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GERMANY · BIELEFELD

Fachhochschule Bielefeld

public · Founded 1971 · Languages: de

In short

Fachhochschule Bielefeld (HSBI) is a public German university offering practice-oriented programs with no tuition fees for international students. Located in Bielefeld, it boasts lower-than-average living costs and strong industry partnerships.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1971
Students: 8,633
International students: 900
Acceptance rate: 80%
Languages: DE
Location: Bielefeld, Germany

Hochschule Bielefeld (HSBI) is a public university of applied sciences and arts in Bielefeld, Germany, founded in 1971. It is the largest Fachhochschule in the East Westphalia-Lippe region, enrolling around 9,000 students in programs spanning engineering, design, business, social work, and health. As a public German university, HSBI charges no tuition fees beyond the semester contribution of approximately EUR 300. Its applied, project-based curriculum and tight regional industry partnerships ensure graduates enter the job market with real-world experience.

Why study here

No tuition fees as a public German university — only a semester contribution of around EUR 300.
Practice-oriented programs with mandatory internships and industry project collaborations.
Embedded in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe industrial cluster, one of Germany's most innovative mid-sized business ecosystems.
Multiple campuses in Bielefeld, Minden, and Gütersloh offering diverse program environments.
Growing range of English-taught modules and dedicated international student support services.

Student life

HSBI campus life is characterised by project-driven learning, interdisciplinary events, and close-knit departmental communities. The official Campus App helps students organise their schedule, check grades, and view cafeteria menus. Interdisciplinary workshops, design sprints, and community service projects — such as MINT education sessions for kindergarten children — reflect the hands-on culture. Student-led initiatives include engineering builds like a fully automated billiard table at the Gütersloh campus.

Fees

InternationalNo tuition fees — HSBI is a public German university. Students pay a semester contribution of approximately EUR 300–350 covering the regional public transport semester ticket and student union services.

HomeSame as international: no tuition fees, semester contribution only.

LivingBielefeld has below-average living costs for Germany. Expect EUR 650–850 per month for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.

DAAD and Deutschlandstipendium scholarships are available to international and high-achieving students. Subsidised student housing is provided through Studierendenwerk OWL.

Admissions

University entrance qualificationGerman Abitur or recognised equivalent (e.g. A-levels, IB, or evaluated foreign certificate via uni-assist)

Program prerequisitesMaths and natural sciences for engineering programs; portfolio for design programs

German language proficiencyDSH-2 or TestDaF TDN 4 for German-taught programs

Application via uni-assistInternational applicants must apply through the uni-assist portal

IELTS6.0 for English-taught modules

TOEFL iBT80 for English-taught modules

University scholarships

DAAD ScholarshipEUR 861/month plus travel allowance for international students

DeutschlandstipendiumEUR 300/month merit-based scholarship

NRW State ScholarshipVaries — for top students in North Rhine-Westphalia

Accreditation

Hochschule Bielefeld is a state-recognised university under the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Hochschulgesetz NRW). Programs are accredited by the German Akkreditierungsrat.

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 Fachhochschule Bielefeld?

As a public German university, Fachhochschule Bielefeld (HSBI) does not charge tuition fees for international students. Students are required to pay a semester contribution of approximately EUR 300-350, which covers services like the regional public transport ticket and student union fees.

What are the living costs in Bielefeld for international students?

Bielefeld offers below-average living costs for Germany. International students can expect to spend around EUR 650-850 per month for accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

What are the admission requirements for international students?

International applicants need a university entrance qualification recognized in Germany, such as A-levels or IB, often evaluated via uni-assist. For English-taught programs, a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT of 80 is required. German-taught programs require DSH-2 or TestDaF TDN 4 proficiency.

Does Fachhochschule Bielefeld offer English-taught programs?

Yes, Fachhochschule Bielefeld offers a growing range of English-taught modules. Specific English language proficiency test scores, such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT, are required for admission to these programs.

What kind of support does Fachhochschule Bielefeld offer international students?

HSBI provides dedicated international student support services. Additionally, scholarships like the DAAD and Deutschlandstipendium are available to assist international and high-achieving students.

Last updated 3 July 2026