First semester boom in Kleve: HSRW starts with 1291 new students!

First semester boom in Kleve: HSRW starts with 1291 new students!

The Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) is starting the winter semester 2025/26 with a real rush. No less than 1,291 first-year students have decided to study at the Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort locations. This represents an impressive increase of around 20 percent compared to the previous year, when 1,070 new students were enrolled. The overall picture shows that the HSRW currently has a total of 6,242 students RP Online reported.

This increase is particularly notable as the number of students in North Rhine-Westphalia has been declining since the 2020/21 winter semester. The HSRW, on the other hand, is showing positive development and President Professor Oliver Locker-Grütjen speaks of an important turnaround. Even if the target number for this semester was slightly missed, there are optimistic prospects for the entire year.

Specialties with a future

The university specializes in future-oriented courses that focus on topics such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, sustainability and social justice. In particular, the Faculty of Technology and Bionics has restructured its bachelor's program, while the Sustainable Tourism course in the Faculty of Society and Economics has undergone conceptual adjustments. Details on the exact number of applicants are still pending, but demand for these new offers remains high.

The demographic changes in NRW also have an impact on universities. Next year there will be virtually no Abitur class due to the change from eight to nine years of high school. But the HSRW expects that the impact on its own enrollments will be smaller. In addition, over half of the students do not come from North Rhine-Westphalia, but many come from non-European countries. This diversity is perceived as a clear advantage, as the proximity to vocational colleges in Kleve, Geldern and Wesel can be optimally used.

Admission and application

The requirements for applying to the HSRW are clear and well structured. For the English-language bachelor's degree programs, proof of sufficient English language skills at level B2 is required, which corresponds to six to seven years of school English. For some master programs even C1 level knowledge is required. The same applies to German-language courses where at least B2 level is required, such as Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences explained in detail.

The application deadline and the acceptance letters depend on the time of submission, although the HSRW recommends acting quickly and easily. Golden rule: If important documents are missing, they should be submitted immediately. This applies in particular to proof of the practical part of the technical college entrance qualification, which must be submitted by September 30th.

There are numerous options for those interested in combining their professional activities with their studies. However, part-time studies require an employment contract of at least 20 hours per week, while voluntary work and internships are not recognized. It is also important to note: If you are interested in several courses of study, you can apply in writing for up to three courses.

The semester brings a breath of fresh air to the ranks of the HSRW and it remains to be seen how the new student body will affect the university structure. One thing is certain: Rhine-Waal University has a good handle on the topics of the future and offers a wide range of study opportunities for future generations.