Founded in 1971, the University of Bremen (Universität Bremen) is a young but equally ambitious institution and one of Germany's limited number of schools holding the title of "University of Excellence". Recognized as a global authority especially in future-shaping fields such as marine sciences, space technologies and materials science, the university offers true multiculturalism with its international student population from more than 100 countries.
The Bremen Model: Interdisciplinary Research
Since its founding, the University of Bremen has adopted an interdisciplinary, research- and project-focused education approach known as the "Bremen Model". Housing world-class facilities such as MARUM (Center for Marine Environmental Sciences), the university is one of Europe's flagships, especially in climate change and earth sciences research.
Featured Departments
- Production Engineering (Aviation and Space) — Joint projects with companies such as Airbus.
- Economics and Business (Logistics) — Logistics education in one of Europe's most important port cities.
- Earth Sciences (Marine Sciences) — The opportunity to work directly with the MARUM institute.
- Mathematics and Computer Science — Modern laboratories focused on artificial intelligence and data science.
Application Criteria
- Bachelor's: Having been placed into a 4-year program via the YKS, Anabin equivalence required.
- Master's: The contents of the courses on the bachelor's transcript and their ECTS compatibility with the Bremen curriculum are meticulously examined.
- German: TestDaF 4x4, DSH-2, telc C1 Hochschule or Goethe C2.
- English: IELTS minimum 6.5 (7.0 in some departments), TOEFL iBT minimum 90.
2026 Cost of Living
| Expense Item | Estimated Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Dormitory / WG) | 400 € — 650 € | Shared apartment options in popular areas such as Viertel. |
| Transportation (D-Ticket) | 63 € | Regional transportation throughout Germany. |
| Health Insurance | 120 € — 135 € | German state insurance is mandatory. |
| Food and Social Life | 350 € — 450 € | Using the Mensa protects the budget. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education at the University of Bremen paid?+
No, the University of Bremen is a public university and education is free. Only an administrative fee of approximately 300-350 € per semester is paid.
Can I work as a student in Bremen?+
Yes, international students have a work permit of 140 full days or 280 half days per year. Werkstudent positions are common especially at logistics and technology firms.
When are applications made?+
The application deadline for the winter semester is usually July 15, and for the summer semester it is January 15.
Bremen University is one of many strong universities in Germany. Read our end-to-end guide to studying at a university in Germany — covering application steps, language requirements, the student visa and living costs — to see the whole picture and decide which university fits you best.




