B.Sc. Materials Science and Bionics

About the course

A seven-semester Bachelor of Science that combines materials science with bionics (learning from nature). Semester 5 is a compulsory internship or semester abroad. You then choose one of three specialisations: lightweight construction and bionics, photonics and bionics, or bio-inspired materials and polymers. The course is taught on the Lippstadt campus. HSHL says it will be taught only in English from winter semester 2027/28. Until now it has been taught in German and English.

Entry requirements for Irish students

• HSHL publishes nothing specific about the Irish Leaving Cert. Under German recognition rules (KMK/ZAB), the Leaving Cert gives direct entry to science and engineering only if you have six subjects, including two languages and Maths. At least two must be Higher Level at H5 or better, and the rest must be H6/O6 or better. You also need Higher Level Maths at H5 or better and a Higher Level science at H5 or better. LCA and LCVP are not accepted. Confirm with HSHL admissions (admission@hshl.de).
• The course is unrestricted (zulassungsfrei, no numerus clausus) for 2026/27. There is no points cut-off, but you must meet the entry requirements.
• HSHL requires English at B2 or higher for English-taught programmes and accepts the certificates on its international-students list. It does not say whether Leaving Cert English counts as proof, so ask admissions.

How to apply

1. Confirm the 2027/28 detailsEmail HSHL admissions (admission@hshl.de) or student advice (studienberatung@hshl.de). Confirm that the 2027/28 intake is taught fully in English and ask what English proof you need.
2. Submit to uni-assistOnce the 2027 application window opens, send your Leaving Cert to uni-assist for evaluation. The check can take several weeks.
3. Apply on the HSHL portalUpload your uni-assist evaluation report on the HSHL online portal before the 2027 deadline. For 2026/27 the deadline was 9 September.
4. Enrol and pay the semester feeAccept your place, enrol and pay the semester contribution (EUR 362.80 for winter 2026/27) by the date in your admission letter.

Costs

• This is a public university, so there are no tuition fees. You pay only a semester contribution. HSHL lists this as EUR 362.80 for winter semester 2026/27 and EUR 334.30 for summer semester 2026. That comes to roughly EUR 700 to 730 a year. Because your Leaving Cert is a foreign certificate, uni-assist must also evaluate it, and uni-assist charges its own handling fee.

At a glance