GERMANY
Internationale Fachhochschule Bad Honnef
private · Founded 1998 · Languages: German, English
I
In short
Internationale Fachhochschule Bad Honnef is a private university near Bonn, Germany, specializing in tourism, hotel management, and business. It offers bilingual programs with strong industry links and mandatory internships, welcoming international students with a range of scholarships available.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1998
- Students
- 2,800
- International students
- 700
- Acceptance rate
- 70%
- Tuition (intl)
- €9–12k/yr
- Languages
- GERMAN, ENGLISH
- Location
- Germany
Internationale Fachhochschule Bad Honnef is a private university of applied sciences near Bonn, Germany, with a specialisation in tourism, hotel management, business administration, and service industries. Founded in 1998, it offers bachelor's and master's programmes taught in German and English, blending academic rigour with industry-oriented practice. The university maintains strong links with major hospitality and travel companies in Germany and internationally.
Why study here
- Specialised tourism and hospitality programmes with recognised industry accreditation
- Bilingual teaching in German and English with a cosmopolitan student community
- Mandatory internship semesters ensuring strong graduate employability
- Small class sizes and personalised support in a Rhine Valley campus setting
- Central location near Bonn and Cologne with excellent transport links across Europe
Student life
Student life at IFBH revolves around a close community of domestic and international students. The Rhine Valley campus offers scenic surroundings and easy access to Bonn and Cologne for cultural activities. Student associations, industry networking events, and career fairs help students build professional contacts throughout their studies.
Fees
InternationalEUR 8,500–12,000 per year
HomeEUR 8,500–12,000 per year
LivingEUR 700–900 per month in the Bad Honnef / Bonn area
IFBH is a private institution; tuition applies equally to domestic and international students. Early enrolment discounts may be available.
Admissions
Secondary school leaving certificateAbitur or equivalent (e.g. A-levels, IB)
Motivation letterRequired for most programmes
CV / ResumeRequired
Language proficiencyGerman B2 for German-taught programmes; English B2 for English-taught programmes
IELTS6.0
TOEFL iBT80
Cambridge B2 FirstPass
University scholarships
IFBH Merit ScholarshipPartial tuition reduction (up to 20%) for high-achieving entrants
DAAD ScholarshipsVarious amounts; open to international students at German private HEIs
Accreditation
Accredited by the German Accreditation Council (FIBAA-accredited programmes); member of the Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK)
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
13d 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 programs are offered at Internationale Fachhochschule Bad Honnef (IFBH)?
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IFBH offers bachelor's and master's programs primarily in tourism, hotel management, business administration, and service industries. These programs are taught in both German and English.
What are the tuition fees for international students at IFBH?
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As a private institution, IFBH charges tuition fees between EUR 8,500–12,000 per year for both domestic and international students. Early enrollment discounts may be available.
What are the English language requirements for international students?
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For English-taught programs, international students typically need a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, TOEFL iBT of 80, or a Pass at Cambridge B2 First level. German language proficiency (B2) is required for German-taught programs.
Does IFBH offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, IFBH offers a Merit Scholarship providing up to a 20% tuition reduction for high-achieving students. Additionally, international students may be eligible for various DAAD Scholarships.
What are the advantages of studying at IFBH for international students?
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IFBH provides specialized tourism and hospitality programs with industry accreditation, bilingual teaching in a cosmopolitan environment, and mandatory internship semesters for strong graduate employability. The university also emphasizes small class sizes and personalized support.
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