Located in the South of Germany in the state of Baden-Württemberg, lies Stuttgart one of the Europeans most attractive cities for studies. The vast cultural inheritance, extensive green areas and numerous opportunities to study, yearly attract a large number of students who come here to learn in some of the best German universities.
The city offers fantastic teaching and research facilities, and many regional multimillion companies always open their opportunities to international graduates eager to show their potential. Deciding to do a Bachelors or Master studies in Stuttgart is, by all means, a smart decision. It starts with choosing between different disciplines, finding a study institution and applying for an exciting German adventure.
The city of Stuttgart is known as the “cradle of the automobile” offering great opportunities in the mechanical industry. However, it is much more. It is a place to learn about art, humanities, music, media and acting. The opportunities are unlimited as the Baden-Württemberg region is an important world knowledge hub.
The universities of Stuttgart
Once you decide to study in Stuttgart, you will have to see which university is suitable for you. Many universities offer a wide range of programs, and some are specialised in a specific field. Your best choices would be:
University of Stuttgart
The University of Stuttgart is the most prestigious institution in the City. It offers first-class science, engineering, architecture, urban planning and plenty of other programs at the Vaihingen campus. Most of the students from this university end up as employees and interns at Germany's and the world's top corporations in the city. While most of the lessons are offered in German, several graduate degree programs in sciences and engineering are offered in English. Being one of the leading technical universities in Germany, Stuttgart University offers a great number of opportunities for research. The university is a member of the TU9, a network of the largest and most notable German institutes of technology.
University of Hohenheim
Hohenheim University is the oldest university of Stuttgart. It prides itself with a long tradition of agricultural and natural studies. However today it offers great study programs in business, economics and social sciences. The university offers more than 40 bachelor and master programs mostly in German, with some outstanding postgraduate opportunities offered in English. The campus is located in a fantastic green surrounding and is considered among the most beautiful universities in the country.
Stuttgart Media University
The Media University of Stuttgart is a non-profit institution that offers lectures in three faculties: Faculty of Printing and Media; Faculty of Electronics and Faculty of Information and Communication. The faculty is open for international students and trains specialists in degree programs such as public relations; cross-media editorial; printing and media technology and mobile media. The university has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. Most of the Bachelor and Master programs at the College of Media are taught in English.
State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart
The State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart is the oldest and the largest University of Music in Baden-Wurttemberg. It offers a large number of subjects, such as piano, the orchestral instruments, composition, conducting of (orchestra and choir), guitar, harp and elementary music pedagogy. The university organises annual performing events in its own Wilhelma Theater and can grant doctoral and post-doctoral degree awards. It's open for international students and offers some lessons in the English language.
Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design
The State Academy of Art and Design offers a large number of art courses in Baden- Württemberg. The university is open to international students as well as Germans and has a large number of notable alumni and teachers. Additionally, it opens the doors for research in fields like Textile Design, Fine arts, Stage and Costume Design, Conservation and many others.
Merz Akademie
The Merz Akademie is a private university which focuses on disciplines such as humanities, social and cultural studies, design and technology. The school offers opportunities for research and experimental studies in the fields of film, video, design, art, and new media. The Merz Akademie provides good knowledge and possibilities for practical learning, especially emphasising a good relationship between the professors and the students. It is taught in English and offers opportunities for future study programs abroad.
Enrollment conditions in Stuttgart universities
It is essential to gather all of the necessary documents to apply for a German University. State universities have a lot of competition, and if the program is with a limited amount of spaces (NC- Numerus Clausus), a lack of documents or late application will not be considered. All of the universities have their own specific way of application, except Hohenheim University, which accepts applications through the platform Uni-Assist. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and to send them early, in case something is missing.
The general requirements for application differ on the type of program (Bachelor's or Master's) and the faculty requirements. The primary documents to provide are:
- Certified copy of high-school diploma or previously completed degree
- Translation of the course modules and grades
- Passport photo
- Copy of your passport
- Proof of language proficiency – German (and / or English)
- Motivation letter
- Application fee
The general application deadlines are between May and July for the winter semester, and between December and January for the summer semester. Note that every program has its specific deadlines.
If you are a non-EU student, be careful to organise with the visa procedure at least three months in advance. The application has to be done through the German Embassy in your country, and you will have to provide all the information regarding your studies, as well as the letter of (conditional) acceptance.
Tuition fees in Stuttgart
Most of the universities do not impose tuition fees for German citizens or for citizens of the region Baden-Württemberg. However, there are usually small fees (no larger than 300 Euros per year) to be paid. International students, on the other hand, have higher fees that rise to around 1,500 Euros per semester and an additional university tax around 188 Euros per semester.
For those who are in search of scholarships, all the opportunities are posted on the German Academic Exchange Service website, DAAD. For further information, you can also contact the international services of your preferred university.
Besides, all German universities offer opportunities for language lessons for foreigners, which will ease the process of adaptation to the country and will help you to be completely prepared to enter the German labour market.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
