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GERMANY · BOCHUM

Ruhr University Bochum

public · Founded 1965 · Languages: de, en

In short

Ruhr University Bochum is a large, research-intensive public university in Germany offering many English-taught programs with no tuition fees. It provides a diverse international community and affordable living costs in the vibrant city of Bochum.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1965
Students: 42,425
International students: 5,500
Acceptance rate: 60%
Tuition (intl): €2–4k/yr
Languages: DE, EN
Location: Bochum, Germany

Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), founded in 1962 and inaugurated in 1965, was the first new university built in West Germany after WWII. With approximately 42,000 students across 20 faculties and researchers from over 180 nations, it is one of Germany's largest and most internationally diverse research universities. RUB is a member of the German U15 alliance and hosts multiple DFG-funded collaborative research centres and clusters of excellence spanning natural sciences, humanities, engineering, medicine, and social sciences. Its iconic unified campus fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in one of Europe's most dynamic metropolitan regions.

Why study here

Access world-class research across 20 faculties, with multiple DFG clusters of excellence and internationally recognised scientists.
Study in a truly international community of 42,000 students from more than 180 countries.
Benefit from a compact, fully-equipped campus with libraries, sports facilities, and affordable student housing.
Take advantage of a broad range of English-taught programmes at Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD level.
Live affordably in Bochum, a city with a rich cultural scene, easy transport links, and lower costs than larger German cities.

Student life

RUB's self-contained campus feels like a small city, with cafeterias, sports facilities, student clubs, and cultural venues all within walking distance. The adjacent city of Bochum offers theatres, concert halls, and a growing startup scene. An international student community representing 180+ nations makes for a genuinely cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Fees

InternationalNo tuition fees for most programmes (public university). Semester contribution of approx. €300–€350 covers administration and public transport in the Ruhr region.

HomeSame as international: no tuition fees; semester contribution ~€300–€350.

LivingEstimated monthly living cost in Bochum: €800–€1,100 (rent, food, transport).

Some Master's programmes taught in English may charge programme-specific fees. Check the RUB programme finder for details.

Admissions

Higher education entrance qualificationAbitur or internationally recognised equivalent (e.g. A-levels, IB, national leaving certificate).

Language proficiencyGerman-taught programmes: DSH-2 or TestDaF 4×4. English-taught programmes: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90.

Application portalApplications via uni-assist for international applicants; direct application for German students.

IELTS6.5 overall

TOEFL iBT90

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2024395

University scholarships

Deutschlandstipendium€300/month for high-achieving students

RUB Research School FellowshipsVaries – full funding for doctoral researchers

Accreditation

RUB is a state-accredited public university in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and a member of the German U15 alliance of research-intensive universities.

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 at Ruhr University Bochum for international students?

Ruhr University Bochum is a public university and does not charge tuition fees for most programmes. International students are required to pay a semester contribution of approximately €300-€350, which covers administrative costs and public transport in the Ruhr region.

What are the estimated living costs for students in Bochum?

The estimated monthly living costs in Bochum range from €800 to €1,100, covering expenses such as rent, food, and transportation. This makes Bochum a more affordable option compared to larger German cities.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for English-taught programmes?

For English-taught programmes at Ruhr University Bochum, applicants typically need to demonstrate English proficiency through an IELTS score of 6.5 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 90.

What is the academic profile of Ruhr University Bochum?

Ruhr University Bochum is one of Germany's largest research universities, founded in 1965. It hosts approximately 42,000 students across 20 faculties and is recognized for its strong research, being a member of the German U15 alliance and hosting multiple DFG-funded research centers.

Does Ruhr University Bochum offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, Ruhr University Bochum offers scholarships such as the Deutschlandstipendium for high-achieving students, providing €300 per month. Doctoral researchers may also find funding through RUB Research School Fellowships.

Last updated 3 July 2026