Freie Kunst-Studienstätte Ottersberg is a private, state-recognised university in rural Lower Saxony offering unique programmes in art and social application. It provides an intimate, studio-based learning environment with accessible admissions options like the 'einstieg+' orientation programme.
Freie Kunst-Studienstätte Ottersberg (HKS Ottersberg) is a state-recognised private university of applied sciences founded in 1967, located in rural Lower Saxony near Bremen. It is one of Germany's unique institutions where artistic practice and social application are developed side by side, with degree programmes in Art Therapy/Art Education, Social Work, Performing Arts, Creative Writing & Cultural Journalism, and Applied Theatre. With approximately 450 students, it offers an intimate, studio-based learning environment with close mentoring from practising artists and social-sector professionals. An orientation programme ('einstieg+') lets prospective students explore the college for up to two semesters without a formal entrance exam.
Campus life at HKS Ottersberg is shaped by its small size and strong communal ethos. Students and faculty share studios, workshops, and performance spaces, creating an environment where creative experimentation is the norm. The village setting encourages a focused, reflective study experience, while nearby Bremen offers city life, galleries, theatres, and internship opportunities in the social and cultural sectors.
BAföG (German student loan/grant) may be available for eligible students. Check individual programme pages for exact fee schedules.
State-recognised by the State of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) as a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). Programmes are accredited through the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat).
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.
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 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.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
The Master's programme in Arts and Community (M.A./M.F.A.) at HKS Ottersberg offers a unique, interdisciplinary approach in Germany. You can pursue either a Master of Arts or a Master of Fine Arts degree. The program is designed for full-time study over one year or part-time over two years, with learning organised in intensive block weeks. The Master of Arts pathway focuses on art therapy, art education, or theatre pedagogy within social and clinical settings. The Master of Fine Arts pathway emphasizes artistic research and interventions in public and institutional spaces. Central to the program is a project-based approach where you will explore a socially relevant issue from both artistic and scientific perspectives. This project is independently planned, executed, and evaluated by you, fostering innovative individual and social skills. Seminars on scientific theory and research methods provide a strong academic foundation. You'll also develop skills in project management, supervision, and curation, with content tailored to specific target groups. Regular colloquiums and close mentoring ensure in-depth reflection and vibrant peer exchange.
This Bachelor's program focuses on Creative Writing as a Social Practice, blending artistic expression with social engagement. You will learn to see writing not just as an individual act, but as a powerful tool for shaping identities, fostering relationships, and critically examining societal dynamics. The program emphasizes collaborative writing processes, community building, and the development of inclusive narratives. Through workshops, artistic projects, and collective writing, you will gain practical experience in initiating, guiding, and facilitating writing processes. The curriculum combines foundational knowledge in community building, collaborative creativity, and critical language use with in-depth studies of creative writing methods, theories, and research. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a dynamic dialogue between academic learning and the practice of writing as a social art form. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths where writing brings people together. This includes developing and leading collaborative writing projects, facilitating workshops in social institutions like schools or senior centers, engaging in cultural work, and applying creative writing in therapeutic or rehabilitative settings.
Freie Kunst-Studienstätte Ottersberg offers a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Künste im Sozialen (Arts in Social Professions). This program is designed for students interested in creatively engaging with social issues. The university is located in a region that values both creativity and social responsibility, providing a unique environment for artistic and personal development. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and provides individualized support to help students explore their artistic potential and prepare for careers where art and social engagement intersect. Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills through various focus areas within the broader field of arts in social professions.
The Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Arts in Social Contexts (Künste im Sozialen) at the Hochschule für Künste im Sozialen Ottersberg offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, combining artistic practice with social engagement. Students can specialize in various fields, including Fine Arts, Art Therapy, Creative Writing as a Social Practice, Social Work, and Performing Arts (Dance and Theater Education). This program is designed for individuals who wish to use artistic methods to address social issues, promote personal development, and facilitate community engagement. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, critical reflection, and the development of individual artistic and professional profiles within social contexts.
full fundingOpen 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 fundingOpen 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 fundingOpen 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.
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 fundingOpen 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 fundingFor 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.
International students can expect tuition fees of approximately €4,500–€9,000 per year, depending on the specific programme and study format. As a private university, these fees apply to all students.
The 'einstieg+' programme allows prospective students to explore the college for up to two semesters without a formal entrance exam. It is a way to experience the institution before committing to a full degree.
Yes, the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is accessible without a Numerus Clausus (NC). Admissions for this programme are based on motivation and suitability.
The university offers an intimate, studio-based learning environment with approximately 450 students. You will benefit from close mentoring by practising artists and social-sector professionals.
Instruction at Freie Kunst-Studienstätte Ottersberg is conducted in German. Therefore, B2 level German proficiency is expected for regular programmes.