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GERMANY · LÜBECK

Fachhochschule Lübeck

public · Founded 1808 · Languages: de

In short

Fachhochschule Lübeck (THL) is a public university of applied sciences offering practical, industry-linked degrees in engineering, business, and design. Located in the historic city of Lübeck, it boasts no tuition fees for most programmes and affordable living costs for international students.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1808
Students: 4,339
International students: 500
Acceptance rate: 65%
Tuition (intl): €1–3k/yr
Languages: DE
Location: Lübeck, Germany

Technische Hochschule Lübeck (THL), rooted in a technical school founded in 1808, is a public university of applied sciences in Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein. With approximately 4,300 students, it offers Bachelor's and Master's programmes in engineering, computer science, civil engineering, applied sciences, business, and design, all grounded in practical application and regional industry partnerships. THL's compact campus in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Lübeck combines modern research labs and maker spaces with direct access to the city's medical technology cluster and the broader Hamburg metropolitan economy.

Why study here

Gain hands-on, industry-linked education with close ties to Lübeck's medical technology, engineering, and logistics sectors.
Study in a UNESCO World Heritage city with a rich cultural scene and excellent quality of life.
Benefit from low costs: no tuition fees for most programmes, only a semester contribution of ~€300 covering admin and local transport.
Access a compact, supportive campus with small cohort sizes and direct faculty contact.
Enjoy excellent transport links — Hamburg in 45 minutes, Baltic Sea coast and Denmark within easy reach.

Student life

Student life in Lübeck combines the intimacy of a compact university with the cultural richness of a historic Hanseatic city. The city centre, with its Gothic churches, narrow streets, and vibrant café culture, is a short bike ride from campus. Students engage in engineering project competitions, sports clubs, and the broader creative and tech communities in northern Germany.

Fees

InternationalNo tuition fees for most public programmes. Semester contribution of approx. €300–€350 covers administrative costs and public transport in the region.

HomeSame as international: semester contribution ~€300–€350; no separate tuition for most programmes.

LivingEstimated monthly living cost in Lübeck: €800–€1,100 (rent, food, transport).

Some specialised Master's programmes may carry programme fees. Check THL's current programme finder for exact figures.

Admissions

Higher education entrance qualificationAbitur or recognised equivalent. Subject-specific NC (numerus clausus) applies to some programmes.

German language proficiencyDSH-2 or TestDaF 4×4 required for German-taught programmes.

ApplicationApply via Hochschulstart or directly through THL's application portal. International applicants may apply via uni-assist.

German (DSH-2)Required for German-taught programmes

IELTS / TOEFLRequired for English-medium programmes — check specific programme requirements

University scholarships

Deutschlandstipendium€300/month for outstanding students

DAAD ScholarshipsVaries – various programmes for international students via the German Academic Exchange Service

Accreditation

State-accredited public university of applied sciences under the laws of Schleswig-Holstein. Programmes accredited by the German Accreditation Council (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 Lübeck (THL)?

International students generally do not pay tuition fees for most programmes at THL. A semester contribution of approximately €300–€350 covers administrative costs and public transport in the region. Some specialized Master's programmes may have additional fees.

What are the estimated living costs in Lübeck for students?

The estimated monthly living costs in Lübeck, including rent, food, and transport, range from €800 to €1,100. This makes studying at THL a cost-effective option, especially with no tuition fees for most programmes.

What academic programmes are offered at Fachhochschule Lübeck?

THL offers Bachelor's and Master's programmes in fields such as engineering, computer science, civil engineering, applied sciences, business, and design. These programmes are focused on practical application and industry partnerships.

What language proficiency is required for international students?

For English-taught programmes, proficiency in English is required, typically demonstrated through IELTS or TOEFL scores (check specific programme requirements). For German-taught programmes, a German language proficiency test like DSH-2 is necessary.

What are the benefits of studying at THL?

Students benefit from hands-on, industry-linked education in a UNESCO World Heritage city. THL offers low costs with no tuition for most programmes, a compact campus with direct faculty contact, and excellent transport links to Hamburg and the Baltic coast.

Last updated 3 July 2026