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GERMANY

Fachhochschule Niederrhein

public · Founded 1971 · Languages: German, English

In short

Hochschule Niederrhein offers practice-oriented degree programmes with near-zero tuition fees, renowned textile technology, and strong industry links in Germany. It provides affordable living costs and support for international students across its Krefeld and Mönchengladbach campuses.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1971
Students: 14,511
International students: 1,500
Acceptance rate: 65%
Languages: GERMAN, ENGLISH
Location: Germany

Hochschule Niederrhein (Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences) is a publicly funded German university of applied sciences with campuses in Krefeld and Mönchengladbach, founded in 1971. With approximately 14,500 students across seven faculties, it is one of Germany's largest Fachhochschulen. The university is internationally recognised for its Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology, widely regarded as among the finest in Europe. Degree programmes are practice-oriented, and the university has extensive dual-study offerings that integrate academic study with paid professional training.

Why study here

Near-zero tuition: German public universities charge only a semester administrative fee (approx. EUR 300), making higher education highly affordable.
World-renowned textile and clothing technology faculty, attracting students globally for Bachelor's and Master's programmes.
Strong industry links in the Lower Rhine region ensure internship and dual-study opportunities with leading regional employers.
Seven diverse faculties covering engineering, chemistry, social work, health, business, design, and textiles.
Located in the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan area, giving access to one of Europe's largest urban economies.

Student life

Students at Hochschule Niederrhein enjoy a welcoming, multi-campus community across Krefeld and Mönchengladbach. The student union (AStA) organises social events, cultural activities, and support services. Krefeld and Mönchengladbach offer affordable living costs compared to larger German cities, with good transport links to Düsseldorf, Cologne, and the wider Rhine-Ruhr region. International student support services assist with visa, housing, and language integration.

Fees

InternationalInternational students pay the same semester contribution as domestic students — approximately EUR 280–350 per semester (EUR 560–700 per year), covering public transport in the region. No tuition fee applies at German public universities of applied sciences.

HomeEU/domestic students pay only the semester contribution of approximately EUR 280–350 per semester.

LivingMonthly living costs in Krefeld or Mönchengladbach are approximately EUR 700–1,000 covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses (EUR 8,400–12,000 per year).

Students receive a semester ticket included in the contribution fee, covering public transport in the NRW tariff zone.

Admissions

Undergraduate entryGerman Abitur, Fachhochschulreife, or recognised equivalent international qualification

Postgraduate entryRelevant bachelor degree in a related discipline

Numerus Clausus (NC)Applies to select high-demand programmes; varies by subject and semester

IELTS Academic (English-taught programmes)6.0 overall

TOEFL iBT (English-taught programmes)79

TestDaF (German-taught programmes)TDN 4 in all four sections

Rankings

CHE University Ranking (textile-related engineering)Top tier in Germany

University scholarships

DAAD ScholarshipsEUR 861/month (postgraduate) or EUR 750/month (undergraduate)

DeutschlandstipendiumEUR 300/month

NRW State ScholarshipsVaries by programme

Accreditation

Hochschule Niederrhein is a state-recognised university of applied sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia. Individual degree programmes are accredited by AQAS or ASIIN, the German programme accreditation agencies.

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

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Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at Hochschule Niederrhein?

International students at Hochschule Niederrhein pay the same semester contribution as domestic students, which is approximately EUR 280–350 per semester. This fee covers public transport in the region, and there are no tuition fees at German public universities of applied sciences.

What are the estimated living costs for students in Krefeld or Mönchengladbach?

Monthly living costs in Krefeld or Mönchengladbach are estimated to be between EUR 700–1,000 per year. This range covers accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.

Does Hochschule Niederrhein offer programmes taught in English?

Yes, Hochschule Niederrhein offers programmes taught in English. For admission to these programmes, students typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 79.

What are the entry requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes?

For undergraduate studies, a German Abitur, Fachhochschulreife, or a recognised equivalent international qualification is required. For postgraduate entry, a relevant bachelor's degree in a related discipline is necessary.

What makes the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology at Hochschule Niederrhein stand out?

The Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology at Hochschule Niederrhein is internationally recognised and widely regarded as among the finest in Europe, attracting students globally for its Bachelor's and Master's programmes.

Last updated 3 July 2026