Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg

Why this works

• Zero tuition for non-EU students makes OTH Regensburg unusually affordable compared to many European alternatives.
• As a public university in Bavaria, it charges no semester tuition fee unlike Baden-Württemberg universities which charge €1,500 per semester for non-EU students.
• The IELTS minimum of 6.0 is accessible for motivated CIS applicants without advanced English test scores.
• Fields span engineering, computer science, economics, architecture, and health — covering high-demand Mittelstand and tech sectors.
• Regensburg is a mid-sized Bavarian city with lower cost of living than Munich while remaining well-connected to the wider Bavarian economy.
• Germany's 18-month post-study job-seeker visa lets graduates stay and convert their degree into employment across the EU.

What to check

• Most bachelor programmes at German Fachhochschulen are taught in German, so C1-level German is typically required for daily study and life.
• Non-EU school leavers whose diplomas are not recognised may need to complete a Studienkolleg preparatory year before admission.
• Germany requires proof of funds via a blocked account (Sperrkonto) of approximately €11,904 for the first year, which must be arranged before the visa.
• Regensburg is a smaller city, so internship and part-time job options are more limited than in Munich or other major German hubs.
• International students may work only 120 full or 240 half days per year, which limits income during the degree.

Accommodation

Operated by STWNO (Studierendenwerk Niederbayern/Oberpfalz). 12 facilities in Regensburg. Franz-Mayer-Str (newest): single apartments €353–389/mo, shared 2-person €357–517/mo. Utilities included. High demand — apply early.

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).