
Augustana-Hochschule Neuendettelsau is a small, church-founded theological university in Bavaria, offering academic freedom and practical experience with low fees. It provides an intimate campus community and unique specializations in theology.
Augustana-Hochschule Neuendettelsau, founded in 1947 by the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Bavaria, is a small specialist theological university that offers independent theological teaching and research free from state influence. Located in Neuendettelsau, it benefits from close ties with Diakonie Neuendettelsau and Mission EineWelt, giving students hands-on exposure to diaconal work and global mission. With roughly 150 students, it provides an intimate campus community where study, faith, and everyday life are closely interwoven.
Augustana-Hochschule provides an integrated campus experience where living and learning are closely connected. Students can reside in campus accommodation and use dining facilities. The university fosters a vibrant spiritual community centred around its chapel, and offers various student groups and the AStA Student Council. The campus promotes environmental sustainability and is a Fairtrade University.
As a church-run Hochschule, tuition is nominally free; students pay only a semester administration fee.
Recognized by the state of Bavaria as equivalent to state theological faculties (§ 73 BayHSchG); degrees are accepted for church ordination in the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Bavaria.
Non-EU/EEA students must obtain a national student visa (Type D) before arrival and then convert it to a student residence permit at the local Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde). To prove financial self-sufficiency, most applicants open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) holding €11,904 — €992 per month for twelve months — an amount in effect since 2024 and unchanged for 2026. The blocked account caps monthly withdrawals at €992 so the funds last the year.
Non-EU international students may work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per calendar year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency — an allowance raised from the previous 120/240-day limit under the 2024 skilled-immigration reform. A shift of more than four hours counts as a full day. Student-assistant roles at the university (Hiwi positions) generally fall outside this cap, and hours during semester breaks count toward the same annual allowance.
After completing a degree at a German university, non-EU graduates are entitled to an 18-month residence permit to seek work under the Residence Act, during which any employment is allowed. Separately, the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), introduced in June 2024, lets qualifying non-EU nationals enter to look for work for up to a year using a points system, with limited part-time work permitted. Recent German graduates qualify for the 18-month post-study permit directly, without the points test.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.


Augustana Hochschule is the theological university of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria. It offers a degree program in "Evangelical Theology" leading to the "Kirchliches Examen" (Church Examination). The institution also facilitates doctoral and post-doctoral research. Augustana Hochschule is recognized as equivalent to state theological faculties in Germany. The university emphasizes an integrated approach where teaching, learning, and campus life form a cohesive unit. Research and teaching are conducted under the favorable conditions of a campus university.
full fundingOpen to applicants who hold or expect a Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, with strong coding skills, an interest in large-scale software projects and the ability to write and present in English (no German required). Candidates should be passionate about high-quality academic research, willing to mentor undergraduate students, and have a long-term vision and persistence for deep research. Positions are filled on a rolling basis as suitable candidates are identified.
full fundingOpen to international students of all nationalities with a strong academic background in computer science, data science, or a related field, or a degree in a domain science (such as life sciences, medicine, health, earth observation, or robotics) or interdisciplinary fields (such as geoinformatics or bioinformatics) with a strong data science emphasis. Applicants need a passion for applying state-of-the-art data science techniques to real-world scientific challenges. Selection is based on academic record, research potential, and motivation.
full fundingOpen to applicants who hold a Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with strong knowledge of metallurgy, slip/twinning mechanisms and the mechanical behaviour of metals. Experience with magnesium (Mg) alloys, micro-compression or SEM techniques is an advantage. Candidates need strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international environment. The post is a salaried PhD position open to international applicants.
Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree in soil science, geosciences, environmental sciences or a closely related field, are proficient in written and spoken English, and are physically fit for extended fieldwork in tropical regions (Ghana and India). Experience with soil analysis, spectral tools and drone operations is an advantage but not mandatory.
full fundingOpen to international applicants who hold a master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field with strong academic performance, with experience in electrochemical modelling and simulation, knowledge of PEM and AEM electrolyser technology, skills in automation and data analysis (Python, LabVIEW), and proficiency in German and English.
full fundingFor researchers from abroad — postdoctoral (normally within 4 years of a PhD) or experienced (within 12 years of a PhD) — to carry out a long-term research stay in Germany with a host of their choice. Selection is on academic record and research potential; applications can be submitted at any time.
As a church-run institution, Augustana Hochschule Neuendettelsau charges low or no tuition fees. International students pay semester fees of approximately €200–€300 per semester, which cover administration and student services.
Living costs in Neuendettelsau are modest compared to major German cities. Students can expect to spend roughly €600–€800 per month for accommodation, food, and personal expenses. Campus accommodation is available.
Yes, the university has strong ties with Diakonie Neuendettelsau and Mission EineWelt, providing students with hands-on exposure to diaconal work and global mission.
In addition to core theological disciplines, Augustana Hochschule Neuendettelsau offers unique specializations in Feminist Theology and Philosophy.
With approximately 150 students, the university offers an intimate campus community where study, faith, and everyday life are closely interwoven. Campus accommodation, dining, and a chapel are all located in one place.