Hof University, University of Applied Sciences

Hof University is a public Bavarian University of Applied Sciences serving ~3,800 students across four faculties and five campuses in Upper Franconia. It offers 50+ practice-oriented degree programs, six research institutes including a Fraunhofer-AWZ partnership, and 130+ international partner universities.

Company typePrivate
Founded1994
HeadquartersHof, Germany
Headcount101–250
GTM typeB2C
OfferingServices

What Hof University, University of Applied Sciences does

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hof) is a public Bavarian state university founded in 1994 and headquartered in Hof, Germany, with additional campuses in Kronach, Münchberg, Selb, and Bamberg. The institution serves approximately 3,800 students through 133 teaching faculty across four faculties — Informatics, Engineering Sciences, Interdisciplinary and Innovative Sciences, and Business Economics — and offers more than 50 Bachelor and Master degree programs with a practice-oriented, applied-research focus. Specialized thematic campuses anchor the portfolio: textiles and fiber ceramics in Münchberg (including a hosted Fraunhofer-Anwendungszentrum), mobility and design in Selb, and innovative healthcare in Kronach, with a separate learning location in Bamberg for nursing education.

The university operates six research institutes (Fraunhofer-AWZ Textile Fiber Ceramics, Biopolymers, Information Systems/iisys, Sustainable Water Systems/inwa, Materials Science, and Hydrogen and Energy Technology) supported by 10,000+ sqm of laboratory infrastructure including 3D printing, robotics, CNC, VR/AR, and an AI workspace. It is also system-accredited and uses a digital learning platform, the StudiengangsGenerator course-selection tool, and innovative pedagogical methods (flipped classroom, LEGO Serious Play, Design Thinking). The business model is primarily non-commercial: tuition-free Bachelor education funded by the Free State of Bavaria, supplemented by fee-based continuing education, English-language Master programs at the Graduate School, third-party research grants (EU/EFRE/Fraunhofer), dual-study employer contributions, and entrepreneurship activities via the StartUpLab and Einstein1 digitales Gründerzentrum. Internationalization is pursued through 130+ ERASMUS+ partner universities, double-degree agreements (e.g., with DKU and Yessenov University), and dedicated "Wege nach Hof" recruitment for international degree-seekers.

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences firmographics

Firmographics

Name: Hof University, University of Applied Sciences
Legal name: Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hof
Website: https://hof-university.de
Company type: Private
Founded year: 1994
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 101–250 employees
Short description: Hof University is a public Bavarian University of Applied Sciences serving ~3,800 students across four faculties and five campuses in Upper Franconia. It offers 50+ practice-oriented degree programs, six research institutes including a Fraunhofer-AWZ partnership, and 130+ international partner universities.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences industry classification

Industry

Product category: Higher Education
NAICS: Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)
SIC: Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)
akta.pro primary industry: Technical Universities with Energy, Materials & Sustainability Focus (EDAHAEAL)
akta.pro secondary industries: Business & Management Research Universities (EDAHABAE), Public Research Universities with Multi-Campus Systems (EDAHAAAI)

Keywords

Higher education programs
Applied research services
University degree programs
Continuing education programs
Dual study programs

Where Hof University, University of Applied Sciences is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Hof
HQ country: Germany
HQ region: Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences business model

Business model

GTM type: B2C
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

Public Higher Education Funding: As a German public University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften), the institution receives state funding from the Bavarian state government. No tuition fees are charged for undergraduate education. Students pay only semester contributions.
Continuing Education and Professional Development: Revenue generated from certificate programs (Zertifikatslehrgänge), professional development courses, and specialized training programs offered through the Studienfakultät für Weiterbildung including German-language continuing education and English-language Master programs at the Graduate School.
Research Funding and Grants: Third-party funding through research projects including EU structural funds (EFRE), Fraunhofer partnerships, and various research institutes that secure external research grants and project funding.

Pricing tiers

Model	Billing	Price
Subscription	Annual	Standard Semester Contributions

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Hof University is a state-funded University of Applied Sciences offering more than 50 practice-oriented Bachelor and Master degree programs across four faculties (Informatics, Engineering, Interdisciplinary & Innovative Sciences, and Business Economics), supported by six applied research institutes, over 40 specialized laboratories, and a Continuing Education faculty. It also delivers applied research and technology transfer to regional industry through dual study programs, company projects, practical semesters, and the StartUpLab / Einstein1 entrepreneurship center, with international mobility facilitated through 130+ partner universities.

