FH Südwestfalen - South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences

South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences

South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule Südwestfalen or simply FH-SWF) is a university in the North-Rhine Westphalia region, which focuses on the applied sciences. This means that it offers a range of courses in practical science and engineering-related disciplines, including popular mechanical and automotive engineering options.

Divided into five campuses in Iserlohn, Lüdenscheid, Hagen, Meschede, and Soest, the university hosts plenty of international students, offering a number of English-language course.

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FH-SWF in numbers

2002
Founding Year
14,000
Students
400
Professors
52
Study Programs
4
International Courses

Created by an administrative reorganization in 2002, the origins of the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences can actually be traced back to the 1820s, when mechanics institutes first appeared in the Hagen area. The university offers a wide range of 52 bachelors and masters degree courses to its 14,000 students, four of which are international.

More about FH-SWF

Today, this university is a popular place to study practical subjects that relate to the industrial economy of North-Rhine Westphalia. This could include automobile design, medical engineering, agriculture, or even early years education – so the choices available are very diverse. Some systems engineering and business administration courses have English language components, but most degrees are taught in German, and TestDaf qualifications are generally required for admission.

The university caters well for international students, with special assistance for refugees, dedicated international support staff, and subsidies for accommodation. So it's a good place for practical, career-oriented study. Unlike many German universities, FH-SWF is spread across five campuses. All are very close to Frankfurt, with its high-tech economy, but also within cycling distance of the Sauerland hills, ensuring a mix of rural charm and urban proximity.

FH Südwestfalen - South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences

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Explore FH-SWF English-language courses:

  • Business Administration with Informatics (B.A.)
  • Informatics and Business M.Sc.    
  • International Management & Information Systems M.A.    
  • International Management and Information Systems – Online M.A.    
  • Systems Engineering and Engineering Management (M.Sc.)

To know about German study programs follow the link.

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Expatrio supports you with its Study Finder, Study Eligibility Checker, and Application Assistant. Find the button "Apply" on our Study Finder to apply for your chosen university through your own profile on our User Portal. 

If you are still in doubt about the best study program for you, book a free consultation with our relocation expert to have a 1:1 session on your future.

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Best Value

Value Package

Your all-inclusive package for an easy start in Germany
€49 cashback & free benefits

Your all-inclusive package for an easy start in Germany

  • Free German blocked account for a limited time only1 
  • Cashback of up to €109 on set-up and monthly fees1
  • Customizable health insurance coverage with up to €90 cashback2

  • Free Benefits:

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TK - Your health insurance partner at FH-SWF

Take care of your studies - we take care of the bureaucracy!

Health insurance cover is mandatory by law for all residents in Germany, including international students.

Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) is one of Germany's leading public health insurance providers3 and a trustworthy partner of Expatrio. TK insures more than 10 million customers, making it Germany's best and largest health insurer. TK offers you:

  • Discounted rate for university students aged under 30
  • English language support and registration
  • Dental hygiene and basic dental treatment coverage
  • Coverage of vaccinations recommended by the International Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO)
  • TK Bonus Program

At Expatrio, we partner with TK to help register international students into the public healthcare system, ensuring they can apply for their visa and are legally covered during their studies.

Your TK contact
Angela Kring

Angela can help you with your health insurance. Feel free to reach out!

Everything you need to apply in Germany:

Eligibility Checker

Check whether you can apply directly to a German university or you need to go through a preparatory course.

Study Finder

Find your dream study program among the more than 1,500 English-taught courses available at German universities.

Application Assistant

Create and manage your university applications in one account, and receive support from our specialists.

Find it difficult to find the best study program for you? Expatrio's Study Eligibility Checker will help you! CLICK HERE  

  1. Blocked Account for free (the “BFF Campaign”) is a special offer for all customers who apply for the Value Package as well as customers who upgrade into the Value Package between 30 June to 31 October 2023. To avail the cashback, eligible customers in the BFF Campaign have to successfully activate the health insurance coverage with DR-WALTER or Techniker Krankenkasse. The total cashback is limited to a maximum of €49 set-up fee + 12 times the monthly service fee (i.e. €49 setup fee + 12 months * €5 monthly service fee = €109 cashback). Special terms and conditions apply.
  2. TK-Flex is an elective tariff and only available for eligible TK health insurance customers. Once the TK membership is activated, TK-Flex can commence. Expatrio will provide the customer with detailed guidelines on how to do this. Within TK-Flex, users have the option to deselect/opt out of services they do not need. In return, there is a cashback bonus of up to €90 per year. However, if the services are needed after all, TK customers can reactivate their health insurance coverage by paying a deductible of €24 per service (up to €120) per year. Please refer to our TK-Flex page for more information.
  3. In the issue 07/2023, Focus-Money business magazine awarded TK “Best Student Health Insurance Fund”.
  4. DR-WALTER has been awarded the Super Star Award by the Study Travel Magazine