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GERMANY

Fachhochschule und Berufskollegs NTA, Prof.Dr. Grübler gemein. GmbH

private · Founded 1962 · Languages: German

In short

NTA Isny is a private university of applied sciences in Germany offering specialized programs in environmental technology and biotechnology. It provides an intimate learning environment with practical, hands-on training, and has modest tuition fees and affordable living costs.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1962
Students: 450
International students: 40
Acceptance rate: 75%
Tuition (intl): €2–4k/yr
Languages: GERMAN
Location: Germany

NTA Isny (Fachhochschule und Berufskollegs NTA, Prof. Dr. Grübler gemein. GmbH) is a small private university of applied sciences in Isny im Allgäu, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Founded in 1962, it focuses on environmental technology, biotechnology, technical chemistry, and process engineering. Small cohort sizes ensure close student–faculty interaction and hands-on laboratory training in a picturesque Alpine-foothills setting.

Why study here

Intimate learning environment with very small cohorts enabling direct faculty mentorship and personalised support.
Specialist focus on environmental engineering and biotechnology — disciplines with strong career growth in Europe.
Practical, laboratory-intensive curriculum that prepares graduates directly for industry roles.
Located in the scenic Allgäu region with an excellent quality of life and affordable living costs.
Associated vocational college pathways providing flexible entry routes for diverse educational backgrounds.

Student life

Campus life at NTA Isny is characterised by a close-knit community feel. The small student body means strong peer relationships and easy access to faculty. Isny im Allgäu is a charming historic town in the Alpine foothills, offering hiking, skiing, cycling, and outdoor activities year-round. Student housing is available locally at modest rents. The broader Allgäu region has excellent transport connections to Ulm, Munich, and Lake Constance.

Fees

InternationalAs a private institution, NTA Isny charges modest tuition contributions of approximately €2,000–€4,000 per year for all students including international applicants.

HomeGerman and EU students pay the same fee structure as international students — approximately €2,000–€4,000 per year, plus the standard semester contribution.

LivingMonthly living costs in Isny im Allgäu are approximately €700–€900 including accommodation, food, and local transport — well below larger German cities.

DAAD scholarships and Baden-Württemberg state grants may be available for eligible international and domestic students. Contact the admissions office for current scholarship opportunities.

Admissions

Undergraduate entryAbitur, Fachhochschulreife, or equivalent international qualification

Vocational track entryMittlere Reife plus relevant vocational training or Berufskolleg completion

Language requirementGerman language proficiency required for all programmes (B2/C1)

DSHDSH-2 for German-taught programmes

TestDaFLevel 4 (TDN 4) for German-taught programmes

University scholarships

DAAD Study Scholarships€850–€1,200/month for international students

Deutschlandstipendium€300/month, merit-based

Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUMUp to €1,500 for exchange and international students

Accreditation

NTA Isny is a state-recognised private university of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Its degree programmes hold accreditation from the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) and are listed in the Higher Education Compass of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK).

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 NTA Isny?

As a private institution, NTA Isny charges tuition contributions of approximately €2,000–€4,000 per year for all students, including international applicants. This is in addition to the standard semester contribution.

What are the living costs in Isny im Allgäu?

Monthly living costs in Isny im Allgäu are approximately €700–€900. This estimate includes accommodation, food, and local transport, and is considerably lower than in larger German cities.

What academic programmes does NTA Isny offer?

NTA Isny focuses on environmental technology, biotechnology, technical chemistry, and process engineering. The curriculum is practical and laboratory-intensive, preparing graduates for industry roles.

What are the German language requirements for admission?

All current programmes at NTA Isny are taught in German, so strong German language skills are required for admission. Proficiency levels such as DSH-2 or TestDaF Level 4 are typically needed.

Are there scholarships available for international students?

Yes, scholarships such as the DAAD Study Scholarships and the Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM are available for eligible international students. Interested applicants should contact the admissions office for more information on current opportunities.

Last updated 3 July 2026