About Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) was founded in 1961 by an act of the North Rhine-Westphalia parliament and opened its doors in 1965, making it the first new university established in post-war West Germany. It is one of Germany's largest universities, with 37,653 enrolled students across 21 faculties spanning humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, law, medicine, and more.
RUB operates a single compact campus of approximately 4.5 km² in the Querenburg district of Bochum, in the heart of the Ruhr metropolitan region. The university is a member of the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr) together with TU Dortmund and the University of Duisburg-Essen, collectively forming one of Germany's largest higher-education and research hubs. RUB also participates in UNIC, a European university network of eight institutions.
The university has a strong research profile, hosting 11 Collaborative Research Centres and Transregios, 36 ERC projects, and receiving total funds of 797 million euros in 2024 (including 187 million euros in third-party research funding). Key research strengths include chemistry (Cluster of Excellence RESOLV), data science, energy materials, and mental health research.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1965
- Students
- 37,653
- International
- 6,739 international students
- Faculties
- 21
Founded 1965 — the first new university established in post-war West Germany
37,653 students across 21 faculties on a single compact campus
6,739 international students from over 130 countries
Member of UA Ruhr — one of Germany's largest higher-education research alliances (with TU Dortmund and University of Duisburg-Essen)
Hosts 11 Collaborative Research Centres and 36 ERC projects; 797 million euros total funds in 2024
Cluster of Excellence RESOLV (chemistry) and two additional Clusters of Excellence since 2018; ranked 6th nationally in startup university rankings
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
Ruhr-Universität Bochum is a public university in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). NRW does not charge tuition fees for first-degree studies regardless of nationality, in contrast to states such as Baden-Württemberg (which charges non-EU students €1,500/semester) or Bavaria (which introduced non-EU fees from WS 2025/26). Students pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) each semester that covers the student union (AStA), Studierendenwerk services, and the Deutschland-Semesterticket for regional transport. The exact amount of the semester contribution should be verified via eCampus or the Registrar's Office at the time of enrolment, as it is updated each semester.
Admission requirements
International applicants apply through the online portal at hio.ruhr-uni-bochum.de. For non-restricted (zulassungsfrei) programmes, all applicants meeting the entry requirements are admitted; restricted programmes require a competitive application. Entry qualification must be recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur (checked via anabin/KMK). Indian applicants from APS-mandatory backgrounds (India) must obtain an APS certificate from the German Embassy in New Delhi before applying. German-taught programmes require proof of German proficiency (typically TestDaF, DSH, or equivalent at B2/C1 level depending on the programme). English-taught master's programmes typically require IELTS or TOEFL. The International Office ([email protected]) provides counselling for international degree-seeking students on residence permit, visa, health insurance, and general study matters.
Application deadlines
The university runs winter semester (starting October) and summer semester (starting April) intakes. The exact application deadlines vary by programme and admission type and are published on the study portal at studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de under 'Application, Admission, Enrollment'. As of the 2026 cycle, applications for summer term 2026 bachelor's programmes were open via the online portal. Prospective students should check the portal for current deadline dates as they differ between restricted and non-restricted programmes.
Languages of instruction
The majority of bachelor's programmes are taught in German. A growing number of master's programmes are offered in English, particularly in STEM and social science fields. Prospective students should verify the language of instruction for their specific programme via the study programme directory at studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de.
Campuses & locations
Single compact campus (~4.5 km²) in the Querenburg district of Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum
Living in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Bochum is a city of approximately 360,000 inhabitants located in the Ruhr metropolitan region (Metropole Ruhr) of North Rhine-Westphalia, in western Germany. It is well connected by rail and motorway to Dortmund, Essen, Düsseldorf, and Cologne. The city has a lively music and cultural scene, a relatively affordable cost of living compared to major German cities, and is home to a large student population owing to the presence of Ruhr-Universität Bochum and other higher education institutions.
Student life & support
The International Office (international.ruhr-uni-bochum.de) provides dedicated support for international degree-seeking students, exchange students, and prospective students through the RUBiss team ([email protected]), with in-person drop-in hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays and online appointments on Fridays. The campus has a Botanical Garden, arts centre, university sports facilities offering a wide range of recreational and competitive disciplines, and art collections. Student housing is managed by the Studierendenwerk (student services organisation); housing options include university-affiliated dormitories as well as private rentals in Bochum. The university also has a Welcome Centre for international doctoral candidates and researchers. The campus hosts the WORLDFACTORY start-up centre for students interested in entrepreneurship.
227
Accredited Programmes
159
Master
61
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
1
Magister
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