Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM)
About
Fachhochschule des Mittelstands in Bielefeld charges €7,200/year across business, psychology, social work, health, engineering, and computer science, with IELTS 6.0 entry — below most private German universities' €10,000–20,000. Germany's 18-month job-seeker visa and Bielefeld's lower living costs round out a practical package.
Bielefeld is a working city with moderate living costs and a no-nonsense student culture — you won't find expensive nightlife here, but you will find affordable shared housing and real community connections. The city has reliable public transport and easy access to other North Rhine-Westphalian cities.
Application deadlines
- Bachelor and Master programmes — general admissionRolling
The institution states there is no fixed application deadline and no grade-based admission cap (Numerus Clausus). Source: https://www.fh-mittelstand.de/dein-studium/bewerbungsablauf/
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study at Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM) as a non-EU student?
Tuition for non-EU students at Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM) is €7200 per year. Living costs in Bielefeld are separate.
What IELTS score do you need for Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM)?
English-taught programmes at Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM) typically require IELTS 6 or equivalent. Confirm the exact requirement per programme on the official admissions page.
How much money do you need to show for a student visa to Germany?
For a student residence permit in Germany you must prove €11,904 per year (2026, DAAD / Study in Germany — proof of financing (blocked account, 992 EUR/month for 12 months): https://www.study-in-germany.com/en/plan-your-studies/requirements/proof-of-financing/).
Where is Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM) located?
Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM) is in Bielefeld, Germany. Ravensberger Straße 10G, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany
What can you study at Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM)?
Fields offered include: Business, Psychology, Social Work, Health, Engineering, Computer Science.
Accommodation
FHM Bielefeld operates no institutional dormitories and is excluded from Studierendenwerk Bielefeld's housing-eligible list (though the Studierendenwerk does process its students' BAföG); FHM's international office instead refers students to private rentals. Expect WG-room rents of roughly €250–500/month in Bielefeld, with early search recommended.
Source- Studierendenwerk Bielefeld · regional student services — it allocates the halls, not the university
- WG-Gesucht
- HousingAnywhere
- ImmobilienScout24
National funding for this destination
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Why this works
- At €7,200 per year, tuition is significantly lower than most private German universities, which commonly charge €10,000–20,000 annually.
- An IELTS 6.0 entry threshold is accessible for CIS applicants without near-native English proficiency.
- The field mix — business, psychology, social work, health, engineering, computer science — covers high-demand sectors in the German small and mid-sized companies (Mittelstand) economy.
- Germany grants a post-study 18-month job-seeker visa, giving graduates time to convert a degree into an EU work permit.
- Bielefeld is a mid-size university city with lower living costs than Munich or Frankfurt, easing the overall budget pressure.
- A German university degree is recognised across the EU and Schengen area, broadening long-term career and mobility options.
What to check
- FHM is a private university — unlike German public universities that charge little or no tuition for non-EU students, you pay €7,200 every year regardless of Bundesland.
- German daily life, administration, and many bachelor programmes are conducted in German; limited German skills will create a constant practical barrier.
- Non-EU school leavers whose certificates are not directly recognised may need to complete a preparatory year (Studienkolleg) before admission.
- Proof of funds requires a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) loaded with roughly €11,904 for one year before the visa is issued — a significant upfront cash requirement.
- Bielefeld's small and mid-sized companies (Mittelstand) economy offers internships mainly in manufacturing and services; students targeting finance or tech hubs may find local opportunities limited.
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These fields in the country
Tuition and deadlines change with each academic year — the date beside the figures says when we last confirmed them on the official source. Visa rules are set by governments and can change between our checks.
We break down figures like these in the channel — each one with a source and a date. Open the channel