FHWS - University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt

• Location: Würzburg and Schweinfurt, Germany
• Founded: in 1971
• Total number of students: 9000 people
• Language of instruction: German and English
• Type of institution: State University.

The largest university in the north of Bavaria is the University of Applied Sciences of Würzburg-Schweinfurt, located immediately in two neighboring cities. The institution was founded in 1807 - it is true that the current name and campuses he acquired only in 1971 - but today the university is considered to be one of the best in Europe. The multinationality of the university is also striking - representatives of more than 60 world countries, representatives of various religions, nationalities are studied here.

In total, there are 10 faculties in the structure of the university, where the students are offered more than 40 specialties - studying is maximally practical, which helps graduates to quickly find work in their specialty:

• Faculty of Applied Social Sciences
• Faculty of Plastics and Engineering Geodesy
• Faculty of Economics
• Faculty of Informatics and Economic Informatics
• Faculty of Natural and Human Sciences
• Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering
• Faculty of Business and Engineering
• Faculty of Electrical Engineering
• Faculty of Design
• Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

The university staff includes more 230 professors: they provide students with exhaustive practical and theoretical knowledge, focusing on the practical component of studying - laboratory studies and experiments are constantly conducted, and thematic clubs and sections are operating. Much attention is paid to the seminar works and group projects, students are honing the skill of effective work both independently and in a team.

German is the main language of instruction, but many programs are taught in English - the bilingualism of the university also increases its popularity among foreign students.

The studying is conducted in small groups - each student can count on the proper amount of personal attention from the teacher, an individual approach.

Students are given the opportunity to pass production practice in the best regional and national companies (6 months) - this is an excellent opportunity to prepare for writing a thesis project, to gain valuable knowledge and practical skills, to prove yourself as a specialist and make useful business contacts and connections.

The University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt closely cooperates with more than 230 universities around the world, including Russian institutions:

• Plekhanov (Moscow)
• University of Management and Economics (St. Petersburg)
• University of Economics and Finance (St. Petersburg)
• Omsk University.

International students have the opportunity to work up to 120 full or 240 part-time working days, if this does not interfere with the studying. These days are not spent if the student works at the university as an assistant (this post is usually called Wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft). The earned money (minimum - 450 euros a month) is not taxed. Most often pupils find themselves working in cafes, shops and restaurants, work as tutors (Russian students are usually strong in mathematics), work at companies during vacations, and closer to the middle of studies, students already have their first opportunity to work in their specialty.

Germany is the only European country that provides students with a full year and a half after graduation to search for a job in their specialty. If your salary is from 56,800 euros gross per year or you have worked for 2 years, then you can apply for a permanent residence permit, and then for German citizenship!

In 2014, the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt was awarded the prestigious Best-Strategy Award MINternetional - an award from the German Scientific Association for an innovative and unique project for Germany - the i-Campus, in which FHWS offers specialties in both languages: in German and in English. Thus, students have the opportunity to start their studies at FHWS without German language proficiency, but they can study in English, at the same time acquire knowledge of German and, during their studies, go to study in German in the same specialty. For graduates, bilingualism (knowledge of professional terminology in English and German) is a significant advantage in the global labor market.

Würzburg-Schweinfurt University of Applied Sciences helps students to organize safe and comfortable living during the entire period of study.

Many students prefer citywide student residences, which are managed by the Student Self-Help Society. Residences are within walking distance from the academic buildings: they are cozy, comfortable apartments with private facilities.

It is possible to rent an apartment, studio or room. Often pupils rent a common apartment for several people: it is a separate bedroom and a dedicated educational space for each person, as well as a kitchen, a bathroom and a living room in a common free access.

The additional monthly expenses of each student are presented as the following:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Compulsory medical insurance
• Public transport and travel
• Clothing and household items Trivia
• Leisure and fun
• Additional costs and charges.

Accommodation options depend on the chosen type (room, studio, apartment, apartment), comfort level and living conditions, location in the city (proximity to the center and to the university campus).

Subject list: Architecture, business, Civil engineering, computer techologies, Counseling, design, electronics, Health care, Information Technology, logistics, Machinery manufacturing, Master programme Materials Sciences, media, Social work

