In short
Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg offers practice-oriented degrees with no general tuition fees for most students, focusing on preparing graduates for their professional careers. Located in the vibrant Bonn-Cologne region, it provides modern facilities and active applied research.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1995
- Students
- 8,000
- International students
- 1,300
- Acceptance rate
- 55%
- Languages
- DE
- Location
- Germany
Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg offers practice-oriented studies based on current research findings. The university focuses on providing an excellent learning environment and preparing students for their professional careers. It aims to integrate up-to-date research into its teaching methods.
Why study here
- Practice-oriented degrees with mandatory internships and industry projects.
- No general tuition fees for most students, only a low semester contribution.
- Growing range of English-taught and bilingual Master's programmes.
- Modern, well-equipped campuses in the economically strong Bonn-Cologne region.
- Active applied-research institutes in security, visual computing and sustainability.
Student life
Student life at H-BRS is spread across three campuses in Sankt Augustin, Rheinbach and Hennef, each with modern labs, libraries and student initiatives. Located close to Bonn and Cologne, students enjoy a lively cultural scene, sports groups, student clubs and easy access to the Rhine region, while a dedicated International Office runs buddy programmes and orientation for incoming students.
Fees
InternationalMost international degree students pay no general tuition fees, only a semester contribution of roughly 300 EUR that includes a regional public-transport ticket.
HomeDomestic and EU students pay the same semester contribution of around 300 EUR per semester; there are no general tuition fees.
LivingStudents should budget approximately 950-1,200 EUR per month for accommodation, food, insurance and personal expenses in the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg area.
A blocked account is typically required for the student visa; selected non-consecutive or executive Master's programmes may charge separate fees.
Admissions
Secondary qualificationRecognised higher education entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent), assessed via uni-assist for international applicants.
Application routeMost international applicants apply through uni-assist; some programmes use direct or hochschulstart application.
Language proofProof of German (e.g. DSH/TestDaF) for German-taught programmes or English certificates for English-taught programmes.
IELTS6.0-6.5 for English-taught Master's programmes
TOEFL iBT80-90 for English-taught programmes
Rankings
CHE-RankingTop-rated for Business Psychology
U-MultirankStrong scores for regional engagement and applied research
University scholarships
Deutschlandstipendium300 EUR per month
DAAD ScholarshipsVaries by programme
Accreditation
Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg is a state-recognised University of Applied Sciences whose degree programmes are accredited by German accreditation agencies under 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.
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
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 are the tuition fees for international students at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg?
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Most international degree students do not pay general tuition fees. They are only required to pay a semester contribution of approximately 300 EUR per semester, which includes a public transport ticket for the region.
What is the estimated cost of living for students?
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Students should budget around 950 to 1,200 EUR per month to cover accommodation, food, insurance, and personal expenses in the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg area.
How can international students apply to Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg?
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International applicants typically need to apply through uni-assist. Some specific programmes may have different application routes, such as direct application or through hochschulstart.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for Master's programmes?
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For English-taught Master's programmes, applicants usually need an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 80-90.
Does the university offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, scholarship opportunities include the Deutschlandstipendium, which provides 300 EUR per month, and various DAAD Scholarships with amounts that vary by programme.
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