Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg
About
Public university in Oldenburg, teaching education, social sciences, business, law, humanities, STEM and medicine — no tuition (≈€700/year semester contribution only) and an IELTS minimum of 6. An EU-recognised degree comes with Germany's 18-month post-study job-seeker visa.
Oldenburg is in northern Germany (Niedersachsen), a region of flat farmland and maritime history. The city is quiet, student-friendly, and historically cultured — it was an independent duchy. Living costs are low; student flats are easy to find. The pace of life suits people who want focus without city overwhelm.
Application deadlines
- Winter semester (October)2026-04-30
Non-EU applicants for restricted-admission programmes (Data Science & ML, Engineering of Socio-Technical Systems, Neurocognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biomedicine). Processing time ~5 weeks + 4 weeks for uni-assist applications.
- Winter semester (October)2026-06-15
Non-EU applicants for Applied Economics & Data Science and Digitalised Energy Systems. Biology non-EU deadline is also 2026-06-15.
- Winter semester (October)2026-07-15
EU applicants and German degree holders for most programmes. General open-admission Master programmes: apply as early as possible before 15 July.
- Summer semester (April) — Engineering Physics only2027-01-15
Engineering Physics M.Sc. is the only English-taught programme with confirmed summer semester intake.
Accommodation
Studierendenwerk Oldenburg manages 2,200+ places across 15 facilities in Oldenburg, Emden, Wilhelmshaven, and Elsfleth. Monthly rent includes utilities and electricity; internet ~€5/month extra. Room types: single rooms in shared flats (WG), single apartments, double apartments. Broadcasting fee (€18.36/month) billed separately.
SourceScholarships
- 🏛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
- No tuition is charged, even for non-EU students — the university collects only a semester contribution of ≈€700 per year for administration and student services.
- As a public university in Niedersachsen, it falls outside Baden-Württemberg's €1,500-per-semester non-EU surcharge.
- A German EU-accredited degree opens the 18-month post-study job-seeker visa across the entire Schengen area.
- The broad field portfolio — education, social sciences, business, law, humanities, STEM, and medicine — suits diverse academic backgrounds.
- IELTS 6.0 entry requirement is accessible for CIS applicants with solid but not elite English proficiency.
- Oldenburg is a mid-size university city with lower living costs than Hamburg or Berlin, easing the tight blocked-account budget.
What to check
- Non-EU students must open a Sperrkonto (blocked account) with approximately €11,904 before applying for a German student visa.
- Many bachelor programmes are taught in German, so daily life and academic integration require B2/C1 German regardless of IELTS.
- Non-EU school leavers whose diploma is not directly recognised by anabin may need to pass a Studienkolleg before enrolling.
- Oldenburg's regional economy is smaller than major German hubs, which limits internship and part-time job options in specialised fields.
- During studies, work rights are capped at 120 full days or 240 half days per year, restricting earnings to supplement living costs.
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Figures are indicative and change by academic year. Always confirm tuition, deadlines and visa requirements on the official institution and government sources before applying.