
Fachhochschule Flensburg is a German public university offering practice-oriented programs in engineering, business, and maritime studies with low or no tuition fees. Located near the Danish border, it provides a unique cross-border academic environment and affordable living costs.
Fachhochschule Flensburg is a public university of applied sciences in Flensburg, northern Germany, founded in 1886. It offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's programs in engineering, business, maritime studies, and industrial engineering. Its location near the Danish border gives it a strong cross-border, Scandinavian character and distinctive expertise in renewable energy and maritime technology. Class sizes are small, enabling close interaction between students and professors.
Flensburg offers an affordable student-friendly city close to the Danish border with a compact, sociable campus. Students can access the city's waterfront, sailing clubs, and a growing start-up scene, alongside on-campus events and international student associations.
Some continuing education or part-time master's programs may carry tuition fees. Check the university website for the latest semester contribution amounts.
Fachhochschule Flensburg is a state-recognised public university under the laws of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Its programs are accredited by the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) through recognised 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.
As a German public university, Fachhochschule Flensburg does not charge tuition fees for most programs. International students only need to pay a semester contribution of approximately €300-€400, which covers administrative costs and public transport.
International applicants need a school-leaving certificate equivalent to the German Abitur. For English-taught programs, an IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT of 80 is required, while German-taught programs typically need a B2/C1 German language proficiency.
Living costs in Flensburg are estimated to be around €700-€900 per month. This covers rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses, and is generally below the German student average.
Fachhochschule Flensburg offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's programs in fields such as engineering, business, maritime studies, and industrial engineering.
Yes, Fachhochschule Flensburg participates in scholarship programs like the DAAD Scholarships, which provide varying monthly amounts, and the Deutschlandstipendium, offering €300 per month.