital transformation, or AI applications in logistics and procurement.

The Master’s thesis is project-based and developed in collaboration with the company, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios while gaining profound professional experience at the same time. 

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

A business-oriented Bachelor’s degree (e.g. Business Management, International Management, Industrial Engineering or Business Informatics) from an accredited university with the following:

• at least 210 ECTS or equivalent (depending on home country) in total and a minimum of at least 110 ECTS in business-related subjects
• a minimum grade of 2.5 according to the German grading system (please provide a diploma supplement or similar documents that explain the grading system of your university/country)

Special regulations for applicants with less than 210 ECTS

Applicants with less than 210 credits (ECTS) can be accepted, but must make up the missing credits through a post-qualification:

• either through an internship (at least 900 hours / six months) (only possible if the internship was not yet recognised as a compulsory internship in the Bachelor's degree) or
• attending appropriate modules at Hof University.

It is possible to combine the recognition of a shorter internship with the attendance of modules at the university. For both alternatives, please calculate an additional (fourth) semester.

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

• TOEFL iBT 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 level of A1 according to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

1. Application period for the winter semester:

• for EU applicants: 1 May to 15 July
• for non-EU applicants: 15 April to 31 May

2. Application period for the summer semester:

• for EU applicants: 15 November to 15 January
• for non-EU applicants: 5 November to 30 November

If you have acquired your university entrance certificate abroad, it has to be assessed by uni-assist before you send it to Hof University. We advise you to send your documents to uni-assist at least four weeks before the application deadline at Hof University.

On the following links, you will find more information on the general entry requirements and the specific entry requirements.

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.