Technische Hochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt

Key Highlights

• Founded as Fachhochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt on 1 August 1971
• Renamed THWS on 1 January 2023 without closure or merger
• 9,267 students were enrolled in winter semester 2025/26
• Operates in both Würzburg and Schweinfurt

Student Life & Environment

Student life is divided between two study locations rather than centred on one residential campus. THWS students can participate in faculty-level and university-wide student representation, student organisations and university sports. Libraries, IT services, a media centre, academic advising and career support are available through the institution, while the Studierendenwerk Würzburg provides much of the social infrastructure at both locations. The Studierendenwerk operates or supports canteens and cafeterias, student residences, private-accommodation searches, financing information, and social, legal and psychotherapeutic counselling. THWS itself does not guarantee housing. Its international guidance advises students to begin searching early because residence capacity is limited and admission does not include accommodation. Residence rooms are generally self-catering, and students must submit their own application to the Studierendenwerk or search the private market. The experience differs by city. Würzburg has a large student population shared among several higher-education institutions and a broad urban cultural and nightlife setting. Schweinfurt is smaller and has a strong industrial identity, with cultural activities, museums and local nightlife. Canteen access and local public transport are tied to the student's study location, so applicants should establish where their programme is taught before planning accommodation or daily travel.

Location & Surroundings

THWS is based in Würzburg and Schweinfurt, two Lower Franconian cities connected by the River Main and approximately 40 kilometres apart. Programmes are assigned to a particular location, making the campus designation a practical factor in housing, transport and social life rather than a minor administrative detail. Würzburg is the larger university city. THWS describes it as well connected by intercity rail, the A3 and A7 motorways, trams and buses. Its urban environment includes the historic centre, museums, theatres and festivals, with the Würzburg Residence designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Students share the city with Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg and the University of Music Würzburg. Schweinfurt is smaller and closely associated with manufacturing and engineering. Rail, buses and the A70 and A71 motorways provide transport links. The presence of companies including Schaeffler, Bosch Rexroth, SKF and ZF contributes to opportunities for industry projects, internships and theses, although no placement is guaranteed. Both locations are within reach of major hubs such as Frankfurt and Munich, but students should plan their routine around their assigned city rather than expecting frequent cross-city attendance to be effortless.

Costs & Career Outcomes

THWS's international finance page states that standard bachelor's and master's programmes do not charge tuition, while advanced-training master's programmes may charge tuition. All enrolled students pay a semester contribution, and the amount depends on the programme's study location. As of August 2026, THWS's official pages were inconsistent for Würzburg: the general finance page listed €182.10, while the dedicated semester-fee page listed €180.00 from summer semester 2026. Both listed €117.70 for Schweinfurt. Applicants should therefore confirm the invoice in the CampusPortal before payment rather than budgeting from a static figure. The contribution includes the local semester transport ticket. Housing and living expenses are separate. THWS does not provide guaranteed accommodation, although Studierendenwerk residences and private-market assistance are available. Students should also budget for health insurance, food, study materials and any travel or accommodation associated with internships or study abroad. The university warns that internship and overseas-study costs may fall to the student. Career preparation is embedded in THWS's applied model through projects, practical semesters, employer-linked theses and cooperative study variants. The Career Service provides counselling and training, and THWS participates in a shared Bavarian higher-education job exchange. Schweinfurt's industrial base can support access to projects and placements, but students remain responsible for applications, and neither an internship nor graduate employment should be assumed solely from enrolment.