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How much does University of Applied Sciences of the Diaconia cost for international students?
The University of Applied Sciences of the Diaconia is a non-profit, church-run university that receives no state funding, so its programmes charge tuition, for EU and non-EU students alike.
| Item | Cost for international students |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's and Master's (self-paying) | About 370 to 500 EUR per month, depending on the programme; confirm on the programme page |
| Social Work, B.A. (dual) | Paid by the partner organisation |
| Enrolment and examination fees | None |
On top of tuition, students pay only the student body (AStA) fee. No semester ticket is included, but students can buy a discounted Deutschlandticket.
The tuition fee comes on top of the proof of funds. For a student visa you would also 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?
The university publishes one set of dates for all applicants. Applications go directly to the university online and are followed by an admission interview; places are offered as applications arrive, so earlier applications have a better chance.
| Degree | Intake | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work, B.A. (dual) | Winter | 1 June |
| Other Bachelor's and Master's programmes | By programme | Rolling admission; see the programme page |
Some programmes start only in certain semesters or every two years. Because the programmes are work-integrated, applicants who need a student visa should check with the university and the German mission before applying.
How many programmes are taught in English?
No programme at the University of Applied Sciences of the Diaconia is taught in English; all programmes are taught in German.
About University of Applied Sciences of the Diaconia
The University of Applied Sciences of the Diaconia is a non-profit, church-run university of applied sciences in Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia. It was founded in 2006 by diaconal organisations and Diakonie Deutschland, and has been called Hochschule der Diakonie since September 2026. It has around 700 students and is located on the Bethel campus.
It teaches social work, health and social management, mental health, special education and psychology. Its programmes are work-integrated, combining attendance blocks with online learning, and are designed for students already working in the field.
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