• The University of Applied Sciences of Würzburg-Schweinfurt was awarded the prestigious Best-Strategy Award MINternetional, a special award from the German Scientific Association awarded for the excellent education and studying of young professionals, conducted in two languages. For graduates bilingual (knowledge of English and German) is a significant advantage in the world labour market;
• Established partnerships with more than 230 universities around the world;
• Inexpensive German language courses for any foreign student throughout the course of study (usually at lunchtime or evening hours);
• Special adaptation program for foreign students: acquaintance with the city and campus infrastructure, introductory lectures, familiarity with the rules of conduct and university charter, features of the national mentality, assistance in all administrative issues (opening a bank account, changing a visa to a residence permit, obtaining medical insurance, etc.)
• The initial salary of an engineer in Schweinfurt is approximately 56 thousands of euros per year - this is the highest figure for young professionals throughout Germany!
• The University Career Center conducts free regular useful trainings aimed at improving the personal qualities of a young specialist: writing a resume, self-presentation skills, interviews and interviews, business fundamentals (starting a business), international business etiquette, etc. Also for students, production excursions to various German companies, career exhibitions with potential employers, etc.
• Germany is the only country in Europe where university graduates (even citizens of another country) are given a full year and a half to look for work after graduation!
• The largest university of applied sciences in Bavaria and one of the largest profile Universities of Europe;
• Strong orientation to practical application of the acquired knowledge - graduates of the university are already qualified and experienced enough;
• Strong teaching staff: more than 230 professors work on the basis of the university with rich practical experience in their field;
• Small academic groups - each is guaranteed an individual approach, the international composition of students;
• 10 faculties and more than 40 modern, demanded specialties;
• Constant cooperation with world universities and the best, largest companies in Germany, Europe and the world;
• Possibility of training in German or English (TWIN programs) with the right to switch from one language of instruction to another during the course of your studies.
• Free study at all bachelor's programs and in most master's programs, regardless of nationality and language of instruction.
• Personal supervision and assistance to foreign students.

Campuses in two neighboring cities are located not far from each other - only 40 kilometers: you can get there by car from one to another in about half an hour. In the transport accessibility are the major airports in Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Nuremberg: this greatly facilitates the students transfer, travel and student exchanges.

Northern Bavaria (Franconia) is a very picturesque, cozy land with vast agricultural land (especially winemaking and brewing) and well-established infrastructure of big cities, developed tourism. There are a lot of historical and cultural monuments here, and the cultural life is bubbling all year round and boiling - large celebrations, festivals, international projects and sports days are held regularly.

• Würzburg is one of the student capital cities of Germany: approximately every 5 residents study here at the university! The total number of residents is about 130 thousand people.
• Schweinfurt is one of the fastest growing cities in the country: today it has about 53 thousand people and is characterized by a high density of jobs - the headquarters of such large organizations as Bosch, SKF, Rexroth, Schaeffler. For students, this is an excellent opportunity to get a job in the specialty immediately after graduation (sometimes even before obtaining a degree).

The spacious, bright, modern lecture halls, auditoriums and scientific and practical laboratories have been prepared for teaching students: innovative newest equipment is installed, free access to fast Wi-Fi is provided throughout the territory. Equipped with a large IT-center, an extensive library with printed and electronic sources, computer rooms with the latest PCs, a separate Career and Employment Center. The Student Union is constantly working, helping students in all aspects of learning and leisure. There are large dining rooms and cafeterias, an infrastructure for sports and outdoor activities, outdoor games.

Another significant plus of the University of Applied Sciences of Würzburg-Schweinfurt - studying on major programs is free here! Bachelor's programs are subsidized by the government of Germany (specifically Bavaria), therefore, even for foreign students, tuition fees are not provided.

There are paid MBA programs and some master's programs. In addition, intensive preparatory German courses are paid (offered to foreigners before admission), as well as semester language courses = an average of 150 euros per course. Additional fees include:

• Insurance
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Round trip air tickets
• Roundtrip transfers
• Personal pocket expenses
• Visa fees and services, translation and certification of documents.

The requirements for future students at the University of Applied Sciences in Würzburg-Schweinfurt vary according to the chosen language of instruction and the program.The applicant should provide:

• At least 1-2 years of education in the home country university
• Copy of the passport
• Personal resume (if possible)
• Certificate of knowledge of the English language: TOEFL iBT (from 83) or IELTS (from 6.0) or Cambridge (CAE level) .

Applicants to the Faculty of Business and Engineering (logistics, engineering and business programs) must additionally provide:

• A certificate of proficiency in German at a level not lower than A2 (available before the end of the second semester, can be obtained through courses at the university);
• At least 6 weeks of industrial practice (it is possible to pass in the native country before the beginning of study or in Germany during the first two semesters of studying).
• If the education is incomplete, then it is possible to enter only having at least 1 course in related specialties (management, economics and others).

Those entering the Faculty of Business and Economics (specialty "International Management") must additionally provide:

• A certificate of knowledge of the German language at the level of A2
• Have an incomplete higher education in their home country in related specialties (management, economics and others).

2) German-language programs:

• The basic requirement is a certificate of knowledge of the German language at the B2 level (DSH1, TestDaF3). The remaining requirements - both in English programs.

Since 2015, the university works according to the common base of analyzing the applications:

• First you apply online application and a package of documents - this can be done all year round. Documents are reviewed within 3-6 weeks.
• You submit the confirmation application online and send the package of documents to the University by mail - this must be done from the beginning of April to July 15 (if your preliminary application was approved).

All documents must be translated into English or German and notarized.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision