University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE): Admissions, Tuition & Scholarships Guide for International Students

The University of Europe for Applied Sciences, known as UE, is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences in Germany with campuses in Berlin, Hamburg, and Iserlohn and an innovation hub. A large share of its degree programs are taught in English, and it offers bachelor's and master's programs in fields such as business, design, media, sports and football management, e-sports, hospitality, software engineering, and technology, along with dual programs that combine study with work. It publishes a clear fee schedule, and it is approved by the German Council of Science and Humanities and accredited by the ZEvA agency, according to third-party sources. This guide covers exactly what University of Europe for Applied Sciences international students need to know: programs, the published fees and extra charges, dual programs for non-EU applicants, scholarships, English requirements, living costs, and Germany's post-study residence options.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: University of Europe for Applied Sciences, a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences with campuses in Berlin, Hamburg, and Iserlohn
• Language: most programs in English
• Bachelor's tuition: from €6,662 a year for standard programs, with specialised tracks such as Football Management and E-Sports carrying an extra €80 a month
• Master's tuition: from €8,158 a year for 120 ECTS (two years), €8,341 a year for 90 ECTS (1.5 years), and €9,263 a year for 60 ECTS (one year)
• Dual programs for non-EU applicants: from €690 a month for programs such as Hotel Management and Software Engineering
• Other charges: a €490 registration fee, an instalment fee of €250 per semester, a technology fee of €89 a year, and a reservation fee of at least €1,500 deducted from total costs
• Scholarships: a 50% saving for UE graduates continuing to postgraduate studies, academic merit discounts, a €500 refer-a-friend award for each party, and a 50% reduction on the final semester for foundation diploma holders; discounts cannot be combined
• English requirement: IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 72 for many programs, and 6.0 or higher for some graduate programs (third-party figures)

Rankings and reputation

UE does not appear in the main QS or Times Higher Education tables, and its standing rests on state recognition, accreditation, and its applied focus. Third-party sources say it is approved by the German Council of Science and Humanities and accredited by ZEvA. As a private university of applied sciences, its value depends on the recognition of your specific program, the employer partnerships, and the outcomes of graduates, so ask UE for the current accreditation documents and for graduate employment data.

Academics and signature programs

UE offers bachelor's and master's degrees in business, management, marketing, design, media, sports management, e-sports, hospitality, and software engineering, with campuses that have different specialisations: Berlin is known for creative and business programs, Hamburg for media and design, and Iserlohn for business and technology. Dual programs combine study with paid work for a partner company, which can reduce costs and build experience but also brings work-related requirements. Ask which campus teaches your program and in which language.

Admissions and international eligibility

UE does not publish an acceptance rate. Bachelor's applicants need a secondary qualification recognised in Germany as equivalent to university entrance, or a foundation program, and master's applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree. After an offer, non-EU students apply for a German student visa.

English language requirements

• Third-party sources list IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 72 as the minimum for many programs
• Some undergraduate courses may accept lower scores, while some graduate courses require 6.0 or higher
• Applicants whose previous education was in English may be exempt
• Confirm the requirement for your program before booking a test

Application checklist

A typical application includes certified transcripts, English evidence, a CV, a motivation letter, and passport details, and non-EU students then apply for a German student visa. UE asks for a reservation fee of at least €1,500, deducted from total programme costs, so ask what is refundable if your visa is refused.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

UE's fee page lists bachelor's tuition from €6,662 a year for standard programs and master's tuition from €8,158 to €9,263 a year depending on length, plus a €490 registration fee, a €250 instalment fee per semester, and an €89 technology fee. Semester costs include tuition, examination fees, and a public transport ticket of €185 to €205. Non-EU dual programs start from €690 a month. Third-party sources quote a broader range of €10,000 to €13,000 a year, which likely reflects specific programs or non-EU rates, so ask UE for a written schedule that shows the price for your exact program, campus, and status, because 'from' prices are starting points.

Estimated living costs in Germany

• Non-EU visa applicants usually must show funds, often through a blocked account, at an amount set by the German authorities, around €11,900 a year at the last update I know of
• Berlin and Hamburg are expensive for housing, while Iserlohn is much cheaper
• Statutory or approved health insurance is mandatory for students
• Student visa holders can generally work up to 140 full days or 280 half days a year
• Semester fees include a public transport ticket, which helps with commuting costs

Scholarships and discounts

UE lists a 50% saving for UE graduates continuing to postgraduate studies, academic merit discounts based on GPA, a refer-a-friend program that pays €500 to both the referee and the referred student, and a 50% reduction on the final semester's tuition for foundation diploma holders. It states that price advantages and scholarships cannot be combined, and third-party sources say scholarships can reduce tuition by up to 100% in some cases. Ask which discount applies to you and how it is assessed.

Campus life and student support

UE's campuses are city-based and international, with students from many countries, and the university emphasises projects and employer links. Ask about housing help, language courses, and the career service, since these shape how quickly you settle, and compare the campuses' facilities and atmosphere.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Berlin and Hamburg are major business, media, and creative job markets, and UE's programs aim at roles in business, design, media, sports management, and technology. Ask for graduate employment statistics and how the school helps non-EU students find internships and jobs.

Germany's post-study residence options

After completing a recognised German degree, international graduates can apply to stay for up to 18 months to look for a job that matches their qualification, and can then move to a work permit or the EU Blue Card if they find qualifying employment. Because UE is state-recognised, its degrees should qualify, but confirm this for your specific program. Rules and salary thresholds change, so verify the current conditions with the German authorities.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

Students need valid health insurance before enrolment and must register their address after arriving. Budget for the blocked account, visa fee, insurance, and a housing deposit, and start the housing search early because student rooms are scarce.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, address registration, and setting up a bank account and insurance. Teaching combines lectures, group projects, and presentations, and students who look for internships early tend to benefit most.

A realistic budget

At €6,662 a year, a three-year bachelor's costs about €20,000 in tuition, plus fees, and at €9,263 a one-year master's costs about the same as a year of living in Berlin. Living costs of €12,000 or more a year add substantially, so compare the total with English-taught programs at public German universities.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the total price for my exact program, campus, and status?
• Is my program taught entirely in English?
• Which accreditations does my program hold today?
• What is refundable from the reservation fee if my visa is refused?
• How do dual programs work for non-EU students, and what are the work requirements?
• How does UE help non-EU students find internships and housing?

Who UE suits best

UE suits students who want an English-taught, applied degree in business, design, media, or technology in Germany at a moderate private fee, with dual-program options. It may suit less well students who want a large research university, or the lowest cost through a public German university.

Berlin, Hamburg, or Iserlohn?

Berlin and Hamburg offer bigger cities and job markets at higher costs, while Iserlohn offers a small-town setting with much lower living costs. Check which campus teaches your program and compare rent, transport, and lifestyle.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and campus, and confirm it is taught in English.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and passport details.
4. Accept your offer and pay the reservation fee.
5. Open a blocked account, arrange insurance, and apply for your student visa.
6. Find housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified and, where needed, translated transcripts, your English test result, and proof of funds early. German visa appointments can be slow, so keep copies of everything and ask UE to confirm fees and billing in writing.

Frequently asked questions