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GERMANY

Fachhochschule Hannover

public · Founded 1971 · Languages: German, English

In short

Fachhochschule Hannover is a public university of applied sciences offering practice-oriented education with strong industry ties. It provides affordable tuition and opportunities for international students in a dynamic German city.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1971
Students: 11,000
International students: 1,200
Tuition (intl): €2–3k/yr
Languages: GERMAN, ENGLISH
Location: Germany

Fachhochschule Hannover (Hochschule Hannover — HsH) is a public university of applied sciences in Hannover, Germany, founded in 1971. With around 11,000 students across five faculties covering engineering, media, design, social work, and business, it emphasises applied, practice-oriented education with strong ties to regional industry. Located in Germany's trade fair capital, students benefit from unrivalled networking opportunities with leading technology and business firms.

Why study here

Practice-oriented programmes with mandatory industry placements and project-based learning across all faculties.
Affordable or near-zero tuition — German public universities charge only semester contribution fees (approx. €300–€400 per semester).
Located in Hannover, Germany's trade fair capital, offering outstanding internship and networking opportunities.
International degree programmes and English-taught modules available, attracting a growing global student body.
Compact, student-friendly city with low living costs compared to Berlin or Munich.

Student life

Student life at HsH is dynamic and diverse. The Studentenwerk Hannover manages affordable student accommodation and canteens. Hannover's student population of over 50,000 across its universities drives a lively cultural and social scene. The university's location near the Hannover Messe and the city's green Maschsee lake provide both professional and recreational opportunities. Student associations, sports clubs, and international student networks foster community on campus.

Fees

InternationalNon-EU international students pay no tuition fees; only the semester contribution fee of approximately €350–€400 per semester applies (includes a public transport ticket for Hannover and surrounding region).

HomeGerman/EU students pay the same semester contribution fee of approximately €350–€400. No general tuition fees for public universities in Lower Saxony.

LivingMonthly living costs in Hannover are approximately €800–€1,100 including rent, food, transport, and personal expenses.

The semester contribution includes a semester ticket valid for regional public transport. Financial support is available via BAföG for eligible students and DAAD scholarships for international students.

Admissions

Undergraduate entryGerman Abitur, Fachhochschulreife, or internationally recognised equivalent (e.g. A-levels, IB)

Postgraduate entryBachelor's degree in a relevant field; minimum grade requirements vary by programme

Numerus ClaususSome programmes have NC restrictions; check programme-specific requirements

IELTS6.0 for English-taught programmes

TOEFL iBT80 for English-taught programmes

DSH / TestDaFRequired for German-taught programmes (DSH-2 or TestDaF level 4)

University scholarships

DAAD Scholarships€850–€1,200/month for international students

Deutschlandstipendium€300/month, merit-based

Hannover-StipendiumVaries — regional scholarship for high-achieving students

Accreditation

Hochschule Hannover is a state-recognised public university of applied sciences accredited by the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat). Individual programmes hold ACQUIN or AQAS programme accreditation. The institution is a member of the Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK) and the European University Association (EUA).

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 Hannover?

Non-EU international students do not pay general tuition fees. They are only required to pay a semester contribution fee of approximately €350–€400 per semester.

What are the estimated living costs for students in Hannover?

Monthly living costs in Hannover are estimated to be between €800 and €1,100. This includes expenses for rent, food, transport, and personal needs.

What academic programmes are offered at Fachhochschule Hannover?

Fachhochschule Hannover offers programmes across five faculties: engineering, media, design, social work, and business, with an emphasis on applied, practice-oriented education.

Does Fachhochschule Hannover offer programmes taught in English?

Yes, Fachhochschule Hannover offers international degree programmes and English-taught modules, catering to a growing global student body.

How do international students apply to Fachhochschule Hannover?

International applicants typically submit their applications via uni-assist. The application deadlines are usually 15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester.

Last updated 3 July 2026