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View over rooftops of the city of Hof in the sunshine; green trees in the foreground
© Andreas Rau

Studying in Hof

Hof offers you 10 degree programmes in English at 2 higher education institutions.

Hof, a charming little city in northern Bavaria, will win you over with its cosy atmosphere. Nestled in a picturesque landscape of mountains and nature, Hof offers outdoor and sports fans numerous opportunities for hiking, skiing and trips to swimmable lakes. But not only are the outdoors enjoyable– there is also an exciting cultural programme on offer all year round. Hof is also known for its high-calibre film festival.

Two higher education institutions are a part of this small and under-the-radar student city. Hof University of Applied Sciences, with over 3,800 students, is one of them and focuses in particular on the field of ecologically sustainable development. The second local higher education institution, the University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration in Bavaria, trains students for the civil service at all levels.

To achieve academic success, it is important to find the right balance between studying and relaxing. The Bürgerpark Theresienstein in Hof is probably one of the most beautiful parks in Germany, which you can easily reach on foot from the city centre. There you can stroll under old giant trees, as well as flowerbeds and meadows. Afterwards, go sample one of Hof's beers in the beer garden or head out to the Untreusee lake south of the city centre. Whether swimming, surfing, sailing, rowing or kayaking, you'll find plenty of ways to recharge your batteries. It's no wonder that the renowned Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft (German Economic Institute) ranks Hof higher each year when it comes to quality of life! This is also due to the low crime rate and the influx of young, motivated people from all over the world.

One advantage of a smaller city is the lower cost of living, especially when you compare it to some of the big student cities in Germany. You will have to spend less on rent and on going out in Hof. However, if you would like to live in one of the popular halls of residence, you should apply early, as there is a waiting list.

Life in Hof

47,000 residents

  • High-speed train connections

    Lichtenfels train station in 64 km distance

  • International airport

    Nuremberg airport in 109 km distance

  • Coast

    Baltic Sea in 420 km distance

  • Mountain range

    Nature Park Frankenwald in 10 km distance

  • Other countries

    Czech Republic in 13 km distance

  • Attractions within 100 km

    • Hof Zoo in close vicinity

    • Sports & Leisure Centre "Am Eisteich" in close vicinity

    • Skiing area Schwarzenbach am Wald in 21 km distance

    • Untreusee in close vicinity

2 higher education institutions in Hof

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Subject groups of degree programmes in Hof

There is a wide range of degree programmes in Hof. Here you can see the main subject groups. Currently, degree programmes in Hof are mainly offered in the subject group Economic Sciences, Law, followed by Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Natural Sciences. Find out more information here about the subject groups and degree programmes offered in Germany.
  • 0

    Agricultural and Forest Sciences

  • 4

    Humanities and Social Sciences

  • 10

    Mathematics, Natural Sciences

  • 2

    Art, Music, Design

  • 0

    Language and Cultural Studies

  • 3

    Medicine, Health Sciences

  • 19

    Economic Sciences, Law

  • 14

    Engineering Sciences

  • 0

    Teaching Degrees

A wooden bench stands next to a calm lake on a sunny day.
© Kerstin Schubert

Untreusee lake: the perfect spot for swimming, surfing or simply relaxing

Regional dialects are often a challenge for outsiders. Would you have thought that "hoa" means "yes" here?

Hof combines tradition and modernity. The city is a forward-looking industrial and service location with core strengths in water and environmental technology, logistics and materials. At the same time, the city centre boasts historic buildings and a lively pedestrian zone with numerous shops, cafés and bars – perfect for strolling and lingering on nice days.

If you want to get out of the city, Hof's location between the Fichtelgebirge mountains and the Franconian Forest offers plenty of opportunities for great hiking tours. In the winter semester, you can also be pretty sure that you will experience Hof under a thick blanket of snow. Remember to pack some warm clothes so you can enjoy the outdoors in winter! There's also a ski area nearby: take the bus to Schwarzenbach am Wald and get there in just about 40 minutes. And to warm up, take a short trip to Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic. Probably the most popular spa town in the Czech Republic, it offers natural healing springs and classicist charm from the nineteenth century. Of course, it's not just worth a trip in winter: you can enjoy a spa day all year round!

Film and music fans also get their money's worth in Hof. Every October, the Hof International Film Festival attracts world premieres and German celebrities for six days. And thanks to facilities such as the Hof - Alte Filzfabrik Cultural Centre and the IN.DIE.musik festival, the city's young music scene is buzzing - of course, don’t compare it to Berlin or other big cities. However, Hof certainly has a lively pub culture that offers you numerous opportunities to go out in the evening and meet new people.

And one last tip: be sure to try the real Hof “Bratwürste” – these sausages are the city's culinary trademark! You can get them from the "Wärschtlamo" (in High German: the sausage man) in the city centre.