Ostfalia Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften: Lower Saxony’s Powerhouse of Applied Sciences
Nestled in the heart of northern Germany, Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences – officially known as Ostfalia Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften – stands as one of the largest and most dynamic universities of applied sciences in Lower Saxony. With approximately 10,050 students, 994 employees, and 237 professors across four distinct campuses, Ostfalia has established itself as a vital engine of regional development and a hub of practice-oriented education and applied research.
A History Rooted in Tradition and Transformation
Ostfalia’s story is one of gradual consolidation and remarkable growth. While the university was formally established in 1971 through the merger of the State Engineering Academy in Wolfenbüttel and the Higher Technical College for Social Work in Braunschweig, its roots run much deeper. The institution’s predecessor bodies date back to 1853 in Suderburg, 1905 in Braunschweig (where the Christian Social Women’s School was founded), and 1928 in Wolfenbüttel. At its founding in 1971, the university enrolled just 850 students. From these modest beginnings, Ostfalia expanded steadily, opening additional locations in Wolfsburg (1988), Salzgitter (1993), and Suderburg (2009). In September 2009, the institution adopted the name “Ostfalia” – reflecting both its growth and its regional identity, as all four campuses are located in Ostfalen, a historic region of Saxony between the Weser, Lüneburg Heath, Elbe, and Harz mountains. Buy fake German diploma online.
A Comprehensive Academic Profile
Ostfalia offers more than 90 degree programmes spanning 66 bachelor’s and 34 master’s degrees across twelve faculties. The academic spectrum covers engineering and computer science, business and law, social work and healthcare, as well as media and design. Key faculties include Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Engineering, Computer Science, Law (home to the Brunswick European Law School), Business, Health Sciences, and Transport-Sport-Tourism-Media. The university places strong emphasis on interdisciplinary, practice-oriented teaching, with individual supervision provided in small learning groups. Particularly noteworthy are the dual study programmes – or “study programmes in a practical network” – which enable students to earn both a university degree and complete vocational training at a partner company in a condensed timeframe.
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Four Campuses, One University
A defining feature of Ostfalia is its four-campus structure, with locations in Wolfenbüttel, Wolfsburg, Salzgitter, and Suderburg. Each campus possesses its own distinct character and academic focus. The Wolfenbüttel campus, the university’s largest, hosts faculties including Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Supply Engineering. The Wolfsburg campus is home to the Faculty of Automotive Engineering, the Faculty of Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Business – a natural fit given Wolfsburg’s status as the headquarters of Volkswagen AG. The Salzgitter campus houses the Karl-Scharfenberg-Faculty of Transport-Sport-Tourism-Media, while the Suderburg campus hosts the Faculty of Trade and Social Work. This geographic distribution allows Ostfalia to maintain deep connections with regional industries and communities while offering students a diverse range of learning environments – from city-centre settings to countryside locations.
A Research Powerhouse with Social Relevance
Ostfalia has established itself as a formidable research institution, with professors from all faculties collaborating across six interdisciplinary research centres. The university’s research is organised around seven core areas, including “Renewable Energies and Resource Efficiency,” “Intelligent Systems for Energy and Mobility,” and “Societal Participation and Health Services Research”. Ostfalia’s 29 institutes drive applied research with direct societal impact. The Institute of Automotive Engineering Wolfsburg (IFBW), founded in 1988, is the oldest institute of its kind at a German university of applied sciences. The Institute for Recycling (IFR), established in 1991, has become a leading centre for research on complex composite materials and plastics technology, conducting projects on 3D printing, bioplastics, and innovative recycling technologies.
International Engagement and Community
With over 100 international university partnerships across all continents, Ostfalia offers students and lecturers extensive opportunities for global exchange. The university participates actively in the Erasmus+ programme and offers two English-language Master’s programmes: Sustainability & Risk Management (MSc) and Automotive Service Technology and Processes (M.Eng.). Ostfalia also maintains a unique cooperation with Volkswagen AG, offering two degree programmes at the Wolfsburg campus that are unparalleled in Germany. With its strong regional roots, commitment to practical education, and forward-looking research agenda, Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences continues to fulfil its mission of building knowledge and sparking enthusiasm – preparing its students to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.