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University merger secures locations in Darmstadt and Schwalmstadt-Treysa
The Protestant University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt and the YMCA University of Applied Sciences Kassel are merging to form the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Hesse . The Hessian cabinet has approved the necessary agreement between the state of Hesse and the Protestant churches . Formal signing by the state and churches is expected soon, after which the corresponding legislation will be submitted to the state parliament. The merger is planned for the summer semester of 2026 .
Two locations are planned for the future : one in Darmstadt and one in Schwalmstadt-Treysa . Science Minister Timon Gremmels presented the key points of the contract in Wiesbaden.
Financial security and expansion of study programs
The merger provides the new university with a long-term financial and structural perspective . The state of Hesse will increase its annual subsidy from approximately five million euros to around 7.2 million euros Further funding will be adjusted in line with the development of state universities.
According to the contract, the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Hesse will at least 1,250 free study places during the standard period of study – including in the fields of social work , health professions , education and training .
Science Minister Gremmels emphasized:
“We urgently need skilled workers in social work, health, and education. With their Christian profile, the participating universities are already making an important contribution to social cohesion, inclusion, and solidarity.”
A strong role for Darmstadt and Northern Hesse
The Bishop of the Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck, Prof. Dr. Beate Hofmann , spoke of a unique cooperation Ulrike Scherf also emphasized the importance of values-oriented and religiously sensitive education – especially in an increasingly polarized society.
The president of the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt, Prof. Dr. Uwe Becker , sees the new university as an institution with a reach extending beyond Hesse . Prof. Dr. Tobias Faix , rector of the YMCA University of Applied Sciences Kassel, emphasized the shared strengths of both universities, particularly in social work and community and religious education , which will now be combined.
The expansion of the Schwalmstadt-Treysa is also intended to provide a targeted boost to rural areas in northern Hesse , while Darmstadt will be further strengthened as an established university location.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM)
Featured image, from left: Hansjörg Kopp (General Secretary of the YMCA Germany), Prof. Dr. Uwe Becker (President of the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt), Prof. Dr. Beate Hofmann (Bishop of the Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck), Timon Gremmels (Hessian Minister for Science and Research, Art and Culture), Ulrike Scherf (Deputy President of the Evangelical Church in Hesse and Nassau) and Prof. Dr. Tobias Faix (Rector of the YMCA University of Applied Sciences Kassel). Photo: medio.tv/schauderna
