Choosing the right university in Germany can be overwhelming, especially for international students looking for high-quality education, affordable living, and strong career opportunities. Among Germany’s top public universities, Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) stands out as a vibrant research university with a welcoming international community. Located in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, RUB combines academic excellence with cultural diversity and affordability, making it a popular choice for students worldwide.
In this article, you’ll learn everything about studying at RUB—its programs, admissions, scholarships, campus life, and career prospects.
Why Choose Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB)?
Reputation: One of Germany’s largest and most respected public research universities.
Location Advantage: Situated in the Ruhr region, Bochum offers affordable living compared to Berlin or Munich while still being well connected.
Research Powerhouse: RUB is part of the prestigious University Alliance Ruhr, alongside TU Dortmund and University of Duisburg-Essen, offering joint research and study opportunities.
International Focus: With more than 5,000 international students from over 130 countries, RUB is truly global.
Affordable Education: Like other German public universities, RUB charges no tuition fees for most programs, only a modest semester contribution (around €350 per semester), which includes free public transportation across the region.
Academic Programs at RUB
RUB offers over 190 degree programs across various faculties. Programs are available in German and English, especially at the Master’s and PhD levels.
Popular Faculties for International Students
Engineering & Natural Sciences – Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, IT Security, Geosciences.
Humanities & Social Sciences – Philosophy, Sociology, Political Science, East Asian Studies.
Medicine & Life Sciences – Medicine, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience.
Business & Economics – International Management, Business Administration, Economics.
English-Taught Programs
For international students who are not fluent in German, RUB offers several Master’s programs in English, including:
Computational Engineering
Molecular and Developmental Stem Cell Biology
Economics
IT Security / Information Engineering
Tip: If you plan to study a Bachelor’s program, most are in German, so proficiency in German (DSH-2, TestDaF, or Goethe C1) is required.
Admission Requirements
Admission depends on the program, but here are the general guidelines:
Bachelor’s Programs
Secondary school certificate equivalent to German Abitur
Proof of German language proficiency (TestDaF, DSH, or equivalent)
Application through uni-assist for non-EU students
Master’s Programs
Bachelor’s degree in a related field
English-taught programs require TOEFL/IELTS (minimum TOEFL iBT 79–90 or IELTS 6.0–6.5)
Some programs may also ask for GRE/GMAT scores
Application Deadlines
Winter Semester: May–July
Summer Semester: December–January
Scholarships and Funding
While tuition is free, students need to cover living expenses. RUB and external organizations offer scholarships:
DAAD Scholarships – Fully funded opportunities for Master’s and PhD students.
Deutschlandstipendium – Merit-based scholarship providing €300/month.
RUB International Office Scholarships – Support for international students facing financial hardship.
Average living costs in Bochum: €800–900/month, including accommodation, food, health insurance, and personal expenses.
Campus Life at RUB
RUB’s campus is one of Germany’s most modern, designed as a “university city” with everything in one place:
Libraries: State-of-the-art resources and 24/7 digital access.
Sports: More than 90 sports activities, from football and tennis to yoga and climbing.
Cultural Events: Student theater, concerts, international festivals, and cultural exchange events.
Housing: Student dormitories managed by the Bochum Student Union (cost: €250–€350/month) and private housing options.
Bochum itself is a lively student-friendly city with theaters, music festivals, and easy access to Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Dortmund.
Career Opportunities
Studying in Germany gives you excellent career prospects:
Internships & Industry Links: RUB collaborates with local and international companies in engineering, IT, and business.
Job Search: Students can work part-time (120 full days or 240 half days per year) to support living costs.
Post-Graduation Work Visa: After graduation, international students can stay in Germany for 18 months to find a job.
Research Careers: RUB’s research centers offer opportunities for PhD and postdoctoral studies.
Bochum as a Student City
Bochum is part of the Ruhr metropolitan region, one of Europe’s largest urban areas. Compared to other German cities, it is:
Affordable: Rent and daily expenses are cheaper than Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich.
Well Connected: Free transportation for students across NRW, including Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund.
Safe & Student-Friendly: A multicultural atmosphere with thousands of international students.
How to Apply
Check eligibility and program language requirements.
Prepare necessary documents (certificates, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, proof of language proficiency).
Apply via uni-assist or directly to RUB (depending on program).
Apply early for student housing through the Bochum Student Union.
Explore scholarships (DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, RUB International Office).
Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) is a perfect choice for international students who want high-quality education in a research-driven environment without the high costs often associated with studying abroad. Its welcoming campus, wide range of programs, affordable living, and strong career opportunities make it one of the top destinations in Germany for students from around the world.
If you are planning your study abroad journey, RUB could be the gateway to an excellent academic and professional future in Europe.