Founded in 1971, Hochschule Darmstadt (Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Darmstadt (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Hesse. This institution also has a branch campus in Dieburg. Officially recognized by the Hessisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kunst (Hessen Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts), Hochschule Darmstadt (h_da) is a large coeducational German higher education institution. Hochschule Darmstadt (h_da) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study. This 51 years old German higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. h_da also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.