GERMANY · LUDWIGSHAFEN AM RHEIN
Fachhochschule Ludwigshafen, Hochschule für Wirtschaft
public · Founded 1964 · Languages: German, English
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In short
Fachhochschule Ludwigshafen is a public university of applied sciences in Germany offering practice-oriented business and management programs. It provides affordable tuition, English-taught options, and strong industry connections in the dynamic Rhine-Neckar region.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1964
- Students
- 4,000
- International students
- 500
- Acceptance rate
- 70%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–3k/yr
- Languages
- GERMAN, ENGLISH
- Location
- Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
Fachhochschule Ludwigshafen – Hochschule für Wirtschaft is a public university of applied sciences in Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany, dedicated to business and management education. Founded in 1964, it offers bachelor's and master's programmes in Business Administration, International Business, Digital Business Management, and related fields. The university is embedded in the dynamic Rhine-Neckar region, Germany's third-largest metropolitan area, providing exceptional industry access. Small class sizes and a practice-oriented curriculum prepare graduates for immediate professional impact.
Why study here
- Specialised business and management focus with direct industry connections to major Rhine-Neckar employers including BASF, SAP, and Roche.
- Affordable tuition as a German state Fachhochschule — semester fees are minimal compared to private or international alternatives.
- International Bachelor's and Master's programmes taught fully in English, making the university accessible to non-German speakers.
- Internship semesters and applied research projects integrated into every degree programme.
- Central European location gives easy access to Frankfurt, Mannheim, Heidelberg, and Karlsruhe for internships and careers.
Student life
The compact campus in Ludwigshafen offers a close-knit student community. Student clubs, international exchange partnerships (Erasmus+), and networking events with regional businesses create an active campus life. The Rhine waterfront and proximity to Mannheim's cultural scene provide ample leisure options outside of study.
Fees
International~EUR 1,500–3,000 per year (semester administrative fees; Germany does not charge tuition at most public universities for international students, though some master's programmes may levy modest fees)
Home~EUR 300 per semester (administrative/student services fee)
Living~EUR 800–1,000 per month in Ludwigshafen/Mannheim area
No tuition fees for most bachelor's programmes. Select English-language master's programmes may charge programme fees. Students must show proof of sufficient funds (~EUR 11,208/year) for visa purposes.
Admissions
UndergraduateAbitur or equivalent secondary school leaving certificate; German language proficiency (TestDaF, DSH) for German-taught programmes; English proficiency for English-taught programmes.
PostgraduateRelevant bachelor's degree (min. 210 ECTS); language requirements depending on programme language; motivation letter and CV typically required.
TOEFL iBT80+
IELTS6.0+
Rankings
CHE University Ranking (Germany)Well-regarded regional Fachhochschule for Business
University scholarships
DAAD ScholarshipsEUR 750–1,200/month (various programmes for international students)
DeutschlandstipendiumEUR 300/month for high-achieving students
Accreditation
State-accredited by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science; programmes accredited by AQAS and FIBAA.
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.
Scholarships
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 Ludwigshafen?
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As a public university of applied sciences in Germany, Fachhochschule Ludwigshafen does not charge tuition for most bachelor's programs. International students typically pay administrative and student services fees of around EUR 300 per semester. Some select English-language master's programs may have modest program fees, ranging from EUR 1,500–3,000 per year.
What are the living costs for students in Ludwigshafen?
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Estimated living costs in the Ludwigshafen/Mannheim area range from approximately EUR 800 to EUR 1,000 per month. This includes accommodation, food, and personal expenses.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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For English-taught programs, international students generally need a TOEFL iBT score of 80+ or an IELTS score of 6.0+.
What academic qualifications are needed for admission?
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For undergraduate programs, an Abitur or equivalent secondary school leaving certificate is required. For postgraduate programs, a relevant bachelor's degree (minimum 210 ECTS) is necessary. Specific language proficiency requirements apply depending on the program's language of instruction.
Does the university offer any scholarships for international students?
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Yes, Fachhochschule Ludwigshafen mentions DAAD Scholarships, which provide EUR 750–1,200 per month, and the Deutschlandstipendium, offering EUR 300 per month for high-achieving students.
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