Product overview

Hof University (Hochschule Hof) is a University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften) offering over 50 innovative Bachelor and Master degree programs across four faculties: Informatics (Informatik), Engineering Sciences (Ingenieurwissenschaften), Interdisciplinary and Innovative Sciences (Interdisziplinäre und Innovative Wissenschaften), and Business Sciences (Wirtschaftswissenschaften). The university operates across five locations (Hof, Kronach, Münchberg, Selb, and Bamberg) with approximately 3,800 students and 133 teaching staff. Its portfolio includes six research institutes (Fraunhofer-AWZ, Institute for Biopolymers, Institute for Information Systems/iisys, Institute for Sustainable Water Systems/inwa, Institute for Materials Science, and Institute for Hydrogen and Energy Technology), the StartUpLab for entrepreneurship support, a Continuing Education faculty (Studienfakultät für Weiterbildung) offering part-time and graduate programs, and over 40 specialized laboratories spanning 10,000 sqm. The university also facilitates international exchange through ERASMUS+ and partnerships with over 130 universities worldwide, offering dual study programs combined with vocational training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

Bachelor and Master Degree Programs More than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across four faculties (Informatics, Engineering Sciences, Interdisciplinary and Innovative Sciences, and Business Sciences), delivered tuition-free to German and EU students and including practice-oriented specializations such as Business Administration, International Management, Digital Business, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Textile Design, Sustainable Water Management, and AI-Driven Supply Chain Management.
Applied Research Institutes Six research institutes delivering applied research and technology transfer: Fraunhofer-AWZ Textile Fiber Ceramics, Institute for Circular Economy of Biopolymers, Institute for Information Systems (iisys), Institute for Sustainable Water Systems (inwa), Institute for Materials Science, and Institute for Hydrogen and Energy Technology. These serve industry partners and fund research through external grants including EFRE and Fraunhofer partnerships.
StartUpLab – Gründung & Entrepreneurship Startup support and entrepreneurship program for Hof University students and faculty, providing guidance to develop innovative business ideas and operating in conjunction with the Digitales Gründerzentrum Einstein1 at the Hof campus.
Continuing Education (Weiterbildung) Professional development programs offered through the Studienfakultät für Weiterbildung (Faculty of Continuing Education), including part-time degree programs (Beruf plus Studium / Work plus Study), English-language full-time Master programs at the Hof University Graduate School, certificate courses (Zertifikatslehrgänge), and seminars for working professionals.
International Exchange Programs Study abroad and exchange opportunities delivered through ERASMUS+ and partnerships with over 130 universities worldwide, including double-degree programs in International Management and Business Administration, plus "Wege nach Hof" (Pathways to Hof) full-degree programs for international students.
Laboratory Facilities Access More than 40 specialized laboratories spanning 10,000+ square meters, including 3D Printing, CAD, CNC, Chemistry, Design, Electronics, Energy, Materials Testing, Robotics, Virtual Reality, and Textiles laboratories, available to students and research partners for applied teaching and project work.
Dual Study Programs Combined academic and vocational training programs (ausbildungsintegriert and praxisintegriert) enabling students to gain practical work experience with regional partner companies while pursuing their degree. Bayernweit there are 6,000+ dual students with Hof having an above-average proportion.
Competence Center Health and Sustainability Interdisciplinary research and teaching center addressing healthcare innovation and environmental sustainability challenges, part of the university's portfolio of competence centers and institutes.

