In short
Fachhochschule Jena (EAH Jena) is a practice-oriented German university offering Bachelor's and Master's programs in technology, business, social sciences, and health. It emphasizes close campus interaction, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong industry collaborations, with moderate living costs and no general tuition fees for most students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1991
- Students
- 4,200
- International students
- 550
- Acceptance rate
- 55%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–3k/yr
- Languages
- DE
- Location
- Jena, Germany
The Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena (EAH Jena) is a practice-oriented and research-intensive university located in the modern and growing science city of Jena, Germany. With approximately 4,200 students, EAH Jena offers a diverse range of Bachelor's and Master's programs across the fields of Technology, Business, Social Sciences, and Health. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and modern teaching methods. EAH Jena prides itself on its close-knit campus environment, where all university buildings are conveniently located, fostering personal exchange between students and faculty. Small learning groups ensure intensive discussions and individual support. The university is also committed to international collaboration, with numerous exchange programs and partnerships worldwide. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including high-resolution microscopy, powerful lasers, humanoid robots, and simulation rooms for healthcare. The curriculum integrates practical experiences through real experiments, project work, internships, and final theses in collaboration with industry partners, providing valuable career preparation.
Why study here
- Gain practical experience through experiments, projects, internships, and thesis work with industry partners.
- Access top-tier facilities including advanced microscopy, powerful lasers, robots, and healthcare simulation rooms.
- Study in a modern and diverse range of programs across technology, business, social sciences, and health.
- Benefit from a familiar campus with short distances and close personal exchange with faculty and peers.
- Engage in an internationally networked environment with over 100 partner universities and research institutions worldwide.
- Live in Jena, a dynamic city known for its strong scientific community and rich student life.
Student life
Student life at EAH Jena is shaped by the compact, walkable campus and the wider science city of Jena. Students benefit from short distances between buildings, close contact with faculty, and an active student body. Jena itself offers a lively cultural scene with clubs, bars, concerts, and exhibitions, along with plenty of green space and outdoor recreation in the surrounding Saale valley.
Fees
InternationalAs a German public university of applied sciences, EAH Jena charges no general tuition fees for most degree programs; students pay only a semester contribution.
HomeNo general tuition fees for EU and German students; a semester contribution of roughly EUR 250–300 covers administration and a regional transport ticket.
LivingLiving costs in Jena are moderate by German standards, approximately EUR 800–950 per month for rent, food, insurance, and personal expenses.
International students from outside the EU may need to demonstrate proof of financial resources (a blocked account) for the student visa. Some specialised or continuing-education master's programmes may charge fees.
Admissions
School qualificationRecognised higher education entrance qualification (Abitur or international equivalent), often verified via uni-assist.
German proficiencyFor German-taught programmes, proof of German at level B2/C1 (e.g. DSH or TestDaF) is usually required.
Application routeInternational applicants generally apply through uni-assist; some programmes have restricted admission (NC).
IELTS Academic6.0 or higher for English-taught programmes
TOEFL iBT80 or higher for English-taught programmes
Rankings
CHE University Ranking (Germany)Strong ratings for applied sciences in engineering and health programmes
U-MultirankProfiled among German universities of applied sciences
University scholarships
DeutschlandstipendiumEUR 300 per month (merit-based, funded jointly by federal government and sponsors)
DAAD ScholarshipsVaries by programme for international students
Accreditation
EAH Jena is a state-recognised German public university of applied sciences; its degree programmes are accredited through the German system of programme and system accreditation (Akkreditierungsrat).
For international students
GermanyStudent 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.
Programs
a selectionScholarships
for Germany
full fundingThe 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.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Dec 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingMunich 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.
full
Funding
€55k
Max
May 6, 2027
Deadline
full fundingHelmholtz-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.
full
Funding
€55k
Max
May 11, 2027
Deadline
full fundingLeibniz 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.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
14d left
Deadline
full fundingForschungszentrum 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.
full
Funding
€42k
Max
Dec 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingAlexander 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.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Fachhochschule Jena?
+
As a German public university of applied sciences, EAH Jena does not charge general tuition fees for most degree programs. International students only need to pay a semester contribution, which covers administration and a public transport ticket.
What are the living costs in Jena?
+
Living costs in Jena are considered moderate for Germany, with estimated monthly expenses of approximately EUR 800–950 for rent, food, insurance, and personal needs.
What are the English language requirements for international students?
+
For English-taught programs, international students typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or higher, or a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or higher.
How does Fachhochschule Jena prepare students for their careers?
+
EAH Jena integrates practical experience through real experiments, project work, internships, and final theses in collaboration with industry partners, ensuring valuable career preparation.
What kind of facilities does Fachhochschule Jena offer?
+
Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including high-resolution microscopy, powerful lasers, humanoid robots, and simulation rooms for healthcare.
Last updated