Studying

There are currently about 3000 students at the University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden. A success story: since 1991 the number of students has risen more than tenfold from 233 to 3000. There are about 70 professors supporting the 3000 students, giving an excellent student/faculty ratio. The fact that studying at FH Schmalkalden is an attractive alternative is reflected in the university's modern equipment and the new degree courses which have been designed with the future in mind.

FH Schmalkalden was the first East German university for applied sciences to offer degrees in economics and business law: another sign of the innovative atmosphere at Schmalkalden. And this innovative aspect is also reflected in the vocational integration studies at Schmalkalden (BISS) in which, parallel to their degrees, the engineering and electrical engineering and information technology students can complete a five year occupational training course. They then not only have their academic degrees but also a high-level, nationally recognised vocational training.

A university of applied sciences must pay particular attention to the practical orientation of its degree courses. All students at UAS Schmalkalden must spend one semester working in a business. The university supports the students during the process of searching for internship and provides them with numerous contacts to well-known companies throughout Germany. Students can also base the topic of their Bachelor thesis directly on the specific needs of a company. During these internships students often make contacts which may later lead to a job.

There is a friendly atmosphere at Schmalkalden. All the students know all the lecturers and tutors. They can contact the professors at Schmalkalden without jumping over any bureaucratic hurdles, and no-one has to stand in line for desks or computer access. In comparison to the universities which cater for the masses, FH Schmalkalden does not have any overcrowded lectures and seminars. The campus site means lecture theatres, seminar rooms and laboratories are within a few paces of one another and everything is within walking distance.

Every student should be able to complete their studies within the normal period of four years - that is presuming they are capable of passing; the academic level has been traditionally high ever since the foundation of the first college at Schmalkalden, which was "The Royal Prussian College for the Ironmongery and Steel Goods Industry." The entire region benefits from the students' and professors' know-how and performance. The vocationally oriented training encourages initial contacts and fosters and cooperation between students and companies in the area.

Students are extremely happy at UAS Schmalkalden. The small town at the southern edge of the Thuringian forest has its own charm. In the summer one can bicycle or trek in the surrounding countryside or go swimming; in the winter there is skiing. The center of town has its own attractions: cosy cafés and pubs in small lanes in the historical centre invite one to tally.

The university's sports program gives the students a welcome break from studying. A wide variety of sports are offered, ranging from aerobics to volley ball and yoga.

UAS Schmalkalden is part of a wide network of about 70 partner universities on four different continents. The International Office is the hub of all international activities at UASS. It provides information on study related periods abroad and helps plan and prepare them. An extensive range of language services allow the students to prepare themselves for an international career, even while studying. Many students spend some time studying abroad or complete their internships in another country.

Studying at a university of applied sciences has several advantages: the practically oriented, applied training increases the students' chances of gaining employment in the job market.

In addition to this, the degree courses at universities of applied sciences are more clearly structured and can be completed within a shorter period than can degrees at the more classical universities. Professors and tutors give the students above average support. Business information technologists and business engineers still have the best opportunities on the job market. But there are also attractive jobs available for Schmalkalden business studies' students. Just as the first students who completed the business law degree were all able to find a very good first job shortly after completing their degree, so too do the graduates today have excellent chances of finding employment.

There has also been a complete turn-around in the job market for electrical engineers and mechanical engineers. The recession on the engineering market has been overcome and engineers are again in demand. In the next few years, the lack of qualified engineers will increase, resulting in an improvement in job opportunities in this field too.