GERMANY
Fachhochschule Nürtingen, Hochschule für Wirtschaft, Landwirtschaft und Landespflege
public · Founded 1949 · Languages: German, English
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In short
Fachhochschule Nürtingen (HfWU) is a German university of applied sciences offering practice-oriented programs in business, agriculture, and environmental sciences. It provides a high-quality, affordable education with strong industry links.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1949
- Students
- 5,000
- International students
- 500
- Acceptance rate
- 80%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–3k/yr
- Languages
- GERMAN, ENGLISH
- Location
- Germany
Nürtingen-Geislingen University (HfWU) is a public university of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, offering practice-oriented programs in business, economics, real estate, agriculture, landscape architecture, and environmental management. Founded in 1949, it enrolls around 5,000 students across its Nürtingen and Geislingen campuses and is closely integrated with the Stuttgart region's business community. The university is a leader in applied research on sustainable land use, rural development, and regional economic management.
Why study here
- Unique combination of business, agricultural, and environmental science programs under one institution.
- Strong industry links with the Stuttgart metropolitan area, a hub of German engineering and manufacturing.
- Virtually tuition-free education with only a small semester contribution required.
- Compact campuses with low student-to-faculty ratios ensure personalized academic support.
- Erasmus+ exchange partnerships providing opportunities for international experience.
Student life
Nürtingen is a friendly small city on the Neckar river, offering affordable student living within easy reach of Stuttgart. The university's student union organises cultural, sports, and social events throughout the semester. Students benefit from a modern library, sports facilities, and a subsidised cafeteria. The proximity to Stuttgart provides access to a world-class cultural and nightlife scene.
Fees
InternationalApprox. EUR 1,500–3,000 per year (semester contributions only; Baden-Württemberg may charge non-EU tuition of approx. EUR 1,500/semester).
HomeSemester contribution of approx. EUR 170 covering student services and public transport.
LivingMonthly costs in Nürtingen estimated at EUR 650–900 including rent, food, and transport.
Non-EU international students in Baden-Württemberg pay approx. EUR 1,500 per semester in tuition fees since 2017. EU students pay only the semester contribution.
Admissions
UndergraduateAbitur or equivalent international secondary school leaving certificate; subject-specific requirements may apply
PostgraduateRelevant bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA; work experience required for some MBA programs
IELTS6.0 for English-medium programs
TOEFL iBT79 for English-medium programs
University scholarships
DAAD ScholarshipVaries — German Academic Exchange Service funding for international students
DeutschlandstipendiumEUR 300/month for academically high-achieving students
Accreditation
State-recognised university in Baden-Württemberg; programs accredited by FIBAA and AQAS.
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 approximate living costs for international students in Nürtingen?
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Monthly living costs in Nürtingen are estimated to be between EUR 650 and EUR 900, covering expenses such as rent, food, and transportation.
What are the tuition fees for international students at Fachhochschule Nürtingen?
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Non-EU international students may pay approximately EUR 1,500 per semester in tuition fees. EU students and all students are also required to pay a semester contribution of around EUR 170, which covers student services and public transport.
What are the English language requirements for English-taught programs?
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For English-medium programs, applicants typically need an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 79.
What academic qualifications are required for undergraduate and postgraduate programs?
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For undergraduate studies, an Abitur or equivalent international secondary school leaving certificate is generally required. Postgraduate applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree, with some MBA programs also requiring work experience.
Does Fachhochschule Nürtingen offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, international students may be eligible for scholarships such as the DAAD Scholarship, which offers varying funding, or the Deutschlandstipendium for academically high-achieving students.
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