The figures for the winter semester are not yet finalized. However, a positive trend is already emerging: So far, 1,373 first-year students have chosen to study at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences at its campuses in Dessau, Köthen, and Bernburg for the 2026/27 winter semester. This brings the number of first-year students to nearly 20 percent above the previous year’s level. Meanwhile, the number of international students remains at a consistently high level.
“The increase in first-semester enrollment and the resulting overall stability in our student numbers are a clear indication of the appeal of a college education,” says University President Professor Jörg Bagdahn, summarizing the current trend. “We see that young people are consciously investing in their future and laying a solid foundation for their future career development through their studies. The fact that more of them are once again choosing Anhalt University of Applied Sciences also shows that our academic programs are compelling.”
Campus Bernburg
Agriculture remains popular among prospective students. This year, a particularly large number are opting for the dual bachelor's degree program in Agriculture, which closely integrates academic study with professional practice. At the Master’s level, Food and Agribusiness (courses taught in English and German) is especially popular. This internationally oriented degree program teaches how companies develop agricultural and food products for international markets while taking different needs and tastes into account. Economics programs also continue to attract many students to Bernburg. These include the Bachelor’s in Business Studies and the Master’s in Logistics Management.
Campus Köthen
Those interested in engineering, computer science, and Life Sciences will find a wide range of degree programs at the Campus Köthen. Enrollment in STEM degree programs has risen significantly. The degree programs in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science are particularly in demand. The master’s degree programs in Media Engineering and Data Science are also generating a great deal of interest. The dual study track is also popular: many students in the Pharmaceutical Engineering program choose this path.
Campus Dessau
Architecture continues to attract many prospective students to the Campus Dessau and remains one of the most sought-after degree programs there. Integrated Design is also very popular. In the Surveying and Geoinformatics degree program, the dual study option is particularly in demand.
First-Year Students Are Welcomed with a Ceremony
Next week, the university administration will welcome first-semester students at the Bernburg and Köthen campuses. On October 14, new students from the departments of Agriculture, Ecotrophology and Landscape Development, and Economics will gather at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria on the Campus Bernburg. Professor Markus Holz, campus representative and Vice-President for Research, Transfer and Sustainability, will officially welcome them together with the deans. Interactive activities will spark conversations between lecturers and students before the traditional “Imma Party” wraps up the evening.
On October 15, new students from the departments of Computer Science and Languages, Electrical, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, as well as Applied Biosciences and Process Engineering, will gather on the Campus Köthen. At 6:00 p.m., University President Professor Jörg Bagdahn welcomes the new students at the Fasanerieallee cafeteria. Professor Uta Seewald-Heeg, Vice-President for International Affairs and Gender Equality, leads the program. Musical and artistic performances will accompany the evening. In addition, the university will honor outstanding graduates for their achievements. Afterward, the students will celebrate at the traditional Immiball.
Media representatives are cordially invited to attend the matriculation ceremonies.
Those interested can find more information about Anhalt University of Applied Sciences at www.hs-anhalt.de
