A succesful application in 5 steps

01 — Check Your Eligibility

There are two admission requirements:

  • Higher Education Entrance Qualification (Hoch­schul­zu­gangs­be­rech­ti­gung, HZB)

    If you wish to study in Germany, you need a higher education entrance qualification (Hoch­schul­zu­gangs­be­rech­ti­gung, HZB). The Hoch­schul­zu­gangs­be­rech­ti­gung is a degree that qualifies students for a course of study.

    To check whether you are eligible to study in Germany, please visit the DAAD database.
    You can also see if your higher education entrance qualification allows direct entry to a German university or requires a preparatory course (Studienkolleg) via ANABIN (in German).
  • Certificate of English Language Proficiency or an equivalent
02 — Prepare Your Documents

Collect all required documents listed in the Application Form (Application Form SBT/SBL / Application Form Exchange SBL).

  • Please arrange all documents in the order specified in the checklist.
  • Combine all documents in one single PDF file.
  • All certificates must be in English or German.
  • As the programme is taught enrirely in English, proof of English language proficiency is required. 
03 — Complete the Application Form

Download the Application Form (Application Form SBT/SBL / Application Form Exchange SBL), complete it electronically, sign it and include it in your PDF file.

Please make sure to provide a valid email adress that you will keep throughout the application process, as we will use it for all further communication. 

04 — Pay the Examination Fee

If you have a foreign university entrance qualification, it must be evaluated by our university as part of the application process. Therefor we charge a examination fee of 100.00 Euro for checking your documents. For an additional degree programme, an additional fee of 30 € applies. 
That means:
An examination fee of €100 is charged for processing your application SBT/SBL/Exchange SBL). 
Applicants applying for both SBT and SBL must pay an additional €30 fee (total: €130).

The examination fee is required for all applicants, including applicants who already hold a VPD, a ZAB evaluation, or another official preliminary assessment. 

Please ensure that this fee is paid in advance to the bank account, which can be found in the application form / checklist. Please note that payment
reference must be stated exactly, otherwise your payment cannot be clearly allocated.

Please enclose proof of payment with your application.

Your application will only be processed after we have received your payment. 

 

05 — Submit Your Application

Submit one single PDF file containing: 

  • the completed and signed Application Form
  • all required supporting documents in the specified order
  • proof of payment of the examination fee
     

Send your application by e-mail to international.admissions@umwelt-campus.de. 

Please submit your application as early as possible.

 

What happens after my application?

What happens after my application?

What will happen after my application?

  • Application review: We will confirm the receipt of your application via e-mail. The evaluation may take up to ten weeks.
  • Admission: If your application is successfull, you will receive your Letter of Admission by e-mail.
  • Visa and enroment: You can use your admission letter for a visa (if required). You will also receive instructions for the online enrolment via STUDIS when the online prtal opens.
  • Before your studies begin: We wil keep you informed about the next steps, importatnt deadlines and your arrival at the Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld, including accomodation information. 

FAQs - ADMISSION: ELIGIBILITY

What is a higher education entrance qualification?

What is a higher education entrance qualification?

If you want to study at a German higher education institution, you will have to meet certain requirements. A university entrance qualification (called “Hochschulzugangsberechtigung” or “HZB” for short) is a basic requirement for studying at a German university. For international applicants, this is usually your school-leaving certificate. In some cases, it may also include a university entrance exam or previous university study.
Check the database on admission requirements of the DAAD, DAAD’s online portal “Study Guide Germany” or anabin – The information portal on foreign qualifications(available only in German) to see whether your qualification allows direct admission in Germany or whether you need to complete a preparatory course (Studienkolleg).


 

What level of English proficiency do I need?

What level of English proficiency do I need?

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at CEFR Level B2 for admission, as the majority of modules and examinations are conducted in English.
Proof of sufficient English language proficiency is provided, in particular, by a recognised language test such as:

•    TOEFL iBT (72)

•    TOEIC (Listening and Reading Test: 785 + Speaking Test: 160 + Writing Test: 150)

•    IELTS (5.5)

•    Cambridge First Certificate in English + Grade B or C (FCE)

•    B2 Certificate in English from the Language Testing Centre at Trier University of Applied Sciences.

For applicants whose mother tongue is German, proof of English language proficiency may also be provided by their Abitur certificate, provided that they achieved an average of at least 10 out of 15 marks in Advanced English or at least 11 out of 15 marks in Basic English over the last two school years.

Applicants are not required to provide the necessary proof of English language proficiency if their mother tongue is English, or if they have successfully completed the school education required for admission to the degree programme mentioned here in countries where English is the official language and the language of instruction.

Notwithstanding this, the provisions of the respective cooperation agreement apply to proof of language proficiency in the Bachelor’s dual-degree programmes.

