GERMANY · BOCHUM
Evangelische Fachhochschule Rheinland-Westfalen-Lippe
public · Founded 1971 · Languages: de
E
In short
Evangelische Fachhochschule Rheinland-Westfalen-Lippe (EvH RWL) in Bochum offers specialised, practice-oriented degrees in social work, health, and diaconal studies with an ethical foundation. International students can expect affordable semester fees and a supportive, close-knit academic community.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1971
- Students
- 1,800
- International students
- 120
- Acceptance rate
- 75%
- Tuition (intl)
- €1–3k/yr
- Languages
- DE
- Location
- Bochum, Germany
Evangelische Fachhochschule Rheinland-Westfalen-Lippe (EvH RWL) is a Protestant-sponsored university of applied sciences located in Bochum, Germany. Founded in 1971, it focuses on social work, health sciences, and diaconal studies, combining academic rigour with a strong ethical and Christian value framework. The university is known for its practical orientation, small cohort sizes, and close ties to social-sector employers across the Ruhr region.
Why study here
- Specialised programmes in social work, health, and diaconal studies with an ethical foundation.
- Practical education with mandatory internships integrated into every degree.
- Small cohort sizes ensuring close faculty-student mentoring.
- Affordable semester fees compared to most German public universities.
- Strong employer networks in the social and healthcare sectors of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Student life
EvH RWL cultivates a tight-knit campus community. Student committees organise social events and volunteer initiatives throughout the year. Bochum offers affordable accommodation, a lively nightlife and cultural scene, and the broader Ruhr metropolis provides internship and employment opportunities in social services, hospitals, and NGOs.
Fees
InternationalApprox. EUR 500 per semester (semester contribution) for EU students; non-EU students pay the same nominal semester fees.
HomeNo tuition fees for domestic students; semester contribution of approx. EUR 300-500.
LivingApprox. EUR 700-900 per month including accommodation, food, and transport in Bochum.
As a state-recognised private university of applied sciences, EvH RWL charges modest semester contributions rather than full tuition fees.
Admissions
Entrance QualificationAbitur or recognised equivalent (Fachhochschulreife accepted for most programmes).
Pre-study InternshipSeveral programmes require a social-sector pre-study internship of 6-8 weeks.
German LanguageDSH-2 or TestDaF 4 required for all programmes taught in German.
University scholarships
DeutschlandstipendiumEUR 300/month
Evangelical Church Study GrantsVaries by need
Accreditation
Accredited by the German Accreditation Council (AQAS); state-recognised by North Rhine-Westphalia.
For international students
GermanyStudent 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.
Scholarships
for Germany
full fundingThe 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.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Dec 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingMunich 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.
full
Funding
€55k
Max
May 6, 2027
Deadline
full fundingHelmholtz-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.
full
Funding
€55k
Max
May 11, 2027
Deadline
full fundingLeibniz 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.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
12d left
Deadline
full fundingForschungszentrum 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.
full
Funding
€42k
Max
Dec 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingAlexander 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.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the main fields of study at Evangelische Fachhochschule Rheinland-Westfalen-Lippe (EvH RWL)?
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EvH RWL focuses on specialised programmes within social work, health sciences, and diaconal studies. These programmes are built upon a strong ethical and Christian value framework.
What is the fee structure for international students at EvH RWL?
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EU students pay approximately EUR 500 per semester as a semester contribution. Non-EU students pay the same nominal semester fees, which are modest and cover administrative costs rather than full tuition.
Does EvH RWL offer practical training opportunities?
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Yes, EvH RWL is known for its practical orientation, with mandatory internships integrated into every degree program. This ensures students gain hands-on experience.
What are the admission requirements for students from outside Germany?
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You will need an entrance qualification such as an Abitur or recognised equivalent, and for programmes taught in German, proof of German language proficiency like DSH-2 or TestDaF 4 is required. Some programmes may also require a pre-study internship.
What is the cost of living for students in Bochum?
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The estimated cost of living in Bochum is around EUR 700-900 per month, covering accommodation, food, and transportation.
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