Fachhochschule Aschaffenburg is a public university of applied sciences in Bavaria offering practice-oriented bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering and business. It provides a welcoming, small-campus environment with strong industry ties and affordable living costs.
Hochschule Aschaffenburg is a public university of applied sciences in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, founded in 1995. With around 3,000 students, it offers bachelor's and master's programs in engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and business administration. The university emphasizes practice-oriented education with mandatory internships and project work, and maintains strong ties to regional industry. Its compact size fosters close cooperation between students and faculty.
The university's manageable size makes campus life especially welcoming. Students benefit from a dedicated student union (AStA), sports facilities, and canteen. Aschaffenburg itself offers parks along the River Main, a historic Schloss, and easy weekend access to Frankfurt's urban amenities. Living costs are significantly lower than in Munich or Frankfurt.
Non-EU international students pay program-specific tuition fees. DAAD scholarships and Deutschlandstipendium are available for eligible students.
Hochschule Aschaffenburg is state-recognized by the Bavarian Ministry of Science; individual programs accredited by AQAS and FIBAA.
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.
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.
Non-EU international students typically pay program-specific tuition fees ranging from approximately EUR 1,500 to EUR 3,000 per semester. EU students generally do not pay general tuition fees but are subject to a semester administrative fee.
International students need a recognized equivalent foreign qualification such as an Abitur or Fachhochschulreife. For German-taught programs, German C1 proficiency is required, while English-taught modules typically require an IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT of 72.
Yes, Fachhochschule Aschaffenburg supports eligible students through scholarships such as the DAAD Scholarships and the Deutschlandstipendium, which offers EUR 300 per month.
The estimated monthly cost of living in Aschaffenburg, including rent, food, transport, and insurance, is approximately EUR 700–950. This is considered affordable compared to larger German cities.
Fachhochschule Aschaffenburg offers practice-oriented education with mandatory internships and project work in fields like engineering, computer science, and business administration. The university emphasizes close cooperation between students and faculty due to its compact size.