Established in 1993, Fachhochschule Westküste (West Coast University of Applied Sciences) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Heide (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Schleswig-Holstein. This institution also has a branch campus in Holstein. Officially recognized by the Ministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Kultur des Landes Schleswig-Holstein (Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of Schleswig-Holstein), Fachhochschule Westküste (FHW) is a very small coeducational German higher education institution. Fachhochschule Westküste (FHW) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. FHW also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.