The Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (h_da), founded on 1st August 1971, is a state university of applied sciences located in Darmstadt, Hesse. With approximately 16,645 students (winter semester 2020/2021) and 967 staff members, including 321 professors, it is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Germany. Since 2016, it has the right to award doctoral degrees in selected subject areas and is part of the IT Cluster Rhein-Main-Neckar.

The university offers over 70 degree programmes in various fields such as engineering, information sciences, social sciences, architecture, media, design, natural sciences, and business. Its research focuses particularly on interdisciplinary subjects such as sustainability sciences, applied informatics, and social work. It is also active internationally, maintaining partnerships with around 40 universities worldwide.

The h_da has several campuses:

Darmstadt Campus: This is where departments like architecture, civil engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, and business are located. Important facilities such as the media centre, the international office, and the administration are also based here.

Mathildenhöhe Campus: This site houses the design department and is located close to Darmstadt's landmark, the Wedding Tower.

Dieburg Campus: The Media Campus specialises in courses in media, communication, and business.

The university has gained recognition through special degree programmes such as "Optoelectronics and Image Processing" or "Online Communication," as well as an extensive range of part-time further education courses. It actively promotes knowledge transfer and regional networking, including through its research and development centre and numerous collaborations with businesses and research institutes. Among its international programs is the English-language Master's in "Electrical Engineering." 

A unique feature is the Social and Cultural Sciences Supplementary Studies (SuK), which imparts interdisciplinary skills at the interface of society, economy, and technology. The university has been repeatedly honoured for its contributions to sustainable development, most recently in 2021 in the UNESCO "Education for Sustainable Development" programme.

The university is also family-friendly and was the first university in Hesse to be awarded the "Family-Friendly University Land Hesse" quality seal. The university is a member of the HAWtech and HAW Hessen networks. Additionally, it is part of the European initiative European University of Technology (EUt+), funded by the EU Commission.

In collaboration with the Centre for Distance Learning at Universities of Applied Sciences (ZFH), Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences combines its own extensive experience with an experienced partner in distance learning. This ensures high quality teaching and a balanced mix of flexibility and personal support in distance education.