
Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) is a specialized German university focused on sustainability, offering programs in environmental and social sciences near Berlin. It provides an affordable living cost and a close-knit campus community.
Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) is a pioneering German Fachhochschule dedicated entirely to sustainability. Founded as a forestry school in 1830 and refounded in 1992, it offers programs in forest management, sustainable business, landscape architecture, and social change near Berlin. Its small campus in the Brandenburg forests provides a hands-on learning environment for Germany's most sustainability-focused student body.
HNEE has an engaged, idealistic student community strongly committed to environmental values. Students participate in campus gardens, sustainability projects, and student-run enterprises. The forested Eberswalde setting is ideal for outdoor activities. Berlin is accessible in under an hour by regional train.
Check the HNEE website for current fee schedules. Brandenburg state may introduce international student fees; verify before applying.
HNEE is a state-recognised public university of applied sciences under the supervision of the Brandenburg Ministry of Science, Research and Culture. Programs are accredited by recognized German accreditation agencies.
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.
Living costs in Eberswalde are estimated to be between EUR 600 and EUR 800 per month. The city is known for its affordability for students.
Non-EU international students pay a semester fee of approximately EUR 750 per semester in Brandenburg, as most teaching is publicly funded. EU and German students pay only semester administrative fees of approximately EUR 150–200 per semester. Some specialized master's programs may have higher fees.
The university offers programs in areas such as forest management, sustainable business, landscape architecture, and social change. Its focus is entirely on sustainability.
Yes, Fachhochschule Eberswalde offers a growing number of English-language master's options. English proficiency requirements include TOEFL iBT with a score of 79 or IELTS with a score of 6.0 for master's programs.
For bachelor's programs, a higher education entrance qualification like the Abitur or equivalent is required. For German-taught programs, proof of German language proficiency (TestDaF 4x4 or DSH-2) is necessary. Some programs may also require or benefit from relevant work experience.