#STUDYHERE
Join the TH OWL community!
We’re so glad you found us!
Starting May 4, 2026, you can apply for one of our college spots for the 2026/2027 winter semester. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about our university, our campuses, our students, and our faculties. You’ll also find useful information and tips for your application.
So, check it out now and become part of our TH OWL community soon!
Not big. But great. Here for you!
Our Academic Programs
Finding the right degree program isn’t easy. Whether you’re looking for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, a practice-oriented or research-oriented program: At TH OWL, you’ll find a diverse range of degree programs—tailored to your interests and goals. Our program finder will help you make your choice. Here, you can filter by various categories, such as field of interest, location, or admission requirements.
The following overview, “Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs,” shows you our full range of programs and which programs are available at each of our campuses.
Bachelor's and Master's degree programs
- Creative Campus Detmold
- Innovation Campus Lemgo
- Sustainable Campus Höxter
- Herford Education Campus
- RailCampus OWL Minden
Creative Campus Detmold
At our Detmold campus, you can choose from the following degree programs:
Faculty of Construction and Environment
- Civil Engineering (Bachelor’s)
- Civil Engineering (Dual) (Bachelor's)
- Infrastructure Management – Water and Traffic (Master’s)
- Structural Engineering and Digital Construction Processes (Master’s)
Faculty of Detmold School of Design
- Architecture (Bachelor's)
- Architecture (Part-time) (Bachelor's)
- Architecture (Master's)
- Interior Architecture (Bachelor)
- Interior Architecture (Part-Time) (Bachelor)
- Interior Architecture – Spatial Art (Master's)
- Integrated Design (Master's)
- Urban Planning (Bachelor)
- Urban Development NRW (Master)
- Urban Planning and Sustainable Transformation (Master)
Faculty of Media and Culture
Your university
The (TH) Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences and Arts (TH OWL) offers a academic studies that make knowledge applicable—project-oriented, with personalized support, and closely linked to professional practice. In small learning groups, with modern facilities and close contact with faculty, you’ll be specifically prepared for your future career. At our campuses in Lemgo, Detmold, and Höxter, you’ll study in a practical, personalized, and future-oriented environment.
Studying at TH OWL is designed for people who want more than large lecture halls and abstract theory. As a university of applied sciences, we have a clear mission: students should not only acquire knowledge, but also learn to apply, question, and further develop it.
Here, you won’t study anonymously, but in close interaction with faculty and fellow students.
Your benefits with us:
- Practice-oriented studies
- Modern facilities and labs
- Personalized learning environment
- Close ties to the professional world
Why TH OWL?
A degree program is more than just a diploma. It’s about how you learn, who guides you, and how well you’re prepared for your career. TH OWL offers you exactly that: a practical degree program with personalized support and clear career prospects.
Our programs prepare you for your career! At TH OWL, the focus isn’t just on knowledge, but on how to apply it.
You’ll start working on real-world projects early on, use state-of-the-art laboratories, and gain practical experience—often in collaboration with companies or institutions.
Here’s why this benefits you:
- Less abstract theory
- More project and teamwork
- direct relevance to your future career
At TH OWL, you don’t study anonymously. Small learning groups allow for direct interaction with lecturers—questions are taken seriously, and individual learning paths are supported.
Specifically, this means:
- Accessible lecturers
- Direct feedback
- More support during difficult times
Here, you’ll learn in modern laboratories, workshops, learning spaces, and classrooms, which are an integral part of the degree program. Theory is put into practice, tested, and refined here—not just lectured on.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- State-of-the-art technical equipment
- Project-based teaching formats
- Practical theses
We offer you excellent opportunities after your degree program, as our university has strong ties to the region and its businesses. This opens the door to internships, Theses, and often direct entry into the workforce.
This allows you to:
- early exposure to the professional world
- realistic insights into professional fields
- good chances of being hired
Study with room to live! The Lemgo, Detmold, and Höxter campuses, as well as the Herford and Minden study locations, offer short distances, compact campuses, and a pleasant environment for learning and living.
