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How much does Offenburg University of Applied Sciences cost for international students?
Hochschule Offenburg charges the Baden-Württemberg tuition fee of 1,500 EUR per semester to students who are not EU or EEA citizens and did not get their school-leaving certificate in Germany. Every student also pays a 170 EUR semester contribution.
| Item | Cost for international students |
|---|---|
| State tuition fee, non-EU students (Bachelor's and Master's) | 1,500 EUR per semester |
| Semester contribution (everyone) | 170 EUR per semester (80 admin + 65 Studierendenwerk Freiburg + 25 student body) |
| Graduate School service fee (English Master's) | 150 EUR per semester, only for students who do not pay the 1,500 EUR non-EU fee |
| MBA International Business Consulting | 10,400 EUR in total (3 semesters), no state fee on top |
| Second degree (exempt from the non-EU fee, already hold a German Master's) | 650 EUR per semester |
The semester contribution does not include a public transport ticket. Refugees recognised in Germany and family members of EU citizens are exempt from the non-EU fee. HSO can also waive it for a limited number of particularly talented international students each semester.
Tuition fees come on top of the proof of funds. For the student visa you still need to show 11,904 EUR for the year, usually in a blocked account, and that money has to be transferred months before the semester starts.
What are the application deadlines?
All English-taught programmes start in the winter semester only. Deadlines depend on where you live, not on your citizenship.
| Programme | Intake | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| English Master's (Biotechnology, Communication and Media Engineering, Enterprise and IT Security, Process Engineering) | Winter | 31 March (living outside the EU) / 15 July (living in the EU) |
| Mechanical Systems Engineering B.Eng. | Winter | 31 March (living outside the EU) / 15 July (living in the EU) |
| MBA International Business Consulting | Winter | 30 June (living outside the EU) / 15 July (living in the EU) |
| German-taught programmes | Winter / summer | See the programme page |
Apply online through HSO's HISinOne portal; uni-assist is not used. If you want a German-taught Bachelor's and your school certificate is from abroad, Studienkolleg Konstanz first checks your documents and issues the certificate you need to apply. Start your visa application about three months before arrival.
How many programmes are taught in English?
Hochschule Offenburg has 6 degree programmes taught fully in English, all starting in winter:
- Mechanical Systems Engineering B.Eng. (new from winter 2026)
- Biotechnology M.Sc. (German-Polish double degree)
- Communication and Media Engineering M.Sc.
- Enterprise and IT Security M.Sc.
- Process Engineering M.Sc.
- MBA International Business Consulting (needs two years of work experience)
Several of the Master's programmes have received the DAAD label "TOP 10 International Master's Degree Courses Made in Germany". Renewable Energy and Data Engineering starts in English but switches to German in the second semester (German B1 required). Sustainable Business Development is taught in German, French and English, mostly in Basel and Strasbourg. Neither is counted here. The MBA General Management is part-time and not suitable for a student visa.
All other programmes are taught in German. For them you need German at TestDaF level 4 or DSH.
Which English certificates does Offenburg University of Applied Sciences accept?
| Programme | Minimum English score |
|---|---|
| Biotechnology M.Sc. | TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 6.0 (in all parts); Cambridge or PTE Academic also accepted |
| MBA International Business Consulting | TOEFL 87 or IELTS 6.5 |
| Other English programmes | Check per programme |
About Offenburg University of Applied Sciences
Hochschule Offenburg (HSO) is a public university of applied sciences focused on engineering, business and media. It began in 1964 as a state engineering school with 72 students. Its main campus is in Offenburg, and its business programmes are taught on a second campus in Gengenbach. Both are a short trip from Strasbourg and the French and Swiss borders.
HSO was among the first German universities to offer international Master's programmes, in the 1990s. Today it has around 50 degree programmes in four departments and coordinates the European ChallengeEU university alliance.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hochschule Offenburg charge tuition for international students?
Yes, non-EU students pay the Baden-Württemberg state fee of 1,500 EUR per semester, plus the 170 EUR semester contribution. The MBA International Business Consulting instead costs 10,400 EUR in total, with no state fee on top.
When is the application deadline for international students?
For the English Master's and Mechanical Systems Engineering, by 31 March if you live outside the EU (15 July if you live in the EU). For the MBA International Business Consulting, by 30 June (15 July in the EU). All start in the winter semester.
Can I study at Hochschule Offenburg in English?
Yes. There are 6 fully English-taught programmes: one Bachelor's (Mechanical Systems Engineering), four Master's and an MBA. All other programmes need German at TestDaF 4 or DSH level.
Is a semester ticket included?
No. The semester contribution is 170 EUR and does not include a public transport ticket. Only students in the teacher-training programmes pay an extra 28 EUR for local transport.
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