Do I need to know German for this programme?

Do I need to know German for this programme?

No. All three programmes are taught entirely in English, and German is not an admission requirement.
German language courses are part of the degree programmes, and exchange students can choose German and intercultural communication modules from the course catalogue.
While not required, knowing some German can make everyday life, dealing with authorities and finding a part-time job easier.

Is it possible to apply through Uni-assist?

Is it possible to apply through Uni-assist?

No, we do not work with uni-assist. Applications for all three programmes are assessed exclusively by Trier University of Applied Sciences. VPDs are not accepted.

How do I apply?

How do I apply?

Follow the application route that applies to you:

  • Degree applicants (SBT or SBL): Apply online. The process differs depending on whether you have a German or foreign entrance qualification.
  • Exchange students (Study Exchange Programme SBL) from a partner university: Your home university must nominate you first. Then our International Office will contact you and you will receive the application details by email.
  • Free movers (Study Exchange Programme SBL): Apply individually using the same procedure as degree applicants.

    You can find all further information on this here.

FAQs - ADMISSION: REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

What documents do I need to submit?

What documents do I need to submit?

You’ll find all the documents you need for your application in the checklist for the relevant Application Form:

  • SBT (B.Eng.): SBT Application Form
  • SBL (B.A.): SBL Application Form
  • Exchange students:  Study Exchange Programme Application Form

    All certificates must be in English or German.
     

What should my CV include?

What should my CV include?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV)  is a chronological list of all work experience, usually in tabular form. Your CV should cover personal details, your complete school, college and university history and details of practical and professional experience. It should be be no longer than two A4 pages. 
 

Do I have to pay an application fee?

Do I have to pay an application fee?

We generally charge an examination fee of €100 to assess your application documents.
Please pay the fee in advance or no later than 10 days after submitting your application. We can only assess your documents once the payment has been received.
You will find all the details regarding the bank account in the relevant Application Form.

FAQs - ADMISSION: SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS

When are the application deadlines?

When are the application deadlines?

Here you will find the application deadlines for our programmes.

If you need a visa, apply as early as you can — the visa procedure alone can take several months, which is why we recommend applying well before the formal deadline. 
 

How can I apply?

How can I apply?

Follow the application route that applies to you:

  • Degree applicants (SBT or SBL): Apply online. The process differs depending on whether you have a German or foreign entrance qualification.
  • Exchange students (Study Exchange Programme SBL) from a partner university: Your home university must nominate you first. Then our International Office will contact you and you will receive the application details by email.
  • Free movers (Study Exchange Programme SBL): Apply individually using the same procedure as degree applicants.

    You can find all further information on this here.

Which programme should I apply for?

Which programme should I apply for?

Choose the programme that best fits your academic goals:

  • Sustainable Business and Technology (B.Eng.)
    A full bachelor's degree combining business, technology, and sustainability. Starts each winter semester. Ideal if you want a German engineering degree with a sustainability and management focus.
  • Sustainable Business and Law (B.A.)
    A full bachelor's degree combining business administration, ESG, and environmental law. Ideal if you are interested in regulation, compliance, and sustainable corporate governance.
  • Study Exchange Programme Sustainable Business and Law
    Study at the Environmental Campus for one or two semesters without earning a degree here. You can earn up to 30 ECTS per semester and specialize in Sustainable Business or Sustainable Law. Suitable for students from partner universities and free movers.
Can I apply for both SBT and SBL at the same time?

Can I apply for both SBT and SBL at the same time?

Yes, SBT and SBL require separate applications, and applying for one does not affect your chances of admission to the other.
Please note that each application is processed separately. If you apply to both programmes, please note the information regarding the examination fee in der application form.
If you receive offers from both programmes, you can decide which one to accept during enrolment.

Is there an entrance exam or interview?

Is there an entrance exam or interview?

No. There is no entrance exam and no interview.
Admission is based on your application documents, including your entrance qualification, proof of English proficiency, and the completeness of your application.

What if I do not have my English certificate yet?

What if I do not have my English certificate yet?

Don’t worry, you can submit proof of your English language proficiency at a later date.
But, you should still apply before the application deadline and let us know when you expect to receive the certificate.
Provisional admission is possible. However, enrolment cannot take place without proof of English language proficiency.
 

What happens if my application is incomplete?"

What happens if my application is incomplete?

We will contact you and let you know which documents are missing.
However, incomplete applications cannot be assessed, and application deadlines still apply. Missing documents submitted after the deadline may prevent your application from being considered.
We recommend using the checklist included in the application form before submitting your application.

What happens after I submit my application?

What happens after I submit my application?

