• About us

    Discover Our History & Values

Our Historical Identity

Rooted in over 120 years of history, Internationale Hochschule Liebenzell (IHL) grew out of the Theological Seminary of Liebenzell Mission. Founded in 1899 as a branch of Hudson Taylor’s China Inland Mission—led by Taylor, a pioneering British missionary dedicated to holistic gospel outreach—the mission settled in the Black Forest in 1902 to train leaders for global and local service.

State-accredited in 2011, IHL carries this rich legacy forward as a modern university of applied sciences. Over the decades, our academic programs evolved to meet changing societal needs, seamlessly combining theology with social work, education, and development studies. Starting in 2026, we are embarking on a new missional path by educating elementary school teachers to positively shape society and future generations.

Today, with more than 1,800 alumni serving in over 25 countries across five continents, IHL’s identity remains deeply shaped by its missional heritage: equipping purpose-driven leaders for holistic ministry, intercultural community development, and global impact.

Eine historische Schwarz-Weiß-Aufnahme zeigt Bauarbeiten auf dem Gelände der Liebenzeller Mission in Bad Liebenzell. Mehrere Männer arbeiten mit Schaufeln an Kieshaufen und einem Traktor mit Anhänger, während im Hintergrund das historische Fachwerk-Missionshaus zu sehen ist.

Our Profile

Biblically rooted

Holy Scripture is the foundation and standard for our lives, teaching, and academic research.

Practical

Theory comes to life at IHL. Hands-on experience in social work, education, and ministry ensures you graduate ready to step directly into communities, build resilient projects, and solve real-world problems.

Eine Gruppe von Studierenden der Internationalen Hochschule Liebenzell beugt sich gemeinsam über einen Tisch und arbeitet intensiv an einem Projekt. Eine Studentin markiert einen Bereich auf einer großen Weltkarte mit einem Stift, während auf dem Tisch ein Grundrissplan, ein Laptop und ein Kärtchen mit der Aufschrift Uganda liegen.

Intercultural

Our global focus breaks down barriers. You develop the empathy and cultural agility needed to build bridges between diverse groups, foster reconciliation, and thrive in pluralistic societies.

Missional

We empower young people to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in an inviting, biblically grounded, and culturally sensitive way across diverse contexts

Promising Careers

An IHL degree opens doors across sectors, from local community initiatives and public education to global development, equipping you to shape organizational cultures from the inside out.

Holistic

We nurture the whole person. Through mentoring, spiritual formation, and community living, you mature into a resilient leader who inspires, guides, and elevates those around you.