It might be difficult to choose the best institution in Germany, especially for international students looking for top-notch instruction, reasonably priced housing, and exciting job opportunities. One of Germany’s top public universities, Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), is a vibrant centre for research with a robust global community. RUB, which is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, attracts students from all over the world by combining academic brilliance, cultural variety, and affordability.
For international students looking for a top-notch education in a research-focused environment without the significant financial burden typically associated with studying abroad, Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) stands out as a great choice. RUB has emerged as one of Germany’s most popular destinations for international students because to its welcoming campus, varied academic offerings, reasonably priced living expenses, and promising job opportunities.
Everything you need to know about RUB will be covered in this guide, including its academic programs, admissions procedure, scholarships, campus life, and employment prospects.
Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB): Why Choose It?
Strong Academic Reputation: Known as one of the biggest and most prestigious public research institutions in Germany.
Strategic Location: Situated in the Ruhr region, Bochum offers a more inexpensive option to cities like Berlin or Munich by combining good transport connections with reasonably priced housing.
Research Excellence: Part of the esteemed University Alliance Ruhr, which offers joint research and study opportunities with TU Dortmund and the University of Duisburg-Essen.
Global Outlook: Supporting a varied and welcoming academic community, the school is home to more than 5,000 foreign students from more than 130 countries.
Affordable Education Students just pay a small semester contribution (around €350), which covers administrative costs and includes a regional public transportation pass. Most programs do not charge tuition.
Academic Programs at RUB
Diverse Offerings – More than 190 degree programs across multiple faculties.
Language Options – Courses taught in both German and English, with a strong focus on English-taught programs at the Master’s and PhD levels.
Popular Faculties for International Students
Engineering & Natural Sciences – Programs such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, IT Security, and Geosciences.
Humanities & Social Sciences – Options include Philosophy, Sociology, Political Science, and East Asian Studies.
Medicine & Life Sciences – Fields like Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Neuroscience.
Business & Economics – Degrees in International Management, Business Administration, and Economics.
Programs Taught in English
RUB offers several Master’s degrees that are taught exclusively in English for foreign students who do not speak advanced German, including:
- Engineering Computation
- Developmental and Molecular Biology of Stem Cells
- Finances
- Information engineering and IT security
Note: The majority of RUB’s bachelor’s degree programs are taught in German. As a result, candidates must demonstrate their competency in German via the DSH-2, TestDaF, or Goethe C1.
Admission Requirements at RUB
Bachelor’s Programs
- Secondary school certificate equivalent to the German Abitur
- Proof of German language proficiency (e.g., TestDaF, DSH, or equivalent)
- Non-EU applicants must apply through uni-assist
Master’s Programs
- A recognized Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- For English-taught programs: proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 79–90 or IELTS 6.0–6.5)
- Some programs may additionally require GRE or GMAT scores
Application Deadlines
- Winter Semester: May – July
- Summer Semester: December – January
Scholarships and Funding at RUB
Tuition-Free Education – Students do not pay tuition fees but must finance their living costs.
DAAD Scholarships – Fully funded options for Master’s and PhD candidates.
Deutschlandstipendium – Merit-based award of €300 per month for high-achieving students.
RUB International Office Scholarships – Financial support for international students experiencing economic difficulties.
Estimated Living Expenses in Bochum – Around €800–€900 per month, covering housing, food, health insurance, and personal needs.
Opportunities for Careers at RUB
- Internships & Industry Links: RUB collaborates with local and international businesses in business, IT, and engineering to provide students with practical experience.
- Part-Time Employment Opportunities: To assist with living expenses, international students may work up to 120 full days or 240 half days annually.
- Graduates with a post-study work visa are permitted to stay in Germany for 18 months.
Bochum as a City of Students
- Affordable Living: Compared to large German cities like Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich, housing and daily expenses are substantially lower here.
- Excellent Connectivity: Students can travel freely throughout North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), including Düsseldorf, Dortmund, and Cologne.
- Safe & Friendly: This multicultural setting is welcoming and student-friendly, with a sizable international student body.
How to Apply
- Verify Eligibility: Examine the language requirements (English or German) and program-specific requirements.
- Assemble your credentials, transcripts, resume, motivation letter, and evidence of your language skills.
- Apply: Depending on the program, you can apply directly to RUB or through Uni-assist.
- Get Housing Early: Submit an early application for housing through the Bochum Student Union.
- Examine your funding options by looking into scholarships such RUB International Office ass
RUB can be the best starting point for your study abroad trip if you want to establish a prosperous academic and professional future in Europe.