Hochschule Rhein-Waal - University of Applied Sciences
About
Hochschule Rhein-Waal charges no tuition (just a ≈€660/year semester contribution) for a broad portfolio — engineering, economics, natural sciences, social sciences, health, and computer science — in Kleve. Students may work up to 120 full days a year, and the EU-recognized degree gives access to an 18-month post-study job-seeker visa.
Kleve sits on the Lower Rhine, on the Dutch border. Living costs are low, and the city has a quiet, studious atmosphere. The bicultural environment — you're between Germany and the Netherlands — opens job opportunities in both countries. Many students bike across the border for events or weekend work.
Application deadlines
- WiSeJul 15
Via uni-assist for non-EU. Bachelor WiSe only. Masters in both semesters
- SoSe (MSc only)TBC
Master's programmes only. Contact study@hochschule-rhein-waal.de for current SoSe dates
Accommodation
Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf — 5 halls across Kleve (Brienerstr., Flutstr., Hafenstr.) and Kamp-Lintfort (Oststr., Friedrich-Heinrich-Allee). Single rooms €293–380/month; 2-person rooms €306–349; 2-room apt €516. Apply early — limited places
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
- No tuition is charged, even for non-EU students — the university collects only a semester contribution of ≈€660 per year for administration and student services.
- The broad field portfolio — engineering, computer science, economics, health, and natural sciences — suits most CIS student profiles in one campus.
- An IELTS 6.0 entry threshold is accessible without advanced exam preparation compared to research universities.
- A German EU diploma gives access to the 18-month post-study job-seeker visa and full Schengen mobility.
- Students may work up to 120 full days per year, covering a significant share of living costs.
- Nordrhein-Westfalen hosts Germany's densest Mittelstand and industrial cluster, creating internship pipelines in engineering and tech fields close to campus.
What to check
- Kleve is a small border town; the local job market is limited, and most industry connections require commuting or relocation after graduation.
- Daily life, housing search, and many administrative processes in Kleve are conducted in German, posing a barrier for students without B1–B2 German.
- Non-EU school leavers whose secondary diploma is not recognised in Germany typically must complete a Studienkolleg preparatory year before admission.
- Germany requires proof of funds via a blocked account (Sperrkonto) of approximately €11,904 for a 12-month visa — a significant upfront capital commitment.
- Applied-sciences degrees (Fachhochschule) are vocationally strong but may restrict direct entry to research-track master's programmes at research universities (TU/LMU tier) without additional requirements.
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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.