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GERMANY · REGENSBURG

Fachhochschule Regensburg

public · Founded 1971 · Languages: German, English

In short

Fachhochschule Regensburg (OTH Regensburg) is a public university in Bavaria offering practice-oriented degrees in various fields. It provides a low-cost education with strong industry ties and a high quality of life in the historic city of Regensburg.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1971
Students: 11,000
International students: 1,200
Acceptance rate: 65%
Tuition (intl): €6–7k/yr
Languages: GERMAN, ENGLISH
Location: Regensburg, Germany

Regensburg University of Applied Sciences (OTH Regensburg) is a public Bavarian institution founded in 1971. With around 11,000 students, it offers applied degree programmes across architecture, business, computer science, engineering, and social work. The university's practice-oriented approach, dual-study options, and strong employer links make graduates highly sought after in southern Germany's industrial economy.

Why study here

Low-cost Bavarian education with only a nominal semester contribution.
Dual-study programmes combining university studies with paid employment at partner companies.
Strong industry ties with BMW, Continental, and other Bavarian manufacturers.
UNESCO World Heritage setting with affordable living and great quality of life.
Growing portfolio of English-taught modules and international exchange programmes.

Student life

OTH Regensburg's student union (StuV) organises parties, sports events, and cultural trips. Regensburg's old town pubs and student cafes create a lively social scene. The university sports centre offers football, volleyball, climbing, and water sports on the Danube. Dormitories managed by the Studentenwerk are affordable and well-located.

Fees

InternationalApprox. EUR 500-1,500 per semester (semester contribution only; no separate international tuition).

HomeNo additional tuition fees; same semester contribution applies.

LivingApprox. EUR 650-900 per month in Regensburg.

Bavaria introduced tuition fees for non-EU international students of EUR 3,000 per semester from 2024. Check official OTH sources for the latest fee schedule.

Admissions

Entrance QualificationAbitur, Fachhochschulreife, or recognised international equivalent.

German LanguageDSH-2 or TestDaF 4 for German-taught programmes.

English LanguageIELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80 for English-taught programmes.

IELTS6.0

TOEFL iBT80

University scholarships

DeutschlandstipendiumEUR 300/month

DAAD ScholarshipVaries

Accreditation

State-recognised university of applied sciences; programmes accredited by ACQUIN and ASIIN.

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

for Germany

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

The 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.

Munich 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.

Helmholtz-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.

Leibniz 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.

Forschungszentrum 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.

Alexander 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.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at Fachhochschule Regensburg (OTH Regensburg)?

Bavaria introduced tuition fees of EUR 3,000 per semester for non-EU international students from 2024. EU students and those with recognized equivalents generally do not pay tuition fees, only a semester contribution of approximately EUR 500-1,500 per semester. It is advisable to check the official OTH Regensburg sources for the most current fee schedule.

What are the living costs for students in Regensburg?

Living costs in Regensburg are estimated to be around EUR 650-900 per month. This covers accommodation, food, and other daily expenses. Regensburg is known for its affordable living costs compared to other German cities.

What academic programmes are offered at Fachhochschule Regensburg?

Regensburg University of Applied Sciences offers applied degree programmes in fields such as architecture, business, computer science, engineering, and social work. The university focuses on practice-oriented education.

Are there English-taught programmes available?

Yes, Fachhochschule Regensburg is expanding its portfolio of English-taught modules and offers international exchange programmes. For English-taught programmes, you typically need an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 80.

What are the admission requirements for international students?

International applicants need a recognized entrance qualification, such as an Abitur or its international equivalent. For German-taught programs, proof of German language proficiency (DSH-2 or TestDaF 4) is required. For English-taught programs, an IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT of 80 is generally needed.

Last updated 3 July 2026