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GERMANY · HANNOVER

Leibniz University Hannover

public · Founded 1831 · Languages: en, de

In short

Leibniz University Hannover is one of Germany's largest public research universities, offering tuition-free education to around 30,000 students across nine faculties. It is a member of TU9 and known for its strong research in various fields, with a location in the affordable and dynamic city of Hannover.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1831
Students: 30,000
International students: 5,500
Acceptance rate: 70%
Languages: EN, DE
Location: Hannover, Germany

Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) is one of Germany's largest public research universities and a member of TU9, the alliance of leading technical universities. Founded in 1831 in Hannover, the capital of Lower Saxony, LUH educates around 30,000 students across nine faculties covering engineering, natural sciences, humanities, law, economics, and architecture. The university is tuition-free for both domestic and international students, with only a small semester contribution required. LUH maintains strong DFG-funded research clusters and active European partnerships through the EULiST alliance.

Why study here

Tuition-free education for all students, including international applicants — only a nominal semester contribution applies.
TU9 membership placing LUH among Germany's nine most prestigious technical universities.
Strong research excellence in quantum technologies, sustainable engineering, digital transformation, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Located in Hannover, a dynamic and affordable city with excellent transport links and a vibrant cultural scene.
Access to European networks via EULiST alliance and DAAD scholarship programmes for international students.

Student life

Leibniz University Hannover encourages a vibrant and active student life beyond academics. Students have access to over 100 different sports at the University Sports Centre, from martial arts to water sports. Cultural engagement is fostered through the university's big band, orchestra, and lecture series. The university supports student well-being with a dedicated Room of Silence for relaxation and reflection. Career development events like the annual Career Dates fair connect students and graduates with companies for internships and employment. Hannover itself hosts major international trade fairs (Hannover Messe, CeBIT legacy) and offers affordable living costs relative to German metropolises.

Fees

InternationalNo general tuition fees for international students. The same semester contribution of approx. EUR 380 applies. Some consecutive Master programmes may charge fees for non-EU students — check individual programme pages.

HomeNo general tuition fees. Students pay a semester contribution of approx. EUR 380 (2026-2027) covering administration and a semester transport ticket for the Hannover region.

LivingLiving costs in Hannover are among the lowest of major German university cities: approx. EUR 800-1,100/month covering rent, food, transport, and leisure.

Germany abolished general university tuition fees; only the semester contribution is mandatory. Budget for health insurance (approx. EUR 110/month for student tariff) and accommodation separately.

Admissions

Bachelor entryRecognised secondary school leaving certificate equivalent to the German Abitur. A language certificate in German (DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4) is required for German-taught programmes.

Master entryRelevant Bachelor degree from a recognised university. GPA and prerequisite subject requirements vary by programme.

German languageDSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4 for German-taught programmes. English-taught programmes require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90.

IELTS6.5 (for English-taught programmes)

TOEFL iBT90 (for English-taught programmes)

DSHDSH-2 (for German-taught programmes)

TestDaF4x4 (for German-taught programmes)

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2026433

Times Higher Education World Rankings 2025Top 401-500

QS Engineering and TechnologyTop 300

University scholarships

DAAD Scholarships (various)EUR 934/month living allowance for Master students + travel and health allowance

Deutschland StipendiumEUR 300/month for high-achieving students

IGCS Research Exchange ScholarshipVaries — for research stays at Indo-German partner institutions

Erasmus+ Study Abroad GrantEUR 300-500/month for study at European partner universities

Accreditation

Leibniz University Hannover is state-accredited in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is a member of TU9 (alliance of leading German technical universities), EULiST (European University Alliance), and holds the audit familiengerechte hochschule seal for family-friendly policies. Programmes are accredited by ASIIN and other relevant bodies.

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

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Leibniz University Hannover · Germany

AUTOSAR on Xen: Virtualized Real-Time Operating Systems with ARA

This project focuses on optimizing embedded systems by specializing the operating system itself through the Automatic Real-time Analyzer (ARA). The ARA performs static analysis to identify task interactions, and with the MultiSSE extension, it can analyze multicore AUTOSAR systems for static optimization. Modern embedded systems often partition hardware into virtualized domains for safety, allowing each domain to run its own isolated Real-Time OS or General-Purpose OS. This approach makes powerful central computing hardware feasible for time-critical software from various suppliers.

Leibniz University Hannover · Germany

Environmental Engineering (Master of Science)

The Master of Science in Environmental Engineering focuses on developing solutions for environmental challenges through the design of systems for environmental protection. This future-oriented program addresses significant environmental issues with specializations in 'Environment', 'Water', 'Energy', and 'Environmental Modelling'. Through interdisciplinary collaboration with faculties like Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics and Physics, and Architecture and Landscape Sciences, the program offers a unique blend of key content from civil and environmental engineering, geodesy, environmental meteorology, mechanical engineering, and environmental and landscape planning. Students can tailor their studies through specialization choices and elective modules, preparing them for specific career paths, including entrepreneurship in environmental fields.

Leibniz University Hannover · Germany

Physics (Master of Science)

The Master of Science in Physics program offers advanced specialization and research opportunities across several key sub-disciplines of physics. Students will gain in-depth knowledge in areas such as solid state physics, quantum optics, and gravitation, preparing them for independent scientific work. The program also covers radioecology and radiation protection. An interdisciplinary compulsory elective subject allows students to broaden their perspectives. The curriculum is designed to build upon undergraduate knowledge, fostering logical thinking, precise work methods, perseverance, creativity, and teamwork skills essential for tackling complex scientific problems.

Master's

Level

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 Leibniz University Hannover?

Leibniz University Hannover is tuition-free for both domestic and international students. Students are only required to pay a semester contribution of approximately EUR 380, which covers administrative costs and a public transport ticket for the Hannover region. Some consecutive Master's programs may have fees for non-EU students, so checking individual program pages is recommended.

What are the general admission requirements for international students?

International applicants usually apply through uni-assist or directly via the LUH portal. For Bachelor's entry, a recognized secondary school leaving certificate equivalent to the German Abitur is needed, along with a German language certificate (DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4) for German-taught programs. Master's entry requires a relevant Bachelor's degree, with specific GPA and prerequisite subject requirements varying by program.

What are the English language proficiency requirements?

For English-taught programs, students typically need to provide proof of English proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 90. For German-taught programs, a DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4 is generally required.

What are the estimated living costs in Hannover?

Living costs in Hannover are considered among the lowest for major German university cities. Students should budget approximately EUR 800-1,100 per month, covering rent, food, transport, and leisure activities. Health insurance, around EUR 110/month for the student tariff, should be budgeted separately.

What makes Leibniz University Hannover stand out for international students?

LUH is a member of TU9, an alliance of leading German technical universities, signifying high academic standards. It offers tuition-free education and is located in Hannover, an affordable city with excellent transport links and a vibrant cultural scene.

Last updated 3 July 2026