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How much does Osnabrück University cost for international students?
Osnabrück University does not charge tuition fees for Bachelor's or Master's degrees, for EU and non-EU students alike. Every student pays a semester fee, which covers the Studierendenwerk, the student body and the Deutschlandticket for travel across Germany.
| Item | Cost for international students |
|---|---|
| Tuition (Bachelor's and Master's) | None |
| Semester fee (everyone, winter 2026/27) | 459.30 EUR, incl. 135 EUR Studierendenwerk and the Deutschlandticket |
| Long-term study fee | 500 EUR per semester, only once your study entitlement is used up |
| uni-assist application fee | 75 EUR for the first programme, 30 EUR for each additional one |
Only a few continuing-education courses charge fees (for example the Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist programme); they are not regular degrees for international applicants.
Whatever the tuition position, the proof of funds still applies. For the student visa you 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. Once in Germany, the residence permit costs around 100 EUR.
What are the application deadlines?
Applicants from outside the EU with foreign school or university certificates apply through uni-assist. The university's own portal dates (15 July) only apply to applicants with German certificates, so make sure you use the uni-assist dates below.
| Degree | Intake | Deadline (non-EU, via uni-assist) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's and Law state exam (restricted admission) | Winter | 15 June |
| Bachelor's (open admission) | Winter | 15 August |
| Master's | Winter | 15 June |
| Master's | Summer | 15 December |
| Other programmes (e.g. Master of Education) | Winter / summer | See the programme page |
uni-assist needs 4 to 8 weeks to check your documents, so apply well before the deadline, especially if you still need a visa. Applicants with certificates from China, India or Vietnam must upload an APS certificate. Artistic programmes also need a separate aptitude test registration.
How many programmes are taught in English?
Seven full-time Master's programmes are taught entirely in English: Biology: From Molecules to Organisms (M.Sc.), Cognitive Science (M.Sc.), Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding (M.A.), Economics (M.Sc.), English and American Studies (M.A.), Nanosciences – Materials, Molecules and Cells (M.Sc.) and Physics (M.Sc.). Programmes such as Economics and Cognitive Science ask for English at B2 level; check the admission regulations of your programme.
The university also lists Cognitive Computing (M.Sc.) and European Technology Law (LL.M.) as English-taught, but both are part-time, so they are not suitable for a student visa. All other programmes are taught in German or only partly in English. For these you can apply with German at B2 level, but you must show C1 when you enrol.
About Osnabrück University
Osnabrück University is a public university in Osnabrück, Lower Saxony, founded in 1974 and today home to more than 13,000 students. It has ten schools and offers Bachelor's, Master's, law and teacher-training programmes across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, economics, law and cognitive science. Its main building is the baroque Osnabrück Castle in the city centre.
It is a separate institution from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Osnabrück). Both are listed on uni-assist, so make sure you select the right one when you apply.
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