GERMANY
Fachhochschule Offenburg, Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft
public · Founded 1964 · Languages: de
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In short
Fachhochschule Offenburg offers application-oriented studies in engineering, business, media, and computer science with a strong emphasis on practical experience and industry connections. It provides an affordable education with no general tuition fees for international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1964
- Students
- 4,500
- International students
- 600
- Acceptance rate
- 75%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–3k/yr
- Languages
- DE
- Location
- Germany
Hochschule Offenburg (Offenburg University of Applied Sciences) is a public German Fachhochschule founded in 1964 in Offenburg, Baden-Wurttemberg. It specialises in engineering, business, media, and computer science, combining strong theoretical foundations with mandatory practical semesters in industry. With around 4,500 students, Offenburg University provides an intimate, supportive learning environment and maintains close ties to the region's vibrant industrial base.
Why study here
- Practical, project-based education with mandatory internship semesters integrated into every programme.
- Strong industry connections in the upper Rhine high-tech corridor (Freiburg-Karlsruhe) for internships and graduate employment.
- Ranked in the top group for Business Bachelor programmes in the CHE Ranking 2026.
- Affordable education with no general tuition fees — only a nominal semester contribution.
- International exchange programmes across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, plus an active international student community.
Student life
Offenburg University hosts a lively campus life with student associations, the renowned Schluckspecht eco-vehicle team, an e-sports club, a university orchestra, and regular Open Campus events. The city of Offenburg sits at the gateway to the Black Forest and the Alsace region of France, offering exceptional outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and affordable student living. Accommodation options include university-affiliated student halls and private rentals.
Fees
InternationalNo general tuition fees for international students — the same nominal semester contribution applies. Some postgraduate programmes may have programme fees; check directly with the university.
HomeNo general tuition fees. Students pay a semester contribution of approx. EUR 170-200 per semester covering administration costs.
LivingLiving costs in Offenburg are modest — approximately EUR 700-900/month including accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Baden-Wurttemberg introduced tuition fees of EUR 1,500/semester for non-EU international students at state universities in 2017; confirm current status for your specific programme.
Admissions
Bachelor entryGerman Abitur or recognised equivalent. Subject-specific prerequisites vary by programme (e.g. mathematics, physics for engineering).
Master entryRelevant Bachelor degree from a recognised university. Strong academic record required.
German languageDSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4 for German-taught programmes. Some modules offered in English.
IELTS6.0 (for English-taught modules)
TOEFL iBT80 (for English-taught modules)
Rankings
CHE University Ranking 2026Top group — Business Bachelor programmes
University scholarships
DAAD ScholarshipsEUR 934/month — for international students at German universities
Deutschland StipendiumEUR 300/month — merit-based for high-achieving students
Baden-Wurttemberg StipendiumEUR 650/month — for exchange students from partner universities
Accreditation
State-accredited by the Baden-Wurttemberg Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts. Programmes accredited by ASIIN and other relevant German accreditation bodies.
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.
Programs
a selectionScholarships
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
13d 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 Offenburg?
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There are no general tuition fees for international students at Fachhochschule Offenburg. Students are required to pay a nominal semester contribution of approximately EUR 170-200 per semester, which covers administrative costs. Some postgraduate programs may have additional fees, so it's advisable to check directly with the university.
What are the living costs for students in Offenburg?
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Living costs in Offenburg are considered modest, estimated to be around EUR 700-900 per month. This estimate includes accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
What academic programmes does Fachhochschule Offenburg offer?
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Fachhochschule Offenburg specializes in engineering, business, media, and computer science. The university emphasizes a combination of strong theoretical foundations with practical experience through mandatory internship semesters.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for English-taught modules?
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For English-taught modules, applicants typically need an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 80. It is recommended to verify the specific requirements for your chosen program.
Does the university offer practical experience opportunities for students?
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Yes, practical, project-based education is a core aspect of studies at Fachhochschule Offenburg, with mandatory internship semesters integrated into every program. The university also maintains strong industry connections for internships and graduate employment.
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