Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) is a public university of applied sciences located in central Hesse, Germany, renowned for its practice-oriented approach. Founded in 1971, it has grown to become Germany’s third-largest university of applied sciences and holds a significant position within the German higher education system. THM attracts students from around the world with its close industry partnerships, broad range of disciplines, and high-quality applied education. Losing Your Degree Affects Job Hunting in Germany
University Overview and Key Statistics
As the leading institution among Hesse’s five public universities of applied sciences, THM had approximately 15,000 enrolled students in the 2024/25 winter semester, including over 2,700 international students from more than 110 countries. The university comprises 12 faculties offering 39 bachelor’s programs and 44 master’s programs across diverse fields including engineering, natural sciences, economics, health, and social sciences. In the 2023 academic year, a total of 2,818 students successfully graduated.
THM’s academic strength is particularly evident in civil engineering and architecture, with its civil engineering program ranked third and its architecture program ranked sixth among Germany’s universities of applied sciences. The university operates eight interdisciplinary competence centers to support cutting-edge applied research and currently hosts 127 doctoral students.
Historical Legacy: From Industrial Drawing School to Modern University of Applied Sciences
THM’s history traces back to the “Industrial Drawing School” established in Giessen in 1838, making it one of Germany’s oldest technical educational institutions. After more than a century of development, the institution was renamed the “Gießen Polytechnic” (Polytechnikum) in 1954 and officially established as a university of applied sciences in 1971 under the name “Gießen University of Applied Sciences.” In 2010, the institution officially adopted its current name, “Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen,” marking its transformation from a regional university of applied sciences into a modern university of applied sciences.
Three Campuses: Gießen, Friedberg, and Wetzlar
THM’s three campuses are all located in the central region of Hesse, Germany’s most economically developed state, just a stone’s throw from Frankfurt, offering an excellent geographical location.
- Gießen Campus is the university’s main campus. With a population of approximately 90,000—nearly half of whom are students—Gießen is a vibrant university town. The campus focuses primarily on engineering disciplines, featuring departments such as Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering.
- Friedberg Campus is a historic town whose origins date back to the Holy Roman Empire. This campus focuses on disciplines such as information technology, mechatronics, and industrial engineering.
- The Wetzlar Campus is home to THM’s “StudiumPlus” dual education center. Through close collaboration with local businesses, this campus offers students a training model that combines theoretical study with practical industry experience. The Wetzlar Campus operates six branch locations in Bad Wilten, Bad Hersfeld, Limburg, and other nearby towns.
Faculties and Key Programs
THM comprises 12 faculties, offering a comprehensive range of disciplines:
- Faculty of Civil Engineering: The university’s traditional flagship faculty; its Civil Engineering program ranks third among Germany’s universities of applied sciences
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science: Located on the Giessen campus
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Technology: Located on the Giessen campus
- Faculty of Life Sciences Engineering
- Faculty of Human Health
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Computer Science
- Faculty of Economics
- Department of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechatronics (Friedberg Campus)
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, and Materials Science (Friedberg Campus)
- Department of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Data Processing (Friedberg Campus)
- School of Industrial Engineering
- School of Management and Communication: School of Dual Education (StudiumPlus): Located on the Wetzlar Campus, offering a work-integrated learning model
Internationalization and Partnership Networks
THM has established partnerships with numerous universities worldwide. In 2024, the institution signed a cooperation agreement with SIMAD University in Somalia, covering fields such as biotechnology, computer science, health sciences, and engineering disciplines. The institution actively participates in international research collaborations and faculty and student exchanges, and supports projects such as joint summer schools.
The institution operates a Foreign Language Center offering courses in English, French, Spanish, and Chinese, as well as specialized courses in Technical English and Business English tailored for engineering students. THM students also have access to the sports facilities and language course resources at the University of Giessen and the University of Marburg.
Campus Life and Sports Facilities
THM has established sports partnerships with the University of Giessen and the University of Marburg, allowing THM students to participate in these universities’ sports programs at the same rates. Sports offerings include recreational, health-oriented, and competitive sports, as well as online courses (such as Zoom-based fitness classes) available to students and faculty. The Giessen campus also features a university fitness center.
