Universität Osnabrück
About
Uni Osnabrück in Osnabrück offers humanities, natural sciences, law, economics and more programmes — tuition-free for non-EU students, with an IELTS 6 entry bar. Niedersachsen charges no extra non-EU semester fee that Baden-Württemberg universities impose. The degree is EU-recognised, and Germany's 18-month post-study job-seeker visa gives graduates real time to convert study into a career.
Osnabrück is a medium-sized city in Lower Saxony with a strong student culture and surprisingly lively arts scene. Living costs are among Germany's lowest—housing, food, and transport all affordable. The pace is slower than Berlin or Cologne, which suits focused study and a quieter student lifestyle.
Application deadlines
- SoSe (master + preparatory)Dec 15
Via the central application service (uni-assist).
- SoSe (preparatory + freemover)Jan 15
Via the central application service (uni-assist).
- Winter semester — admission-restricted (NC) Bachelor's degree and all Master's degree programmes, via the central application service (uni-assist)15 June
Confirmed. Applies to restricted single- and two-subject Bachelor's programmes and to all Master's programmes (restricted and open), for applicants using the central application service (uni-assist). Source: https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/studieren/bewerbung-und-studienstart/bewerbung-zulassung-und-einschreibung/bewerbungsinformationen-fuer-internationale-studieninteressierte/bewerbung-ueber-uni-assist-ev
- Winter semester — open-admission (zulassungsfrei) single-subject Bachelor's degree, via the central application service (uni-assist)15 August
Confirmed for applicants using the central application service (uni-assist). Source: https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/studieren/bewerbung-und-studienstart/bewerbung-zulassung-und-einschreibung/bewerbungsinformationen-fuer-internationale-studieninteressierte/bewerbung-ueber-uni-assist-ev
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study at Universität Osnabrück as a non-EU student?
Tuition for non-EU students at Universität Osnabrück is €0 per year. Living costs in Osnabrück are separate.
What IELTS score do you need for Universität Osnabrück?
English-taught programmes at Universität Osnabrück 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 Universität Osnabrück 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 Universität Osnabrück located?
Universität Osnabrück is in Osnabrück, Germany. Neuer Graben 29, 49074 Osnabrück, Germany
What can you study at Universität Osnabrück?
Fields offered include: Humanities, Natural Sciences, Law, Economics, Social Sciences, Cognitive Science, International relations, Computer Science.
Accommodation
Studierendenwerk Osnabrück. 21 complexes across Osnabrück/Vechta/Lingen, ~2,000+ places. Salzmarkt reference: €286–414/mo. Warm rent includes utilities + internet. Apply immediately after admission.
- Studierendenwerk Osnabrück · 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
- Zero tuition for international students — one of the most affordable public universities in Germany.
- Niedersachsen does not charge the extra non-EU semester fee that Baden-Württemberg universities impose.
- A full EU diploma opens the 18-month German job-seeker visa and unrestricted Schengen mobility after graduation.
- Strong coverage across humanities, social sciences, law, economics, and cognitive science suits broad CIS student profiles.
- Osnabrück is a mid-size, low-cost city with manageable rents compared to Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg.
- During studies you may work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year, legally offsetting living costs.
What to check
- Most bachelor programmes are taught in German — a C1 language certificate is typically required for admission.
- Non-EU school leavers without a recognised Abitur equivalent usually must complete a preparatory year (Studienkolleg) before enrolling.
- Germany requires proof of funds via a blocked account (Sperrkonto) of roughly €11,904 per year before a visa is issued.
- Osnabrück is a mid-size regional city with a limited local job market, which can constrain internship options in competitive fields.
- The IELTS 6.0 minimum suggests some English-medium options exist, but the range of English-taught programmes may be narrower than at larger research universities.
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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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