Hochschule der Deutschen Bundesbank
About Hochschule der Deutschen Bundesbank
The University of Applied Sciences of the Deutsche Bundesbank (Hochschule der Deutschen Bundesbank) is a legally dependent, state-recognised higher education institution of the Deutsche Bundesbank, located at Schloss Hachenburg — a Baroque castle in Hachenburg, Rhineland-Palatinate. It trains candidates for the senior civil service of the Deutsche Bundesbank and the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).
The university offers a single accredited dual study programme leading to a Bachelor of Science in Central Banking (Zentralbankwesen), integrating 22 months of theoretical study at the Hachenburg campus with practical phases at Bundesbank and BaFin offices across Germany. Approximately 80 new trainees are enrolled twice yearly — on 1 April and 1 October.
Students do not pay tuition fees; instead they receive a monthly salary under the Federal Civil Service Remuneration Act (approximately €1,640 net per month). The programme is overwhelmingly German-taught, with roughly 20% of lectures delivered in English.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1980
- Students
- 354
Single-purpose institution training the senior civil service of Germany's central bank (Deutsche Bundesbank) and financial regulator (BaFin)
Dual study programme: theory at Schloss Hachenburg combined with practice at Bundesbank and BaFin branches across Germany
Students receive a monthly civil-service salary (~€1,640 net) — no tuition fees payable
Unique location in a state-recognised Baroque castle, Schloss Hachenburg, in the Westerwald
Graduates are appointed as Bundesbankinspektoren and enter Bundesbank/BaFin careers directly upon graduation
Approximately 20% of lectures delivered in English; international placements at foreign central banks or international organisations possible
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
No tuition fees. Students receive a monthly civil-service salary of approximately €1,640 net under the Bundesbesoldungsgesetz. Students who have completed a prior vocational qualification (special apprenticeship) receive approximately €2,230 net per month. On-campus accommodation is available for €200–€300 per month (all bills included).
Admission requirements
The programme is a civil-service dual study track and admission is highly restrictive. Applicants must hold a German Abitur or equivalent higher education entrance qualification. German nationality is required under the Federal Civil Servants Act (Beamtenrecht), as students are enrolled as civil servants on probation. Admission involves an aptitude test and selection process run by the Deutsche Bundesbank directly — applications are submitted to the Bundesbank, not the university. The programme is not open to general international applicants; secondees from European System of Central Banks (ESCB) member institutions may participate under separate arrangements. APS certificates (for Indian, Chinese, or Vietnamese applicants) are not relevant here given the German nationality requirement.
Application deadlines
Applications are accepted for two annual intakes: 1 April and 1 October. Application deadlines and the selection process are managed by the Deutsche Bundesbank's HR function; contact the Bundesbank regional offices or careers portal (bundesbank.de/karriere) for current deadlines.
Languages of instruction
Primarily German; approximately 20% of lectures are conducted in English.
Campuses & locations
Single campus; a Baroque castle in Hachenburg, Westerwaldkreis, Rhineland-Palatinate. Student accommodation available on-site and in adjacent residence.
Living in the city
Hachenburg is a small town of approximately 7,000 residents in the Westerwaldkreis district of Rhineland-Palatinate, situated in the Westerwald hills between Koblenz and Siegen. The campus occupies a historic Baroque castle at the town's centre. Rail and bus connections link Hachenburg to Frankfurt am Main, Koblenz, Cologne, and Wiesbaden.
Student life & support
All students are provided with accommodation either in the castle itself or in a nearby student residence, at subsidised rates of approximately €200–€300 per month including utilities. Campus life is close-knit given the small cohort size (~354 students total). The residential, campus-based model means academic and social life are tightly integrated. An annual folk festival in Hachenburg takes place each August.
1
Accredited Programmes
1
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
Interested in Studying at
Hochschule der Deutschen Bundesbank?
Our team can help you with the application process, documentation, and everything you need to get started.