  • Application review: We will confirm the receipt of your application via e-mail. The evaluation may take up to ten weeks.
  • Admission: If your application is successfull, you will receive your Letter of Admission by e-mail.
  • Visa and enroment: You can use your admission letter for a visa (if required). You will also receive instructions for the online enrolment via STUDIS when the online prtal opens.
  • Before your studies begin: We wil keep you informed about the next steps, importatnt deadlines and your arrival at the Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld, including accomodation information. 

While waiting, you should prepare the next steps, such as:

  • Applying for a visa (if required),
  • Arranging proof of financial resources,
  • Obtaining health insurance, and
  • Looking for accommodation.

FAQs - STAY PREPERATION IN GERMANY

Where can I find accommodation?

Where can I find accommodation?

At the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld only a limited number of student apartments are available. They are affordable, fully equipped, have high-speed internet and access to the university network. We strongly recommend arranging accommodation as early as possible.

Here you will find information about the landlords.

If no room is available, you will need to find private accommodation. Useful platforms include WG-Gesucht, Studenten-WG, Kleinanzeigen, ImmoScout24 and immowelt, as well as our internal Facebook group for local room offers.

You can find general information on finding accommodation here.

Do I need a student visa?

Do I need a visa?

Whether you need a visa for Germany depends on which country you’re from and how long you intend to stay in Germany. 
The Visa Navigator of the Federal Foreign Office helps to find the right visa.
You can find general information on visas and visa applications on the DAAD and Study-in-Germany websites.

 

How much does it cost to live and study at the UCB?

How much does it cost to live and study at the UCB?

Living costs are roughly in line with the EU average. The main expenses during your studies will be living costs, tuition fees, the semester fee and health insurance. You’ll need around 1,000 euros a month to live on. But this is just a rough guide – so you might be able to get by on less, or you might need a bit more.

General information on funding can be found on the DAAD website and on the ‘Study-in-Germany’ website.

 

Do I need health insurance?

Do I need health insurance?

Yes, if you’d like to study in Germany, you have to have health insurance. You need proof of insurance for enrolment and your residence permit, so arrange it before you travel.
You can find general information on health insurance on the DAAD website and on the ‘Study-in-Germany’ website.
At our university, you must provide proof of your health insurance status via an electronic procedure. Further details can be found here. 

What do I need to do during my first weeks in Germany?

What do I need to do during my first weeks in Germany?

After arrival, you should complete the following steps:

  1. Register your address (Anmeldung) within two weeks of moving in.
  2. Open a German bank account and activate your blocked account, if applicable.
  3. Complete your enrolment and collect your student ID and university credentials.
  4. Apply for your residence permit before your visa expires (non-EU/EEA students only).
  5. Attend the orientation programme: Flying Days (winter semester) or Summer Mentoring (summer semester).
When can I start my studies?

When can I start my studies?

SBT and SBL programme start in the winter semester. 
The Study Exchange Programme SBL starts in winter and summer. 

FAQs - INFORMATION ON YOUR STUDIES

What are the semester dates and when can I start my studies?

What are the semester dates?

The winter semester runs from October to January/February, and the summer semester from April to July/August. 
Exact semester dates, lecture-free periods, and examination periods are published here.

 

Are there tuition fees or other semester costs?

Are there tuition fees or other fees?

There are no tuition fees at Trier University of Applied Sciences.
The following costs may be incurred:

  • Examination fee: We charge a examination fee (see your relevant Application Form) for checking your documents. Please note that the evaluation will only take place when we can book the corresponding receipt of money.
  • Semester fee (applies for all students): Includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket for public transport across Germany, as well as contributions to the Studierendenwerk and student body. The current amount is available on the Semester Fee page.
  • Administration fee (Study Exchange Programme SBL only): Applies to exchange students who are not nominated by a partner university.

A separate one-time processing fee may apply for the assessment of foreign entrance qualifications. Details can be found under Required Documents.

Which IT services and accounts will I receive?

Which IT services and accounts will I receive?

After enrolment, you will receive access to:

  • Stud.IP (course registration and learning materials)
  • Your university email account
  • Campus Wi-Fi and eduroam
  • Library services
  • Printing services

We recommend bringing a laptop, although computer labs and study workspaces are available on campus.

You can find all the information about the IT service for students here. 

Can credits from another university be recognized?

Can credits from another university be recognized?

Yes, provided the modules are comparable in content, learning outcomes, and workload.
To apply for recognition:

  1. Prepare a comparison of your previous coursework and the corresponding modules in your programme.
  2. Submit verifiable documentation from your previous university and discuss the request with the responsible professors.
  3. If the requirements are met, the Head of Programme will approve the recognition.

