hochschule 21, on the edge of the historic old town of Buxtehude, offers a very personalised study atmosphere. The former Hanseatic city is also favoured by its proximity to Hamburg and the scenic holiday regions.

What makes hochschule 21 special is the dual study programme. In the practice-integrated construction and mechatronics degree programmes, theory-based learning phases at the university alternate with practical periods in the company (each lasting 3 months). For the degree programmes in the health sector (physiotherapy, nursing), training at a technical college is integrated into the degree programme.

The language of instruction on all degree programmes is German.

The degree programmes

Bachelor's degree programmes:

• Architecture DUAL
• Building Services Engineering DUAL
• Civil Engineering DUAL
• Industrial Engineering and Management (Construction and Real-Estate) DUAL
• Mechatronics DUAL
• Nursing DUAL (part-time)
• Physiotherapy DUAL

Master's degree programmes:

• Civil Engineering (part-time)

Work placement

• For the construction and mechatronics degree programmes, an internship contract must be concluded with a suitable company, if possible for the entire period of study. hochschule 21 offers support in finding a suitable company.
• For physiotherapy, a three-month internship in geriatric care, a social welfare organisation or a hospital is desirable. For the Physiotherapy DUAL degree programme, you also need a training place at one of hochschule 21's cooperation partners: ‘Akademie für Bildung und Karriere des Universitätsklinikums Eppendorf (ABK)’ in Hamburg or at the ‘Fachschule im Elbe Klinikum Stade-Buxtehude (EKS)’.
• Details about the different application procedures can be found under Aufnahmeverfahren Physiotherapie DUAL - hochschule 21 (hs21.de) and under Studieninteressierte - Online-Bewerbung (hs21.de).
• The Nursing DUAL degree programme is part-time. This degree programme is intended for experienced nursing staff who have completed their training. Further details can be found on the programme's homepage.

Costs

You can expect to pay the following costs when studying at hochschule 21:

1. Tuition fees
   In addition to a one-off enrolment fee at the beginning of your studies, you will have to pay different monthly tuition fees at hochschule 21 depending on the degree programme (for details, see degree programmes).
    
2. Living costs and accommodation
   Living costs are currently between €800 and €1,500 per month, depending on personal requirements. Information on the rent for rooms in student halls of residence in Buxtehude can be found here.
    
3. Health insurance
   International students in Germany are obliged to take out health insurance to ensure that they are covered in the event of illness. There are two main types of health insurance: statutory health insurance and private health insurance. For international students, statutory health insurance is often the preferred choice as it is usually cheaper and more comprehensive.

Here are some important points about statutory health insurance for international students:

• Compulsory insurance: International students enrolled at a German university must provide proof of health insurance. This also applies to students from EU countries.
• Contribution costs: Contributions to statutory health insurance are usually between 100 and 120 euros per month. This can vary depending on the provider and individual circumstances.
• Provider: There are several statutory health insurance providers that accept international students, including AOK, TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), Barmer and DAK. It is worth comparing the offers and benefits of the various health insurance providers.
• Benefits: Statutory health insurance covers a wide range of medical services, including visits to the doctor, hospitalisation, medication and check-ups.
• Exemption from compulsory insurance: In certain cases, such as with existing private health insurance cover, students can be exempted from the statutory insurance obligation. Here it is important to check the specific requirements.
   

It is advisable to take care of health insurance early on, as proof of valid insurance is often a prerequisite for enrolment at a German university.

Scholarships

Foreign applicants can apply to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for a scholarship. The application is submitted via the embassy or consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany in the home country.