The sustainability certificate is composed of three components - a central foundation module and two further advanced modules from your own or another study programme. The certificate is an add-on for students to sharpen their profile.

The next run of the foundation module will take place in the 2026 summer semester, in German. In the winter semester 2026/27 it will be offered in English for the first time. The advanced modules can be taken at any time, either before attendance of the foundation module or at the same time or afterwards.

Would you like to actively contribute to a sustainable future and learn how to implement sustainability in both your professional and private life? Regardless of which department you are studying in, the foundation module "Understanding and shaping sustainability: Principles, Perspectives and Transformation', you will have a chance to think outside the box and work in an interdisciplinary way.

What you can expect:

• Theory meets practice: gain in-depth knowledge of global ecological, social and economic challenges, e.g. in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Soft and hard skills: Learn how to develop and use sustainability strategies in enterprises and organisations - related to practice by working on a real case study.
• Interactive learning: Work on exciting projects and present your results in an academic poster presentation at the end of the semester.
• Sustainability in your everyday life: Learn how to implement sustainable practices in your own lifestyle and consumption.

This module combines theory and practice in a unique way, giving you the tools to act and think in a sustainable way. It offers you the opportunity to look at sustainability from different perspectives. No matter which department - sustainability affects us all!

The basic module is led by Prof Dr Linda Chalupová, Professor of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences. If you have any questions about the content of the module, please contact her.

The basic module takes place in the form of block courses. The dates for the winter semester 2025/2026 are as follows: 

1st part: 06.10., 07.10., 10.10.2025 | 08:00-17:00
2nd part: 13.12.2025 | 08:00-15:00
3rd part: 06.02. | 13:00-18:00 + 07.02.2026 | 08:00-13:00 

For the summer semester 2026 the dates are: 

1st part: 06.04.-10.10.2026 | 08:00-17:00
2nd part: 06.06.2026 | 08:00-15:00
3rd part: 10.07. | 13:00-18:00 + 11.07.2026 | 08:00-13:00 

Please note, that attendence in person is mandatory for the classes in order to successfully complete the moduel. The basic module in the summer semester 2026 will be held in German only. Very good German skills are required, at least at around a C1 level. A run in English is planned for the winter semester 2026/27.

In addition to the central, interdisciplinary foundation module, the sustainability module also requires you to take a course in two further advanced modules that include subject-specific aspects of sustainability. You can choose from a broad catalogue of modules from all study programmes. When selecting modules, please note the access requirements and necessary previous knowledge and check whether you fulfil them. You can include modules from your own study programme if they are listed in the list of modules.

Here you will find the current list of modules from each study programme.

Registration for the sustainability certificate takes place in HORSTL. The registration period for the winter semester 2025/26 runs from 11/09/2025 (09:00 am) to 18/09/2025 (12:00 noon). The course catalogue will be available from 10 September 2025. The distribution procedure among all registrations will take place from 19.09. to 26.09.2025. In the following you can find detailed instructions on how to register:

Important note on registration:

There are only a limited number of spots available in the basic module to ensure the interactive nature of the module. In order to ensure a fair opportunity to participate in the module, spots will be allocated automatically among all registered students. An even distribution of spots among the various departments will be taken into account in order to ensure interdisciplinary cooperation between students in the basic module. If you have been allocated a spot in the basic module, you will be enrolled in the "Extracurricular offerings" programme in HORSTL and the module will appear in your timetable.

If you have any questions about the registration process, please contact: horstl(at)hs-fulda.de

Who can I contact if I have any questions? 
For general and organisational questions about the sustainability certificate: Lena Fockers (nachhaltigkeitszertifikat(at)hs-fulda.de)

For questions about the content of the foundation module: Prof. Dr Linda Chalupová (linda.chalupova(at)oe.hs-fulda.de) 

For questions regarding the enrollment in horstl: horstl(at)hs-fulda.de 

For questions about the content of the advanced modules: the respective programme coordinators or module coordinators

Who can obtain the sustainability certificate? 
All students enrolled at Fulda University of Applied Sciences can obtain the sustainability certificate, regardless of where they are in their university studies. Please note, however, that there are only a limited number of spots available in the basic module.

