- Founded
- 1982
- Students
- 9,000
- International
- 20.5%
- Programmes
- 106
- Taught in English
- 41
About Hochschule Bremen
Hochschule Bremen (HSB) is a state university of applied sciences located in Bremen's Neustadt district, enrolling more than 9,000 students across five schools and over 70 bachelor's and master's degree programmes. The university was formally established in 1982 through a merger of four independent universities of applied sciences, though its institutional roots date to 1799 via the Bremen School of Navigation and an 1894 engineering Technikum.
HSB places a strong emphasis on internationalisation: approximately 20.5% of students come from nearly 100 countries, around 60% of programmes have an international orientation, and the university maintains roughly 360 cooperation agreements with partner universities in about 70 countries. It is one of a small number of German universities of applied sciences participating in the EU-funded STARS EU (Strategic Alliance for Regional Transition European University) alliance.
Practice orientation is a defining characteristic: 90% of student theses are carried out in a business or industry context, 18 dual study programmes run with over 200 company partners, and the International Graduate Center (founded 2004) hosts specialised master's and MBA programmes for an international audience.
More than 9,000 students; 20.5% international from nearly 100 countries
5 schools covering business, engineering, social sciences, natural sciences, and architecture
Over 70 bachelor's and master's programmes; ~60% with an international orientation
~360 international university partnerships across ~70 countries
Member of the EU-funded STARS EU European University Alliance
No tuition fees for any student; semester contribution includes a regional public transport ticket
International Graduate Center (founded 2004) offering English-taught master's and MBA programmes
Key facts
- Type
- Fachhochschulen / HAW
- Founded
- 1982
- Students
- 9,000
- International
- ~20.5% (from nearly 100 countries)
- Faculties
- 5
- Programmes
- 106
Study programmes
106 accredited degrees at Hochschule Bremen, 41 of them taught in English.
Showing 25–48 of 106 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
No tuition fees are charged in the state of Bremen for any student regardless of nationality. All students pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) twice per year; the exact current amount is not published on the finances overview page but covers the AStA (student union), Studierendenwerk (student services), and a semester public transport ticket valid in Bremen and the north-west region. Non-EU students are subject to the same fee structure - no additional non-EU surcharge applies (unlike Baden-Württemberg).
Admission requirements
International applicants must first obtain a Vorprüfungsdokumentation (VPD) from uni-assist - the German equivalent of a preliminary credential assessment - before applying through HSB's CampInO portal. Processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks, so early application is essential. For German-taught programmes, recognised German language certificates are required (TestDaF ≥16 points, DSH-2/3, Goethe C1, or telc C1 Hochschule). English-taught programmes require English proficiency as specified on individual programme pages. Master's applicants from the International Graduate Center apply directly to the IGC and bypass uni-assist. APS certificate: HSB does not list APS as a separate requirement on its public pages; Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants should confirm directly with HSB and the relevant German embassy, as APS/VPD is the standard credential verification route for those nationalities.
Application deadlines
Winter semester (October start): 1 June - 15 July. Summer semester (April start): 15 December - 15 January. Different deadlines apply for International Graduate Center programmes; check the IGC website separately.
How international applicants apply
uni-assist VPD procedure - 'Die HSB verwendet das VPD-Verfahren von uni-assist': applicants with a foreign Hochschulzugangsberechtigung first request a Vorprüfungsdokumentation (VPD) at uni-assist (processing ca. 4-6 weeks; VPD is university-specific, valid at least 1 year, semester- and programme-independent), then apply directly in the HSB portal CampInO and upload the VPD there. Exceptions (no VPD needed): Feststellungsprüfung from a state-recognised Studienkolleg (apply directly in CampInO selecting 'Studienkolleg'), European Abitur certificate, and Master applications at the International Graduate Center (apply via the IGC's own portal instead of uni-assist). Documents of valid applications are forwarded by uni-assist to HSB as PDF; NC-coordinated bachelors additionally require hochschulstart registration.
