Fachhochschule Erfurt
About
Fachhochschule Erfurt charges no tuition (just a ≈€400/year semester contribution) across science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), arts, education, social sciences, and business, with an attainable IELTS 6.0 entry. Its EU degree opens the 18-month German job-seeker visa, and Erfurt's compact, affordable city keeps living costs well below Munich or Berlin.
Erfurt is a medieval gem in central Germany with affordable living costs and a surprisingly youthful culture despite being an older city. The historic old town is walkable, rents are low, and there's a real sense of community among the 5,000+ students here.
Application deadlines
- Winter & Summer semester — full-degree Bachelor/Master (Vollzeitstudium), non-EU via the central application service (uni-assist)Rolling
No fixed deadline for international full-degree applicants; apply via the central application service (uni-assist), processing can take up to 3 months so early application is advised. This supersedes the previously stored '15 July practical deadline' row, which is not stated as an official cutoff on the current page. Source: https://www.fh-erfurt.de/zentrale-einrichtungen/international-office/incoming-studierende
- Winter semester — exchange students (Austauschstudierende)15 July
Nomination deadline; application form itself due by 31 July. Not applicable to degree-seeking applicants. Source: https://www.fh-erfurt.de/zentrale-einrichtungen/international-office/incoming-studierende
- Summer semester — exchange students (Austauschstudierende)15 January
Nomination deadline; application form itself due by 31 January. Not applicable to degree-seeking applicants. Source: https://www.fh-erfurt.de/zentrale-einrichtungen/international-office/incoming-studierende
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study at Fachhochschule Erfurt as a non-EU student?
Tuition for non-EU students at Fachhochschule Erfurt is €0 per year. A mandatory semester contribution of ≈€400 per year (administration and transport, not tuition) is charged on top. Living costs in 99085 Erfurt are separate.
What IELTS score do you need for Fachhochschule Erfurt?
English-taught programmes at Fachhochschule Erfurt 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/).
Does Fachhochschule Erfurt offer scholarships?
DAAD: Master's/PhD, merit-based (RU/BY de-facto restricted post-2022). Deutschlandstipendium: €300/mo, all nationalities, merit + social commitment. Apply via university portal (Apr–Jun).
Where is Fachhochschule Erfurt located?
Fachhochschule Erfurt is in 99085 Erfurt, Germany. Altonaer Straße 25, 99085 Erfurt
What can you study at Fachhochschule Erfurt?
Fields offered include: STEM, Arts, Education, Social Sciences, Business.
Accommodation
Studierendenwerk Thüringen — 10+ halls in Erfurt. €190–393/month all-inclusive (heat, water, electricity). Deposit €300 + €10/month internet. Largest hall: Donaustraße 28–42 (252 rooms).
- Studierendenwerk Erfurt · regional student services — it allocates the halls, not the university
- WG-Gesucht
- HousingAnywhere
- ImmobilienScout24
Scholarships
- 🏛DAAD
- 🏛Deutschlandstipendium
DAAD: Master's/PhD, merit-based (RU/BY de-facto restricted post-2022). Deutschlandstipendium: €300/mo, all nationalities, merit + social commitment. Apply via university portal (Apr–Jun).
National funding for this destination
Honestly
Why this works
- Tuition is €0 — the only compulsory payment is a semester contribution of ≈€400 per year covering administration and student services, one of the lowest rates in Germany.
- As an EU university degree, graduation opens access to Germany's 18-month job-seeker visa and Schengen-wide career mobility.
- Fields span science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), arts, education, social sciences, and business, giving broad programme choice within one institution.
- Erfurt is a compact, affordable Thuringian city with significantly lower living costs than Munich, Hamburg, or Berlin.
- An IELTS minimum of 6.0 is attainable for most prepared CIS applicants, keeping the language entry bar reasonable.
- Thuringia sits in central Germany with strong regional ties to manufacturing and public-sector employers, supporting internship options.
What to check
- Most bachelor programmes in Germany are taught in German; daily study and life in Erfurt require solid B2-C1 German regardless of IELTS.
- Non-EU school leavers whose certificates are not directly recognised must complete a preparatory year (Studienkolleg) before admission.
- Germany requires proof of funds via a blocked account (Sperrkonto) of approximately €11,904 before a student visa is issued.
- Erfurt is a mid-size city; the local graduate job market is narrower than in Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin, which may affect post-study prospects.
- Students are permitted only 120 full days or 240 half-days of paid work per year, limiting income during studies.
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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.
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