Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, University of Applied Sciences

H-BRS is a public state university and charges no tuition fees for regular bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes for all students regardless of nationality (no non-EU surcharge, unlike Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria). A semester contribution of approximately €367 is payable each semester (WS 2026/27 figure; revised each semester). This contribution covers the Germany Semester Ticket (public transport in the VRS network), Studierendenwerk social services, student union, and sport. The continuing-education master's programme International Media Studies (MA) charges separate tuition fees — check the programme page for current amounts.

International applicants from non-EU/EEA countries must have their foreign qualifications assessed, typically via uni-assist or through the university's own portal (Apollo). Equivalence to a German Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (for bachelor's) or a German bachelor's degree (for master's) must be established based on ZAB guidelines and the Lisbon Recognition Convention. Applicants from India, China (incl. HK/Macau), and Vietnam must hold a valid APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) before applying — this is a German embassy requirement for the student visa and effectively a prerequisite for admission. German-taught programmes require proof of German at TestDaF, DSH, Goethe, or equivalent level (typically B2–C1 depending on programme). English-taught master's programmes require proof of English proficiency (B2 CEFR minimum; accepted certificates include IELTS, TOEFL, and others as listed on the admissions page). Applications are submitted via the Apollo portal (non-visa-required applicants) or uni-assist (visa-required applicants).

Winter semester (October start): applications via Apollo open 15 May and close 15 July for applicants who do not need a visa; applications via uni-assist open 15 November and close 15 February for visa-required applicants (i.e. the cycle preceding the next winter semester). Summer semester (April start) availability is programme-dependent — many programmes are winter-only. Exact dates are published annually in the university's Fristenplan (PDF, downloadable from the Student Services pages). Always verify on the specific programme page as deadlines vary.

Most bachelor's programmes are taught in German. Several master's programmes are taught fully or partially in English (e.g. Autonomous Systems MSc, Visual Computing & Games Technology MSc, Cyber Security & Privacy MSc, Social Protection MSc, International Media Studies MA). Individual programme pages list the language of instruction.