Why this matters:
- less anonymity
- better connections among students
- less stress
- more time for your studies
- affordable housing
- more focus on studies
If you’re looking for the hustle and bustle of the big city, you won’t find it here—but if you want to focus on your studies, you will.
Shape the future instead of just talking about it! At the (TH) Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences and Arts (TH OWL), sustainability isn’t a side issue—it’s central to who we are. The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals are integrated into our teaching, research, and institutional development.
What this means for students:
- Engaging with future-oriented topics during their studies
- Developing sustainable solutions in projects
- Taking on responsibility in business, technology, and society
Those who study today help shape the world of tomorrow—at TH OWL, in a conscious and practical way.
Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Inclusion: Different perspectives make our university better. TH OWL is committed to fostering a respectful, non-discriminatory, and equitable learning environment.
Through services such as the Inclusion Office, counseling centers, and supportive measures, barriers are broken down and individual paths to higher education are made easier.
Specifically, this means:
- Support for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses
- Raising awareness of diversity and participation
- Fair academic conditions for different life circumstances
At TH OWL, every person should have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our degree programs are socially relevant! Many of them address the key issues of our time: sustainability, digitalization, the design of living spaces, technology, and health. What you learn here is truly needed!
So TH OWL is a great fit for you if you…
- want to learn in a practical setting
- value personal guidance and interaction
- prefer working on projects and in small groups rather than just sitting in large lectures
- are looking for a degree program that specifically prepares you for your career
- appreciate clear structures
Your degree program—a conscious choice!
TH OWL offers a degree program with a clear focus, personal guidance, and a strong practical orientation. If you want to take on responsibility, learn actively, and start your professional career well-prepared, you’ve come to the right place!
Want to learn more about us?
Then check out our website for information on starting your studies! Here you’ll find everything you need to know:
Your campus
Lemgo
Study in a city with a distinct character! Lemgo isn’t a big city—and that’s exactly what many students appreciate. The city is compact, quiet, and deeply rooted in campus life.
Lemgo combines a historic old town, student life, and a quiet, intimate atmosphere. The city is characterized by short distances, small gathering spots, and a daily routine that blends well with the degree program.
What is there to discover in Lemgo?
- historic old town with half-timbered houses
- Market square with cafés and small events
- Brake Castle and cultural offerings
- Green spaces and walking paths near the city
What makes our campus special:
The campus is a central gathering place—learning, working, and socializing are closely intertwined here.
Your community
Meet our students—at least a few of them! What’s it like to attend a degree program at TH OWL? What tips do they have for incoming freshmen, and where are the best parties? Here you’ll find first-hand information and experiences! Just click on the photos below to watch the corresponding videos!
Want to know more? Then why not spend a day with one of our students to experience campus life and get to know our university.
Your application
Get information
- Use our program finder to learn more about our academic offerings and study models.
- Get to know TH OWL and its campuses!
- Take advantage of the services offered by our Central Student Advisory Service for prospective students.
- Not sure which degree program is right for you? Our Central Student Advisory Service would be happy to advise you in a personal consultation
What? When? Where?
- You can submit an application for our unrestricted admission bachelor’s programs via our KIS-Portal from May 4 to October 15!
- The application period for our programs with restricted admission begins on May 4. Applications are submitted through the hochschulstart.de application portal.
- Applications for our master’s programs will be accepted starting May 4 via ourKIS-Portal!
- The winter semester begins on September 1.
- Classes begin on September 28, 2026.
- The official central welcome event for first-year students will take place on September 28, 2026, at 11 a.m. in Lemgo. You can find all the information on our Studienstart page.
Before we begin
- You can find answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQ
- All services, including the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) and the Enrollment Office, are always available to you. Links to the ZSB's office hours and the Enrollment Office's contact information are provided.
- There are also numerous opportunities for prospective students. Click here to view the opportunities.
- Preparatory courses in math, physics, and languages provide optimal preparation for your degree program.
