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GERMANY

Evangelische Fachhochschule Freiburg, Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit, Diakonie und Religionspädagogik

non-profit · Founded 1971 · Languages: de, en

In short

Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg is a Protestant university of applied sciences focusing on social work and education, offering specialized programs with small class sizes. It is located in Freiburg, Germany, with affordable fees and moderate living costs for international students.

Key facts

Type: Non-profit
Founded: 1971
Students: 1,400
International students: 120
Acceptance rate: 70%
Tuition (intl): €1–4k/yr
Languages: DE, EN
Location: Germany

Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg (EH Freiburg) is a Protestant university of applied sciences in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, specialising in Social Work, Diaconia, Early Childhood Education, and Religious Education. Founded in 1971 and rooted in the Evangelical Lutheran tradition, it integrates academic rigour with a strong ethical and faith-based commitment to social justice. EH Freiburg's approximately 1,400 students benefit from small class sizes, close faculty contact, and a curriculum that bridges theory and professional practice through mandatory placements.

Why study here

Specialist focus on Social Work, Diaconia, and Religious Education — niche expertise not found at large general universities.
Small class sizes and a close-knit community encourage individual mentoring and personal academic development.
Strong research activity in peace education, migration law, gender studies, and counter-extremism.
Located in Freiburg, Germany's sunniest city, near the Black Forest and close to France and Switzerland.
Affordable study in Germany with low semester fees; EU/EEA students pay minimal tuition.

Student life

Campus life at EH Freiburg is intimate and community-focused. Students engage in seminars, research projects, and church or diaconal field placements. The city of Freiburg is a vibrant university town with a thriving cafe culture, cycling infrastructure, and proximity to the Black Forest and Rhine valley. Student welfare, international exchange partnerships, and the 'Familie in der Hochschule' initiative support work-life balance.

Fees

InternationalNon-EU/EEA international students pay approx. EUR 1,500 per semester in tuition plus a semester fee of approx. EUR 170.

HomeEU/EEA students pay only the semester social fee (approx. EUR 170 per semester); no tuition for most German state-recognised programs.

LivingFreiburg living costs approx. EUR 800–1,100 per month including student hall accommodation, food, health insurance, and transport.

Kirchliche Hochschulen (church universities) may have slightly different fee structures from state universities. Confirm current fees directly with the admissions office.

Admissions

German proficiencyGerman C1 (TestDaF, DSH, or equivalent) for German-taught programs

Degree qualificationGerman Abitur or internationally recognised equivalent (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung)

Master's entryRelevant Bachelor's degree; professional placement experience in social work or related field preferred

TestDaFTDN 4 (German proficiency test) for German-taught programs

IELTS Academic6.0 (for any English-component programs)

University scholarships

DeutschlandstipendiumEUR 300/month (co-funded by federal government and private donors)

DAAD ScholarshipsVarious — for international students coming to Germany or German students going abroad

Evangelisches Studienwerk VilligstFull scholarship for outstanding Protestant students (approx. EUR 800/month + research support)

Accreditation

EH Freiburg is a state-recognised church university (Kirchliche Hochschule) in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Programs are accredited by ACQUIN or equivalent German accreditation agencies.

For international students

Germany

Student visa & funds

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.

Working while you study

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 you graduate

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.

English tests

IELTS6.0–6.5 for English-taught bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s
TOEFL iBT80–90 for most programs; competitive universities (e.g. TUM) 88–95
German (TestDaF/DSH)German-taught programs require TestDaF level 4 (TDN 4) or DSH-2

Main intakes

OctoberApril

Typical living cost

€1,050/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in Germany — Proof of financial resources · Make it in Germany — Studying and working · BAMF — To Germany as a graduate · Make it in Germany — Opportunity Card · DAAD — Admission requirements · DAAD — Costs of education and living

Scholarships

for Germany

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

The Software Lab (CISPA & University of Stuttgart)

CISPA & University of Stuttgart Software Lab PhD Scholarships

Open 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.

Munich School for Data Science (MUDS)

Munich School for Data Science (MUDS) PhD Scholarships

Open 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.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Hydrogen Technology

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon PhD Position in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering

Open 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.

Leibniz University Hannover

Leibniz University Hannover Soil Science PhD Scholarship

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.

Forschungszentrum Julich

Forschungszentrum Julich Funded PhD Positions

Open 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.

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowships (for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers)

For 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.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg?

Non-EU/EEA international students can expect to pay approximately EUR 1,500 per semester in tuition, in addition to a semester fee of around EUR 170. EU/EEA students generally only pay the semester social fee.

What are the main areas of study at Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg?

Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg specializes in Social Work, Diaconia, Early Childhood Education, and Religious Education. These areas focus on integrating academic learning with practical application and ethical commitment.

What language proficiency is required for studying at Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg?

For German-taught programs, applicants need to demonstrate German proficiency, typically at the C1 level (e.g., TestDaF or DSH). Some Master's programs may include components taught in English, requiring IELTS Academic score of 6.0.

What are the living costs for students in Freiburg?

Estimated living costs in Freiburg range from EUR 800 to EUR 1,100 per month. This typically covers accommodation in a student hall, food, health insurance, and transportation.

Does Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, the university participates in programs like the Deutschlandstipendium and DAAD Scholarships. Outstanding Protestant students may also be eligible for full scholarships from organizations like Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst.

Last updated 3 July 2026