Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences: Work in an International Setting

With a student body representing over 120 different countries and employees hailing from over 30, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences offers a truly international environment for working and studying. Some 7,000 students, half of whom are international, are currently pursuing a degree at our two campus locations in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort, Germany. We offer 36 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across four faculties: Technology and Bionics, Life Sciences, Society and Economics, and Communication and Environment. 75% of our degree programmes are also taught entirely in English. International collaboration is a strength of ours, reflected in our partnerships with over 90 universities in 38 countries.

Of our 550 current employees, around 27% came to us from abroad, from countries such as Egypt, Italy, Cameroon, Mexico, the UK, Iran and Vietnam, to name only a few.

Connected to the world, rooted in the region

The roots of our institution are firmly planted in the verdant landscapes of the Lower Rhine region. Nestled between the Netherlands and the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region of Germany, our two campus locations in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort are well-connected places to live and work. As a university of applied sciences, we place a great deal of importance on practice-oriented, applied research endeavours. Scientific collaboration with regional partners in industry and society is an essential part of our efforts.

Come as you are: a culture of mutual respect

We love our diverse campus culture. Regardless of where you come from, what you believe, or whom you love: together we are committed to a culture of mutual respect and recognise our diverse community as both enriching and rewarding, whether in casual interactions, teaching or our research. During our annual Days of Antidiscrimination we reflect and brainstorm as a community on what we can do better and which structures are needed to prevent discrimination or exclusion. We are driven by the question of how we can ensure everyone’s ability to participate. This topic is something we revisit every year during the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. As a standing body, our Diversity Commission continuously supports and contributes to the never-ending processes to make our higher education institution ever more inclusive and welcoming. We look forward to welcoming any and all new employees who are committed to the principles of equal opportunity, respect and the right to participate.

A helping hand at your side

New employees from 2022 onwards can look forward to a revamped onboarding process featuring a buddy programme to help you hit the ground running in our unique international environment. We also offer a wide range of in-house language courses for different proficiency levels, continuing training opportunities, and health and fitness opportunities. The campus canteens in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort also offer a rotating selection of warm lunches for students and employees every weekday.

Working from home or on the go

University employees can work from home for up to 60% of their weekly hours. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences also permits flexible work arrangements for when its employees are on the go for short periods of time. To ensure that sensitive information remains secure at home or underway, employees can earn an in-house “digital driver’s license” so that they have the technical skills and knowledge to use our IT infrastructure while not in the office. Need to meet with a contractor, and their next available appointment is on an office day? Not a problem: our employees can work from home for short periods without submitting a formal request. 

Continuing education and training

Our employees have access to a broad range of continuing training opportunities to keep their skills sharp and up-to-date. We offer many different seminars and courses to choose from thanks to our collaboration with different partners such as the Continuing Training Institute for Universities in North Rhine-Westphalia (HÜF) in Hagen, Germany; the Mont Cenis Academy in Herne, Germany; the IT NRW continuing training programme; and the Didactic Training Network for Higher Education.

We support families

Family Service, a section of our Equal Opportunities Department, actively supports HSRW employees with family responsibilities. We make it easier to bring your child to campus with our portable toy chests and parent-child offices. In Kleve, HSRW has also reserved a number of permanent slots for children in a kindergarten near campus. In addition to workshops and online seminars, members of HSRW are also eligible for the professional information, advising and referral services of our partner organisations focused on childcare and families with caregiving responsibilities. Members of HSRW also have access to a free online emergency childcare service and special childcare services are regularly offered on campus during certain times of year and occasions. In 2021 Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences was distinguished as a “Family-Friendly University” for the third time in a row. This recognition drives us to continue expanding and improving our University’s family-friendly organisational structures and services.

Occupational health management (OHM)

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences promotes and supports the health and well-being of its employees through ergonomic workspaces, fitness courses during working hours (“active breaks”), on-site flu vaccinations, and yoga courses. In addition, a wide-range of sport and fitness courses are offered each semester for students and employees alike, providing opportunities not only to stay fit, but reduce stress as well.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences at a glance

  • 550 employees, of whom 46% are women and 54% are men
  • 27% are international employees (representing 30 countries)
  • 94 partner universities in 36 countries
  • Over 6,200 students, of whom 50% are international (representing over 128 countries)
  • 26 undergraduate and 11 postgraduate degree programmes, of which 75% are taught entirely in English