What are the access requirements? 
Basically none. All students enrolled at Fulda University of Applied Sciences can register for the foundation module, regardless of their study programme, degree or department. Please note, however, that the basic module will only be offered in German in summer semester 2025. If you are not enrolled in a German-language degree programme, your German language skills should be at least at C1 level in order to participate. There are often access requirements for the advanced modules, which you can find under the respective module information or ask the contact person for the module in the relevant department.

Is the certificate also offered in English? 
No, the foundation module is initially only offered in German. A very good knowledge of German is required for participation, at least at C1 level. If you are enrolled on a German-language degree programme, you will meet this requirement anyway. However, please contact us if you would also like a course in English. Such feedback will then be incorporated into the evaluation and further development of the program.

Is attendance mandatory?
The respective requirements apply to each module. For the foundation module, in-person-attendance at all seminar dates is compulsory.

How many credit points does the sustainability certificate comprise? 
A total of at least 15 ECTS credits must be acquired for the sustainability certificate. 5 of these must be completed as part of the foundation module, while the remaining minimum of 10 credit points must be earned in two advanced modules.

Do additional performances such as internships or a period abroad have to be completed? 
No, only the successful completion of the foundation module and the two advanced modules is required.

Which examinations must be taken? 
There is no need to take a cental exam, only the scheduled exam performances in the respective specialisation and foundation modules.

Is there a certificate of successful attendance for the sustainability certificate? 
Yes, all students who have completed the three modules of the sustainability certificate will receive a certificate of successful attendance, on which the content of the basic module and the competences acquired - hard and soft skills - are presented.

How do I register for the sustainability certificate? 
You can find all the information about registration in HORSTL further up on this page under "Registration". You only need to register for the basic module in HORSTL, which will then automatically register you for the sustainability certificate through the Student Administration Office.

When is it possible to register for the foundation module? 
Registration for the foundation module in the winter semester 2025/2026 will take place from 11 September 2025 (09:00 am) to 18 September 2025 (12:00 noon) via HORSTL. The places will then be allocated among all registrations.

In which semester will the foundation module be offered? 
The foundation module was offered for the first time in the summer semester 2025. A second rund takes place in the winter semester 2025/26. It has currently not yet been decided, how often it will be offered in the future. As soon as there is new information on this, it will be published here.

Do the courses have to be taken in a certain order? For example, does the foundation module have to be taken first? 
No, there is no specific order. You can complete the foundation module and the advanced modules at a time that suits you during your university studies.

Can I have courses I have already taken counted towards the sustainability certificate? 
Yes, if you have already completed modules from the list of modules in the compulsory elective area of sustainability, these will automatically be counted towards the sustainability certificate.

Can I have one of the other compulsory elective modules recognised instead of the foundation module?
No. Participation in the foundation module is a prerequisite for obtaining the sustainability certificate. In addition, two modules from the compulsory elective area of sustainability must be completed.

How can I find courses that are included in the Sustainability Certificate?
You can find a list of all advanced modules on the Sustainability Certificate website. Similarly, this "List of modules in the elective area of sustainability" is visible in horstl.

Do I have to submit evidence of achievement for the sustainability certificate? 
No, you do not have to submit any specific evidence of achievement. The modules you have completed for the sustainability certificate are automatically recorded in horstl. You can find further information on this in the instructions for registration (see above)

How do I receive the sustainability certificate? 
Upon successful completion of the certificate programme, i.e. the basic module and two in-depth modules, the Student Administration Office will provide a sustainability certificate for download. The certificate is issued bilingually in German and English. In order to obtain the certificate, please contact horstl(at)hs-fulda.de after successfully completing all required modules.

How much specialised knowledge is required for the courses? 
No prior specialised knowledge is required for the foundation module. The conditions for attendance of the respective advanced modules can be found in the information on the modules. If you have any questions, please contact the relevant module coordinator or programme coordinator in the department directly.