Career at a university of applied sciences:
How to become a professor

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As a professor at a university of applied sciences, you have a job that offers you a high degree of flexibility, while being secure and meaningful at the same time. You teach, conduct research and contribute to the university’s self-management (learn more about the responsibilities of professors at universities of applied sciences). But which requirements are there for a career as a professor and what is the application procedure like? We answer all these questions here.

Your application for a professorship

Would you like to apply for a professorship? We are delighted about your interest! All vacant positions for professors at HSBI are advertised. You will find them on our website and in relevant job portals.

Formal requirements for appointment

To work as a professor at a university of applied sciences, you must fulfil certain criteria that make you eligible for becoming a professor. In addition to your expertise in your subject area, these are the formal requirements you need to fulfil for your appointment:

  • Five years of work experience, three of which must be outside the university
  • University degree (e.g., master’s, Diplom, Staatsexamen or Magister degree; a bachelor’s degree does not suffice)
  • A doctorate
  • In exceptional cases, a doctorate can be replaced by proof of equivalent academic or artistic performance (for example, awards, competitions, exhibitions, publications)
  • Suitability as a teacher

Are you unsure whether you meet the requirements for a career as a professor at a university of applied sciences? Please contact our appointments officer Bastian Meerkamm (for contact details, please see below) and he will be able to help.

What does “suitability as a teacher” mean?

Imparting knowledge to students is an important part of your job as a professor at a university of applied sciences. That is why teaching experience matters. You can acquire it, for example, through teaching assignments, a temporary professorship or as a visiting professor.

Are you interested in becoming a professor at a university of applied sciences but you do not have any teaching experience yet? Have you been active in teaching and research at a university but you do not have any professional experience from outside the university yet? We look forward to getting to know you! Our Career@BI project provides you with the opportunity to gain the teaching or industry experience you need to become eligible for a professorship.

Do I require a post-doctoral qualification (Habilitation) in addition to my doctorate?

No, in contrast to professorships at a Universität, you do not require a post-doctoral qualification (Habilitation) to become a professor at a university of applied sciences. A doctorate or proof of performances that are equivalent to a doctorate and the above-mentioned formal requirements suffice. Of course, a post-doctoral qualification is not an obstacle for an application either.

In which cases is a doctorate not required?

There are subjects in which it is unusual to obtain a doctorate. In these cases, proof of the eligibility for professorship can be provided through outstanding performances, such as exhibitions, awards or publications. If you have any questions regarding this topic, please do not hesitate to contact us (contact details below).

Specialist expertise and personal requirements for professorship at a university of applied sciences

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In addition to the formal requirements, you should also bring the expertise that is adequate for the advertised professorship. That means that you should have outstanding academic and practical skills in the area the advertised position covers. We also expect you to have gained experience in imparting your knowledge and conducting research in your special subject.

We look forward to applications from candidates who have a passion for their subject area and, especially, for teaching. We also value scientific or professional experiences abroad or in unrelated fields.

Depending on the advertised position, there are other factors that play a role, such as leadership skills, team skills and organisational skills. In your application, we expect you to tell us with which skills and competences you would like to contribute to our success as a university.

Application documents for a professorship at a university of applied sciences

Have you found the right professorship in our job advertisements? We look forward to your application! These are the documents we ask you to submit:

  • Motivational letter: Tell us about your academic, teaching and work experience and explain why you are a good match for the position. Let us know what you would like to focus on as a professor at HSBI.
  • CV: Present your previous professional and educational background in the form of a list.
  • Certificates: Submit proof of your educational background (university entrance certificate, university degree certificate, doctoral degree certificate or documentation of the progress of your doctoral thesis if you have not completed it).
  • Proof of employment and work references: Provide proof of your work experience after studies, for example, through work references or (in the case of self-employment) through contracts or project documentation.
  • Where applicable, list of academic presentations and publications: Provide an overview of your prior research experience.
  • Where applicable, proof of teaching activities: You are welcome to add teaching evaluation results of your previously taught courses (e.g., at other universities).
  • Where applicable, proof of competitions or awards you have won (e.g., as an artist): Please submit photos, certificates or other forms of proof.
  • Where applicable, teaching and research concept: We look forward to a draft of your ideas for the teaching and research activities covered by the position.

Please send your application documents to the e-mail address specified in the job advertisement or by post to HSBI. We look forward to receiving your application! Of course, we will send you a confirmation of receipt.

Video: Detailed information on application, appointment, salary

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First-hand advice: Our appointments officer Bastian Meerkamm offers interesting insights into the appointment procedure and other topics related to professorships at universities of applied sciences during an information session in October 2023 (subtitles available in English).

What happens after the application?

Once you have submitted your application, you will need some patience. An appointment procedure can take several months, as there are many committees involved. However, you can inquire after the status of your application at any time.

Would you like to learn more about the appointment procedure or do you need more information?

Contact

Would you like to get in touch with us personally or do you have any further questions? Please do not hesitate to contact our appointments officer Bastian Meerkamm.

Bastian Meerkamm

 Dipl.-Verww. (FH)

Bastian Meerkamm

Phone: +49.521.106-7725

bastian.meerkamm@hsbi.de

 

Frequently asked questions about professorships at universities of applied sciences

In Germany, there are more than 50,000 professors teaching at universities and universities of applied sciences. And as the number of students is rising, their number is increasing, too. There are a lot of questions you may have about the career. We answer the most important ones here.

What are the responsibilities of professors at universities of applied sciences?

At universities of applied sciences, professors have responsibilities in teaching, research, transfer of knowledge and self-government. Here’s everything you need to know about your role and responsibilities:

Is there an age limit for professors at universities of applied sciences?

In general, there is no age limit for being appointed as professor at a university of applied sciences. You can neither be too young nor too old. The selection committees, too, prioritise applicants’ suitability in terms of expertise and teaching skills over age considerations. For becoming a civil servant, there is currently an age limit of 50 years.

Can the job as professor at a university of applied sciences be balanced with family/caregiving duties?

The career as a professor at a university of applied sciences offers a high degree of flexibility. In accordance with legal requirements and in coordination with the faculty, you can organise your working hours to match your individual needs. In addition, we provide support with balancing family and work, for example, through our day-care centre Kita EffHa or other services. Part-time work is also an option. 

How much do professors earn at universities of applied sciences?

Professors who are civil servants are paid according to the salary group W. Most professorships at HSBI are advertised as W2 professorships. The basic monthly salary in the Land North Rhine-Westphalia is €7,051.97 (as of February 2025). Depending on your individual situation, additional benefits, such as family allowances or capital-forming benefits, come on top. Salaried professors will be remunerated corresponding to the W2 salary group.

Can I submit an unsolicited application for a professorship at a university of applied sciences?

We can only accept applications for advertised professorships. Do you have a general interest in becoming a professor at a university of applied sciences? Do not hesitate to contact our appointments officer Bastian Meerkamm!

Can I become a professor at a university of applied sciences if I do not have any experience in teaching? 

Even if you do not bring any teaching experience, we are delighted about your interest in a career as a professor at a university of applied sciences! What is more important is that you are motivated to impart your knowledge to students. With our Career@BI programme, we offer you the opportunity to catch up in terms of teaching experience within our part-time lectureship model.

So far, I have only worked at the university. Can I become a professor at a university of applied sciences? 

To be appointed as professor at a university of applied sciences you are required to bring five years of work experience, three of which must be outside the university. With our Career@BI project, you can acquire it as part of a tandem position. If you would like to learn more, please follow the link below!