Languages of instruction
The majority of bachelor's programmes are taught in German. An increasing number of master's programmes are offered in English, particularly through the International Graduate Center (IGC). Individual programme pages specify the language of instruction. German-taught programmes require proof of German at TestDaF (minimum 16 points overall), DSH-2/3, Goethe C1, or telc C1 Hochschule level. English-taught programmes require recognised English proficiency test results as specified per programme.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Scholarships at Hochschule Bremen
8 schemes run or administered by the university. Always confirm current amounts and deadlines on the official page.
DAAD STIBET I - Graduation Scholarship (Studienabschlussstipendium)
Financial support for international degree-seeking students in the final phase of their studies at HSB who face unexpected financi...
Amount: Up to 750 EUR per month
Deadline: 15 June - 31 July (2026 round)
bachelor, master
DAAD STIBET I - Scholarship for More Equal Opportunities (mehr Chancengerechtigkeit)
Supports international students at HSB who master particular personal challenges and life circumstances while studying, aiming for...
bachelor, master
DAAD STIBET I - Scholarship for Outstanding Engagement (besonderes Engagement)
Awards DAAD scholarships to international students at HSB for outstanding voluntary engagement that has an international dimension...
bachelor, master
Deutschlandstipendium - Hochschule Bremen
HSB has participated since 2011; private sponsors fund 150 EUR per month which the federal government doubles to a 300 EUR monthly...
Amount: 300 EUR per month
bachelor, master
Erasmus+ Studienaufenthalt / Praktikum
EU mobility grant for study (SMS) or traineeship (SMP) at partner universities in Erasmus+ programme countries. Monthly grant 540-...
Amount: 540-600 EUR/month (study); 690-750 EUR/month (traineeship); +250 EUR S...
Deadline: Winter semester: 15 May - 15 July; Summer semester: 1 Dec - 31 Jan (pe...
bachelor, master
PROMOS-Auslandsstipendien (DAAD)
Partial scholarships for study/internship outside Erasmus+ area (worldwide) or at Erasmus partners without agreement. Monthly part...
Amount: 350-550 EUR/month (country group dependent)
Deadline: Varies per faculty (typically 2 deadlines/year)
bachelor, master
Stipendien für Studierende mit Kind (multiple foundations)
Overview of foundations offering scholarships specifically for students with children, listed by HSB Family Office. Includes: Hein...
Amount: Varies by foundation (typically BAfoeG-level + child supplements)
Deadline: Varies by foundation
bachelor, master, phd
Stipendium für Studienstarter (City of Bremen)
One-time grant of 800 EUR for first-year students from low-income families or in economic hardship. Application ONLY possible BEFO...
Amount: 800 EUR one-time
Deadline: Before enrolment (specific deadline per year)
bachelor (first semester)
Student accommodation
What Hochschule Bremen publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
Rooms are allocated by
Studierendenwerk Bremen
Not by the university. Apply to them directly, and expect a waiting list.
The university's housing page
Deadlines and application forms are published here, and they change every intake.
Open housing pageFrom the university
The Studierendenwerk Bremen manages affordable student housing across several city neighbourhoods; students relocating to Bremen for the first time qualify for a €150 welcome payment. The ISA Service Agency assists master's students in finding accommodation.
Campuses & locations
Four campuses spread across Bremen's Neustadt district; short distances between buildings
Living in Bremen
Bremen is a historic Hanseatic city of approximately 570,000 inhabitants in north-west Germany, located on the Weser river. It is one of Germany's two city-states and has a long maritime and trading heritage. The city is compact and cycle-friendly, with a lively student scene concentrated around the Viertel and Neustadt neighbourhoods. Rents are moderate by German standards, with student rooms typically available for €300-400 per month. Bremen has good rail connections to Hamburg (~1 hour) and Hannover (~1 hour).
Student life & support
The Studierendenwerk Bremen manages affordable student housing across several city neighbourhoods; students relocating to Bremen for the first time qualify for a €150 welcome payment. The ISA Service Agency assists master's students in finding accommodation. HSB's Sprachenzentrum (language centre) offers German language courses; the university also partners with external providers such as PRIME Bremen for language learning. An orientation programme is available for incoming students, including exchange students supported by the International Office. The campus culture emphasises arts and cultural activities alongside a broad range of sports and recreational programmes. Students can join university committees and volunteer initiatives.
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