Hessen is home to some of Europe's leading universities and research institutions, all of which are within easy reach of the Frankfurt area. The 12 public institutions of higher education are located in Darmstadt, Giessen, Frankfurt, Fulda, Kassel, Marburg, Offenbach and Wiesbaden and include five universities, five universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) and two universities of music and art. All the institutions of higher education in Hessen and Germany welcome international students.

German universities are all in the midst of reform as required by the EU-mandated Bologna process. Among other things, this has meant that German universities are gradually introducing the internationally-recognized bachelors and masters degrees (replacing the Diplom) in all academic disciplines. At the same time, both the federal and state governments have increased funding to the universities. In Frankfurt, for example, a brand new campus will be completed in Westend over the next several years and will replace many of the run-down facilities in Bockenheim.

The most dramatic reform was the introduction of 500 euro tuition fees per semester in 2007 in Hessen, which incited numerous student protests and became an emotionally-charged political issue in the state government. Following a close state election in 2008, the Hessen state government reversed course and rescinded tuition fees. The issue remains controversial and fees could eventually be re-introduced, but currently university study in Hessen is tuition free for both German and international students. Please note that there is an administrative charge ranging from 120 to 250 euros, but this includes a public transportation ticket valid for the entire semester. For more information about the university landscape in Hessen, consult www.study-in-hessen.de

Each year from June to August a select group of the universities in Hessen offer short programs for international students as part of the unique bilingual Hessen International Summer Universities. Each program has its own thematic focus, and seminars in English or German are offered on topics such as politics, business, economics, law, society, culture, engineering and the sciences. German language courses and extensive cultural programs - including excursions and other activities - are important components of those programs. Credits are awarded upon successful completion of the course. For more information, consult www.isu-hessen.de

In addition to the public universities, there are a range of internationally-oriented programs in and around Frankfurt from private universities. Here is a brief overview of your options in higher education: