GERMANY
Fachhochschule Nordhausen
public · Founded 1997 · Languages: German, English
In short
Fachhochschule Nordhausen is a public university of applied sciences in Germany offering practical training in fields like engineering and business, with low semester fees and an affordable cost of living. It provides English-taught master's programmes and a close-knit campus community.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1997
- Students
- 2,500
- International students
- 250
- Acceptance rate
- 75%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–3k/yr
- Languages
- GERMAN, ENGLISH
- Location
- Germany
Fachhochschule Nordhausen is a public university of applied sciences in Nordhausen, Thuringia, founded in 1997. It specialises in engineering, renewable energy, business, and social sciences, combining theoretical foundations with strong practical training. The university maintains regional industry partnerships and offers English-taught master's programmes to attract international students. Its compact campus fosters a close-knit academic community with high student satisfaction.
Why study here
- Specialised focus on renewable energies and sustainable engineering — a growing field with strong employment prospects
- Small class sizes and high lecturer-to-student ratios ensure personalised attention and mentorship
- Very low tuition fees as a German public Fachhochschule — most programmes cost only semester fees (~300 EUR per semester)
- Located in Thuringia close to the Harz mountains, offering affordable cost of living and high quality of life
- Strong practical orientation with mandatory internships and applied research projects tied to real industry problems
Student life
Nordhausen's compact campus creates a tight-knit student community. The city is small and affordable, with outdoor activities in the Harz National Park readily accessible. Student clubs cover sports, music, and entrepreneurship. The student union (StuRa) organises cultural events, semester parties, and study trips. On-campus accommodation and a subsidised canteen keep living costs low.
Fees
International~300 EUR per semester (semester contribution; no general tuition fees for public Fachhochschulen in Thuringia)
Home~300 EUR per semester (same semester contribution applies to domestic students)
LivingApproximately 700–900 EUR per month including accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses in Nordhausen
International students outside the EU may face additional administrative fees; health insurance (~110 EUR/month) is mandatory. Some specialised Master's programmes may charge tuition.
Admissions
Undergraduate entryGerman Abitur, Fachhochschulreife, or equivalent foreign secondary qualification
Master's entryRelevant bachelor's degree (at least 180 ECTS) with a grade equivalent to German 2.5 or better
German languageDSH-2 or TestDaF TDN 4 for German-taught programmes
Application portalApplications via uni-assist for international applicants; direct portal for domestic students
IELTS6.0
TOEFL iBT80
Cambridge B2B2 or above
University scholarships
Deutschlandstipendium300 EUR/month (Federal merit scholarship available to all students)
DAAD ScholarshipsVarious amounts; for international students at German universities
Accreditation
Fachhochschule Nordhausen is state-recognised and accredited by the Thuringian Ministry of Education; individual programmes hold AQAS 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
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 Nordhausen?
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As a public university of applied sciences in Thuringia, Fachhochschule Nordhausen has no general tuition fees for most programmes. International students only pay a semester contribution of approximately 300 EUR per semester. Additional administrative fees and mandatory health insurance (~110 EUR/month) may apply.
What are the living costs for students in Nordhausen?
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The estimated monthly living costs in Nordhausen are around 700–900 EUR. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses, reflecting the city's affordable cost of living.
What academic programmes are offered at Fachhochschule Nordhausen?
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Fachhochschule Nordhausen specialises in engineering, renewable energy, business, and social sciences. It offers programmes that combine theoretical knowledge with practical training, including some English-taught master's degrees.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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International students applying for English-taught programmes typically need to provide proof of English proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS with a score of 6.0, TOEFL iBT with a score of 80, or Cambridge B2 with a B2 level or higher.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
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Yes, international students can apply for scholarships such as the Deutschlandstipendium, which provides 300 EUR per month, and various DAAD scholarships for study in Germany.
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