GERMANY
Fachhochschule Mannheim, Hochschule für Technik und Gestaltung
public · Founded 1898 · Languages: German, English
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In short
Hochschule Mannheim offers practical, industry-oriented bachelor's and master's programs in engineering, IT, social work, and design. It provides affordable tuition for EU and non-EU students and fosters strong industry partnerships.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1898
- Students
- 6,000
- International students
- 700
- Acceptance rate
- 65%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–3k/yr
- Languages
- GERMAN, ENGLISH
- Location
- Germany
Hochschule Mannheim is a public university of applied sciences founded in 1898, located in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It offers bachelor's and master's programmes in engineering, IT, biotechnology, social work, and design, with a strong emphasis on practical, industry-oriented education. The university partners with major regional employers such as BASF, Roche, and ABB to deliver work-integrated learning. Approximately 6,000 students study on a compact, modern campus minutes from Mannheim city centre.
Why study here
- Benefit from extremely low semester fees (around €1,500–€3,000/year for EU and non-EU students), making Germany one of the most affordable study destinations.
- Gain hands-on, industry-linked education through co-operative programmes and direct partnerships with global companies in the Rhine-Neckar region.
- Access English-taught modules and 100+ ERASMUS+ partner universities for international study exchanges.
- Live in Mannheim, a dynamic, affordable city with a rich cultural scene, world-class theatre, and superb rail links to Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
- Work in cutting-edge research institutes focused on smart manufacturing, biomedical engineering, and sustainable energy.
Student life
Hochschule Mannheim's compact campus in the heart of Mannheim provides easy access to the city's vibrant cultural scene, including the famous National Theatre, Mannheim Palace, and a lively music and nightlife quarter. The student union (AStA) organises sports, social events, and support services. Students benefit from affordable accommodation through the local Studierendenwerk and a well-developed public transport network.
Fees
InternationalNon-EU/EEA international students pay approximately €1,500 per semester (€3,000/year) in tuition fees, plus a semester contribution of around €100–€200 covering student services and public transport.
HomeEU/EEA and German students pay only the semester contribution of approximately €100–€200; there are no tuition fees for this group at Baden-Württemberg state universities of applied sciences.
LivingLiving costs in Mannheim are estimated at €800–€1,000 per month, covering accommodation (€300–€500), food, health insurance, and personal expenses.
Non-EU international fee of €1,500/semester applies from the 2017/18 academic year. Fees and contributions may be updated annually.
Admissions
UndergraduateAbitur or equivalent international university-entrance qualification; NC (grade cut-off) varies by programme. Practical placement or internship may be required before enrolment in some engineering programmes.
Master'sRelevant Bachelor's degree with a minimum grade of 2.5 (German scale) or equivalent; some programmes require work experience.
APS CertificateApplicants from China, Vietnam, or Mongolia must submit an APS certificate verifying academic credentials.
IELTS Academic6.0 (for English-taught modules/programmes).
TOEFL iBT80 (for English-taught modules/programmes).
University scholarships
Deutschlandstipendium€300/month for top-performing students, co-funded by federal government and private sponsors
DAAD ScholarshipsVaries; multiple programmes available for international students and returnees via the German Academic Exchange Service
Accreditation
State-accredited by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science; individual programmes carry ASIIN or FIBAA accreditation.
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
15d 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 Hochschule Mannheim?
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Non-EU/EEA international students pay approximately €1,500 per semester in tuition fees, in addition to a semester contribution of around €100–€200. EU/EEA and German students only pay the semester contribution, with no tuition fees.
What are the living costs for students in Mannheim?
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Estimated living costs in Mannheim range from €800 to €1,000 per month. This typically covers accommodation, food, health insurance, and personal expenses.
What academic qualifications are required for admission?
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Admission requires a German Abitur or an equivalent international qualification. Some programmes have a numerus clausus (NC) based on the Abitur grade, and specific requirements apply for Master's programmes.
Are there English-taught programmes available?
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Yes, Hochschule Mannheim offers English-taught modules and programmes. Students need to demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT score of 80.
Does Hochschule Mannheim offer scholarships for international students?
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International students may be eligible for scholarships such as the Deutschlandstipendium, which provides €300 per month for top students. The DAAD also offers various scholarships for international students.
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