Companies that use Hof University, University of Applied Sciences

Customer profile

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

Lingoda GmbHminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 March 2025Gold sponsor of Internationaler Pflegekongress 2025. Language learning platform partner for nursing professional integration programs.
Match Pflege Lingoda GmbHminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 March 2025Gold sponsor and co-organizer of Internationaler Pflegekongress 2025, focused on international nursing workforce integration.
Skills MedminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 March 2025Silver sponsor of Internationaler Pflegekongress 2025, healthcare training provider.
AOK BayernminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 March 2025Silver sponsor of Internationaler Pflegekongress 2025, largest German health insurance provider.
Hinz & Kunst GmbHminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 March 2025Bronze sponsor of Internationaler Pflegekongress 2025.
Kiron Open Higher EducationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 March 2025Bronze sponsor of Internationaler Pflegekongress 2025, refugee education organization.
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (Fraunhofer AWZ textile Faserkeramiken)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic research partnership with Fraunhofer Society for textile fiber ceramics research. The university hosts Fraunhofer-Anwendungszentrum (application center) for textile fiber ceramics as part of applied research institute.
DKU (Deutsche Küsten Universität)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDouble degree partnership with DKU for engineering students, enabling students to earn degrees from both institutions.
Yessenov UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational double degree partnership with Kazakhstan university for engineering students.
ERASMUS+ Partner Universities (130+)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean student and faculty exchange program network spanning 130+ partner universities worldwide for mobility, double degrees, and collaborative projects.
Dual Study Partner CompaniescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional companies offering dual study arrangements (ausbildungsintegriert and praxisintegriert) combined with university studies. Bayernweit über 6000 dual students, with Hof having above-average proportion.
Canyon Bicycles GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner for Advanced Mobility Design program. Professor Alexander Forst maintains consulting role while teaching mobility design, enabling cutting-edge industry-university collaboration.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

Hochschule Darmstadt (h_da): Large German University of Applied Sciences covering engineering, business, and design; broadly comparable Fachhochschule model with similar faculty and applied research structure.
Hochschule Coburg: Closely located University of Applied Sciences in Upper Franconia with overlapping engineering, design, and business programs; competes for the same regional student pool and employer partnerships.
Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI): Bavarian University of Applied Sciences with strong focus on engineering, mobility, and business; comparable as a practice-oriented Hochschule competing for similar students, faculty, and regional industry partnerships.
Technische Hochschule Rosenheim: Bavarian University of Applied Sciences with engineering, business, and design programs including strong applied research; comparable in program structure, regional employer ties, and Fachhochschule positioning.
Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg (OTH Regensburg): Bavarian University of Applied Sciences offering engineering, business, and computer science programs; directly comparable in structure, faculty mix, and applied research profile to Hof.
Hochschule Wismar: German University of Applied Sciences with engineering, business, and design programs; comparable in practice-oriented curriculum, applied research institutes, and Fachhochschule positioning.
Hochschule Ansbach: Bavarian University of Applied Sciences with applied sciences, engineering, and business programs; comparable size, regional orientation, and practice-oriented model to Hof.
Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Umwelt (HfWU) Nürtingen-Geislingen: Baden-Württemberg University of Applied Sciences with business, sustainability, and applied science focus; comparable Fachhochschule model with similar faculty scale and applied research profile.
Hochschule Kempten: Bavarian University of Applied Sciences with business, engineering, and computer science programs; similar practice-oriented model, regional industry focus, and faculty scale as Hof.

Others

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft: Germany's largest applied research organization with which Hof hosts an Anwendungszentrum (application center) for textile fiber ceramics; included as an ecosystem partner given the strategic research collaboration.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences compliance and trust

Trust signal

Compliance2 records

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hof University, University of Applied Sciences

What does Hof University, University of Applied Sciences do?

Is Hof University, University of Applied Sciences a public or private company?

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.

When was Hof University, University of Applied Sciences founded?

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences was founded in 1994. It employs 101 to 250 people.

Where is Hof University, University of Applied Sciences based?

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences is headquartered in Hof, Germany, in the Europe region.

How does Hof University, University of Applied Sciences make money?

Three revenue lines are on record. Public Higher Education Funding is the primary driver. The others are continuing Education and Professional Development and research Funding and Grants.

Who are Hof University, University of Applied Sciences's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are Hochschule Darmstadt (h_da), Hochschule Coburg, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI), Technische Hochschule Rosenheim, Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg (OTH Regensburg), Hochschule Wismar, Hochschule Ansbach, Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Umwelt (HfWU) Nürtingen-Geislingen and Hochschule Kempten. Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is listed as an others.

Does Hof University, University of Applied Sciences have an API?

No public API is recorded for Hof University, University of Applied Sciences.

What industry is Hof University, University of Applied Sciences in?

Hof University, University of Applied Sciences's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAEAL, Technical Universities with Energy, Materials & Sustainability Focus, with a secondary code of EDAHABAE, Business & Management Research Universities. Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8700.