International Winter University

61 students from seven countries were guests at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences from 28 December 2025 to 17 January 2026 for the International Winter University (IWU). They took part in scientific seminars and excursions, learning about German study culture and the state of Hesse. The Chemistry and Biotechnology and Economics departments at h_da had put together a challenging academic programme for the young people. The International Office, which organised and coordinated the IWU, offered an extensive range of leisure and cultural activities. h_da has been hosting the IWU for ten years now. It is part of the ‘Hessen International Winter Universities’ programme run by the Hessian Ministry of Science.

349 students from 27 countries have participated in h_da's International Winter Universities over the past ten years. This winter, participants came from Australia, Brazil, Chile, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan and the USA. After arriving in Darmstadt, the students first got to know each other personally in intercultural training sessions and celebrated New Year's Eve together with h_da students. The intensive study programme at h_da then began in early January.

Students had a choice of three academic seminars: In ‘Biotechnology in a Nutshell’, the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology collaborated with Prof. Karsten Schrobback from Queensland University of Technology. Students attended a seminar by US visiting professor John Piller on the generation, distribution and consumption of energy in an international comparison. Prof. Dr. Matthias Neu from the Department of Economics focused on international aspects of market research and product and sales management in his seminar ‘International Marketing & Sales’.

The supporting programme of the International Winter University included excursions and leisure activities in Darmstadt and the surrounding region, as well as trips to Munich and Neuschwanstein Castle. Participants also took German courses run by the Language Centre at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. Students at h_da benefit from the initiative by receiving exchange places in return, both in the Hessian state programmes with partner universities and at h_da partner universities.