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GERMANY · MERSEBURG

Fachhochschule Merseburg

public · Founded 1992 · Languages: German, English

In short

Fachhochschule Merseburg is a public university of applied sciences in Germany offering practice-oriented programs with no tuition fees for most students. It provides an affordable living environment and strong industry connections, especially in engineering and economics.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1992
Students: 2,800
International students: 350
Acceptance rate: 75%
Tuition (intl): €2–3k/yr
Languages: GERMAN, ENGLISH
Location: Merseburg, Germany

Hochschule Merseburg (Merseburg University of Applied Sciences) is a public Fachhochschule in Merseburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, founded in 1992. The university offers practice-oriented Bachelor's and Master's programs across engineering, computer science, economics, and social work. With around 2,800 students, it provides an intimate learning environment with strong regional industry connections, particularly in chemicals and engineering.

Why study here

Highly affordable public university in Germany — most programs have no or very low tuition fees for EU and international students.
Strong applied focus with close industry partnerships, especially in chemicals, energy, and engineering sectors of central Germany.
Compact campus in Merseburg with easy access to the cultural cities of Halle (20 min) and Leipzig (45 min).
Erasmus+ partnerships across Europe enabling semester exchanges and international study experiences.
Practical, project-based curricula with mandatory internships ensuring strong graduate employability.

Student life

Merseburg's compact campus offers student housing, a cafeteria, sports facilities, and an active student union. The city of Merseburg has a rich medieval history with a well-preserved cathedral and surrounding parkland. Students benefit from extremely low living costs compared to major German cities, while Halle and Leipzig are nearby for concerts, nightlife, museums, and cultural events.

Fees

InternationalNo tuition fees for most programs. Semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of approximately EUR 200-300 per semester covers administration, public transport, and student services.

HomeSame as international: no tuition fees for most programs; only the semester contribution applies.

LivingEstimated monthly living costs in Merseburg: EUR 600-850, covering accommodation (EUR 200-350), food, transport, and personal expenses — among the most affordable in Germany.

Some advanced or continuing education Master's programs may charge tuition. Costs reviewed annually.

Admissions

Bachelor's (General)German Abitur or equivalent international university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung). Some programs require specific subject knowledge.

Master's (General)Relevant Bachelor's degree with sufficient GPA (usually 2.5 or better on German scale). Program-specific prerequisites apply.

LanguageMost programs taught in German; minimum German level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4 typically required. Some programs accept English proficiency instead.

DSHDSH-2 (for German-taught programs)

TestDaFTDN 4 in each section

IELTS Academic6.0 (for English-taught programs)

University scholarships

DAAD ScholarshipsVarious; typically EUR 800-1,200/month stipend for eligible international students

DeutschlandstipendiumEUR 300/month merit scholarship co-funded by federal government and private sponsors

Accreditation

Hochschule Merseburg is a state-recognized university in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, accredited by the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat). All programs comply with the Bologna Process and lead to internationally recognized Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

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 Merseburg?

Fachhochschule Merseburg has no tuition fees for most Bachelor's and Master's programs. International students only need to pay a semester contribution, which is approximately EUR 200-300 per semester and covers administrative costs, public transport, and student services.

What is the cost of living for students in Merseburg?

The estimated monthly living costs in Merseburg range from EUR 600 to EUR 850. This includes accommodation (EUR 200-350), food, transportation, and personal expenses, making it one of the most affordable cities in Germany for students.

What academic programs are offered at Fachhochschule Merseburg?

Fachhochschule Merseburg offers practice-oriented Bachelor's and Master's programs in fields such as engineering, computer science, economics, and social work. The university has a strong focus on applied sciences and maintains close connections with regional industries.

What are the language requirements for studying at Fachhochschule Merseburg?

Most programs are taught in German, requiring a minimum level of DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4. However, some programs are taught in English and require proficiency demonstrated by an IELTS Academic score of 6.0.

Does Fachhochschule Merseburg offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, international students may be eligible for scholarships such as the DAAD Scholarships, which provide a monthly stipend, or the Deutschlandstipendium, a merit-based scholarship co-funded by the government and private sponsors.

Last updated 3 July 2026