The Hochschule Konstanz (Hochschule Konstanz für Technik, Wirtschaft und Gestaltung (HTWG)), is a German university based in Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, in southern Germany close to the border with Switzerland. The University is member of Internationale Bodensee-Hochschule (International Lake Constance University). The Hochschule Konstanz plays a significant role among German Universities of Applied Sciences. It is internationally well known for its outstanding achievements. The Hochschule Konstanz was named 2006 as best German Universities of Applied Sciences in Higher education (HE). Its undergraduate courses in business are consistently ranked under the top-15 in Germany. The university was established in 1906 by Alfred Wachtel and named the "Technicum Konstanz", meaning Technical School of Constance. Initially there were only three departments; Engineering, Technical, and school for 'Werkmeister' - post graduate work.