This is a big and positive surprise! Despite the extraordinary slump in the number of high school graduates in Bavaria, Hof University of Applied Sciences can report very pleasing figures for the winter semester 2025/26: Almost 1000 first-semester students are starting their studies at the Upper Franconian campuses in Hof, Münchberg, Kronach and Selb. This figure is almost exactly the same as last year (994) and therefore significantly higher than originally forecast. In total, around 3700 students are currently enrolled at Hof University of Applied Sciences.
The reason for the drop in the number of Bavarian school leavers is the changeover from G8 to G9 at grammar schools. In the transition years 2024 to 2026, this reform will have a massive impact on the number of high school graduates in Bavaria: While more than 34,000 young people graduated in 2024, only just over 5,000 did so in 2025. This “G9 dip” was already seen as a major challenge for all colleges and universities in Bavaria – including Hof University of Applied Sciences, around a third of whose students statistically graduated from high school in Bavaria.
President Lehmann: “Dip avoided so far”
“The fact that we have almost reached the 1,000 first-year students mark this year despite this difficult situation is of course a great success for us. We have thus been able to avoid the expected dip so far,” emphasizes University President Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jürgen Lehmann. “This is due to attractive new courses, our successful Master’s programs, but also to the special appeal of the entire Hof University of Applied Sciences program.”
Diverse range of courses impresses
In recent years, the university has systematically developed its profile and established both future-oriented Bachelor’s and specialized Master’s and continuing education courses. This has made it possible to attract prospective students from all over Germany and increasingly also from abroad. Today, more than 40% of students already come from abroad.
University confirms its reputation as an attractive place to study
With its four faculties and more than 50 degree courses, Hof University of Applied Sciences is well positioned for the coming years. In addition to stable student numbers, the university continues to attach great importance to excellent support and practical training. Introductory events, campus tours and welcome offers accompany the new students in the first few weeks so that they can quickly find their feet and make the best possible start to their studies. With the solid start to the winter semester 2025/26, Hof University of Applied Sciences has confirmed its attractiveness as a modern, internationally oriented educational location that is further consolidating its role in the Bavarian higher education landscape.