A final legally binding decision can only be made after you have enrolled at the Environmental Campus.
Exchange students: Credit recognition is handled by your home university based on your Learning Agreement. At the end of your semester, you will receive a Transcript of Records listing your modules, grades, and ECTS credits.

How do I register for courses?

How do I register for courses?

Course registration takes place through Stud.IP, the university's online study portal.
Timetables are published shortly before the semester begins. Some courses have limited capacity, so early registration is recommended.

 

Where can I find the curriculum, module handbook, and examination regulations?

Where can I find the curriculum, module handbook, and examination regulations?

Youcan find the curriculum, module handbook, and examination regulations on their programme pages (on the right-hand side, under ‘Regulations’).
In addition to the programme-specific regulations, the General Examination Regulations of Trier University of Applied Sciences apply.

Exchange students choose their modules from the International Exchange Programme course catalogue and record them in their Learning Agreement (can be found on the programme page).

Which elective modules are offered?

Which elective modules are offered?

Elective modules for SBT and SBL are announced at the beginning of each semester here and registered through Stud.IP. Some electives have limited places.
 

How do I register for an Interdisciplinary Project (IP)?

How do I register for an Interdisciplinary Project (IP)?

Projects are arranged directly with a supervising professor.
Each professor has their own process. Some send project topics via e-mail, while others discuss ideas individually with students. You are also welcome to propose your own project idea.
Projects are usually completed in teams, so it is recommended to find fellow students and prepare a rough project concept before approaching a professor.
Exchange students can complete project work if it is included in their Learning Agreement.

 

Can I include a semester abroad in my study programme?

Can I include a semester abroad in my study programme?

Yes. Although neither programme requires a semester abroad, students are encouraged and supported to gain international experience.

The International Office can advise you on partner universities and application procedures.
 

What qualification will I receive after graduation, and what career opportunities will I have?

What qualification will I receive after graduation, and what career opportunities will I have?

SBT (B.Eng.) graduates develop expertise at the intersection of business and technology. The programme equips you with skills in sustainability, project and change management, intercultural communication, and languages. Graduates have excellent career prospects in areas such as:

  • Technical sales
  • Innovation and product development
  • Production planning
  • Logistics
  • Controlling
  • Quality and environmental management
  • Consulting

The degree also qualifies you for Master's programmes.

SBL (B.A.) combines business administration with a strong focus on ESG, environmental law, sustainability, leadership, and intercultural competence. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in Germany and internationally and are also eligible for Master's programmes.

Exchange students can earn up to 30 ECTS credits per semester and choose a specialization in Sustainable Business or Sustainable Law, which will be stated on their certificate.

Can I stay in Germany after graduation?

Can I stay in Germany after graduation?

Yes. Graduates of German universities can apply for a residence permit to look for a job related to their qualification after graduation.
Once employed, this permit can usually be converted into a work residence permit. Applications must be submitted before your student residence permit expires.
The Career Service and the university's job portal can support you in finding employment while you are still studying.

 

Can I work while studying?

Can I work while studying?

Yes, many students work part-time alongside their studies.
However, all three programmes are full-time programmes with compulsory classes and lectures, so combining them with a full-time job is generally not possible.

Many students work:

  • At the university
  • In research projects
  • In administrative projects

This can be a great way to gain professional experience and earn additional income.
Please note that part-time employment cannot be used as proof of financial resources for a visa or residence permit.
Non-EU/EEA students: Your residence permit specifies how many days or hours you may work each year. Please check your permit and contact the Ausländerbehörde if you have any questions before starting a job.

Can I extend my exchange stay from one semester to two?

Can I extend my exchange stay from one semester to two?

In many cases, yes, provided places are available and both your home university and the Environmental Campus approve the extension.
If you would like to extend your exchange, please contact the International Office as early as possible to discuss the required steps and deadlines.

What is campus life like?

What is campus life like?

The Environmental Campus is a zero-emission campus with around 2,500 students, located near Germany's borders with France, Luxembourg, and the Benelux countries.

Campus life is highly international and community-oriented:

  • Around 500 student dormitory rooms are located directly on campus.
  • Classes are small, with close contact to professors.
  • The International Students' Office, AStA, and student initiatives organize activities throughout the semester.
  • Sports facilities, a mensa, cafés, and study spaces are available on campus.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Application open: 01 September 

Winter Semester (SBT · SBL · Exchange SBL):

  • 15 May for non-EU and non-EEA applicants
  • 31 August for EU and EEA applicants

Summer Semester (Exchange SBL only):

  • 01 November for non-EU and non-EEA applicants
  • 15 February for EU and EEA applicants

Contact

Contact for application/admission:

Contact for programme-specific questions: 

 

Apply here with  German higher education entrance qualification

GERMAN HIGHER EDUCATION ENTRANCE      

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