Your questions
At the Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences, you can choose from around 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. The offerings range from engineering, computer science, and business to design, environmental studies, life sciences, and sustainability.
You can find out which programs are available at which campus or learning location in this overview.
You can also find our complete range of programs in our program finder.
As of the 2024/2025 winter semester, a total of 5,672 students are enrolled at our three campuses and two study sites.
Here, you’ll study in small, manageable groups. You’ll have direct interaction with your lecturers—questions, discussions, and personalized feedback are part of everyday student life. This means you’ll receive prompt support, realistic feedback on your progress, and closer guidance during challenging times. This can be especially crucial during your first few semesters.
On the program pages, you’ll find information about course content, career prospects, admission requirements, and application deadlines. In addition, information events such as the Open House, University Information Days, “1 Day Live,” and the Central Student Advisory Service are available to help you navigate your options.
All locations offer a variety of housing options—from dormitories and shared apartments to private apartments. Housing in the region is often more affordable, especially compared to many large cities. Regional resources and the Studentenwerk provide assistance with the search.
Yes. The Lemgo, Detmold, and Höxter campuses are well connected to regional rail and bus services. Many local routes can also be easily covered by bike or on foot. In addition, the Campus Line runs between the Lemgo and Detmold campuses.
Each campus has dining halls, cafeterias, or other dining options nearby. Depending on the location, you’ll also find restaurants, bakeries, and cafés in the immediate vicinity.
There’s more to college life than just lectures. TH OWL offers university sports, student initiatives, and events. In addition, there are recreational activities at each campus—ranging from culture and dining to nature and outdoor activities.
Find out more on our website about campus life!
Studying comes with its share of challenges. That’s why TH OWL offers a wide range of counseling and support services—academic, organizational, and personal.
Our Central Student Advisory Service is happy to help you!
At public universities in North Rhine-Westphalia, there are generally no tuition fees for a first degree. In most cases, you are required to pay the semester fee. Options for financing your studies include BAföG, part-time jobs, scholarships, or financial support from family. You can also find information on financing your studies on the website of the Central Student Advisory Service.
TH OWL is particularly well-suited for anyone who wants to learn through hands-on experience, values personalized support, and appreciates a manageable academic environment.
Do you want to work on projects? Do you prefer learning in smaller groups? Are you looking for clear career prospects? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Studying at TH OWL means getting involved, trying things out, and putting what you learn into practice. Many of our courses are project-based and designed to be practical.
Here, you’ll learn through project work, group work, lab sessions, and even practical semesters. If you enjoy trying new things, taking on responsibility, and working in a team, you’ll find the ideal environment here.
Career prospects are diverse. Graduates work in companies, public institutions, agencies, and planning firms, or start their own businesses. Many benefit from the program’s strong practical focus and regional business network. As a result, they are well-prepared to enter the workforce.
Any questions left?
Are you still unsure or need some help? Our Student Services team is happy to assist you with any questions you may have about studying at TH OWL, as well as with the application and enrollment process:
Phone: +49 5261 702 2534
Email: studierendenservice(at)th-owl.de
Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
TH OWL Wins the StudyCHECK Award 2026
We took fourth place in the “Most Popular Universities in North Rhine-Westphalia” category at the 2026 StudyCHECK Awards! We also ranked 13th among the most popular universities with 5,000 to 15,000 students and 24th out of 113 in the nationwide overall ranking of all universities and colleges!
At our campuses in Detmold, Lemgo, and Höxter, as well as our Learning Sites in Herford and Minden, we offer a wide range of degree programs with approximately 55 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. A practical focus is key. Several degree programs have USPs at the state or national level.
Dates
- May 4, 2026 | Start of the application period for the 2026–2027 winter semester
- May 9, 2026 | Open House
- September 1, 2026 | Start of the 2026/2027 winter semester
- September 28, 2026 | Start of lectures for the 2026/2027 winter semester
- September 28, 2026 | Central welcome event for first-year students at the Innovation Campus in Lemgo