GERMANY
Fachhochschule Oldenburg/Ostfriesland/Wilhelmshaven
public · Founded 1971 · Languages: German
F
In short
Fachhochschule Oldenburg/Ostfriesland/Wilhelmshaven (FH OOW) was a German public university that merged to form Jade Hochschule in 2009. It offered practice-oriented programmes with low semester fees and provided a community-oriented study environment in coastal Lower Saxony.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1971
- Students
- 6,000
- International students
- 400
- Languages
- GERMAN
- Location
- Germany
Fachhochschule Oldenburg/Ostfriesland/Wilhelmshaven (FH OOW) was a publicly funded multi-campus university of applied sciences in Lower Saxony, Germany, serving communities across the North Sea coastal region. Operating campuses in Oldenburg, Emden, Elsfleth, and Wilhelmshaven, it offered practice-oriented programmes in engineering, economics, social work, and maritime studies. In 2009, FH OOW merged with Fachhochschule Wilhelmshaven to form Jade Hochschule (Jade University of Applied Sciences), which continues its educational mission today. Students interested in current programmes should visit Jade Hochschule.
Why study here
- Successor institution Jade Hochschule continues offering strong applied engineering and maritime programmes linked to Germany's only deep-water port at Wilhelmshaven.
- Near-zero tuition at German public universities — only a semester administrative fee of approximately EUR 300 per semester.
- Strategic coastal location with industry links to offshore energy, maritime logistics, and automotive supply chains.
- Small, community-oriented campuses with personalised study environments.
- Strong regional employer networks in Lower Saxony for graduate placement.
Student life
The coastal campuses of the former FH OOW (now Jade Hochschule) offered an intimate student community with access to North Sea recreational areas, cycling routes, and a relaxed northwestern German lifestyle. Cities like Oldenburg and Wilhelmshaven provide affordable living and good regional rail connections.
Fees
InternationalAs a former German public university, FH OOW charged only a semester contribution of approximately EUR 300 per semester. No separate tuition fee applied for international students.
HomeDomestic and EU students paid only the semester contribution (approx. EUR 300 per semester).
LivingMonthly living costs in the Lower Saxony region are approximately EUR 700–900 (EUR 8,400–10,800 per year).
The institution no longer accepts new students under this name; please refer to Jade Hochschule (jadehochschule.de) for current programmes.
Admissions
Undergraduate entryGerman Abitur, Fachhochschulreife, or recognised equivalent international qualification
Current admissionsProspective students should apply to Jade Hochschule, the successor institution
TestDaF (German-taught programmes)TDN 4 in all four sections
IELTS (English-taught programmes)6.0 overall
University scholarships
DAAD ScholarshipsEUR 861/month (postgraduate)
DeutschlandstipendiumEUR 300/month
Accreditation
FH OOW was a state-recognised university of applied sciences in Lower Saxony. Its successor Jade Hochschule is accredited by the German Accreditation Council.
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 is Fachhochschule Oldenburg/Ostfriesland/Wilhelmshaven (FH OOW)?
+
Fachhochschule Oldenburg/Ostfriesland/Wilhelmshaven (FH OOW) was a publicly funded university of applied sciences in Lower Saxony, Germany. It operated campuses in Oldenburg, Emden, Elsfleth, and Wilhelmshaven, offering practice-oriented programmes.
Does FH OOW still exist?
+
No, FH OOW merged with Fachhochschule Wilhelmshaven in 2009 to form Jade Hochschule (Jade University of Applied Sciences). Current students should refer to Jade Hochschule for programmes.
What were the tuition fees at FH OOW?
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As a former German public university, FH OOW charged only a semester contribution of approximately EUR 300 per semester. No separate tuition fees applied for international students.
What were the estimated living costs?
+
Monthly living costs in the Lower Saxony region were approximately EUR 700–900, equating to EUR 8,400–10,800 per year.
What kind of programmes did FH OOW offer?
+
FH OOW offered practice-oriented programmes in fields such as engineering, economics, social work, and maritime studies.
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