In comparison with many other cities in Germany, the cost of living is relatively low in Osnabrück, because rents for rooms are somewhat affordable.

Our estimate is that students in and around Osnabrück need approximately 850 to 950 Euro per month to cover all costs. Of course, this also depends on individual needs and habits.

Please note that from January 2023, a proof of finance is necessary for your visa and residence permit in Germany. Currently, you need to demonstrate that you have 963 euros per month at your disposal. Some German embassies require you to open up a blocked account at a bank and put a certain amount of money on that account (for one year: 12 x 963 euros = 11,208 euros). Once in Germany, you are allowed to withdraw up to 963 euros per month from that account.

At the beginning of your stay, there will be some extra expenses to incur:

The "Studentenwerk Osnabrück" provides student services in the field of student housing. It owns more than 20 student dorms in Osnabrück and one apartment complex in Lingen. Some rooms and all the apartments are furnished.

For international students in our english-taught study programs who have no or only little knowledge of German, the Housing Service of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences offers housing in furnished rooms.

Please find further information to accommodation here.

The nearest airport is that of Münster and Osnabrück (airport code: FMO). From there, you can take an Express Bus to Osnabrück Central Station. You can catch connecting flights to FMO from Munich and Frankfurt.

By Train you can reach Osnabrück from the following international airports: Frankfurt/Main (app. 4 hours), Düsseldorf (app. 2 hours), Bremen (app. 1.5 hours), Hamburg (app. 2 hours), Berlin (app. 4 hours) or Amsterdam (app. 4 hours).

Have a look at our  university map to find out about our campuses and their location within Osnabrück and Lingen.

The CampusCard is also your semester ticket (page only available in German): With the semester fee, Osnabrück students automatically pay for a semester ticket which allows them to use all city buses. The buses run regularly and stop at all student residences, as well as each campus of the university. The semester ticket is also valid on the regional railways in Lower Saxony; the best prerequisite for, e.g. traveling all over the state on weekends.
To find train connections for all of Germany, visit the  Deutsche Bahn website and for bus routes and timetables for in Osnabrück, go to the Stadtwerke Osnabrück.

Good news for exchange students from partner universities of the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences:

You are exempt from the payment of the semester fee for a maximum of two semesters. This means that you can use the semester ticket free-of-charge.
Osnabrück is a bicycle-friendly city: You can explore the city or cycle from the dorm to the school on cycle paths; used bicycles are also available for purchase.

In Germany, students have the opportunity to work alongside their studies and to take part in internships. It is however important that you observe the legal framework and that you do not neglect your studies.

In general, the following shall apply: During lecture periods, students (whether from Germany, the EU or non-EU countries) are only allowed to work up to 20 hours a week.
Students from the EU (with the exception of Croatia) are treated the same as German students and are allowed to work without restrictions within the above-mentioned regulation.

Students from non-EU countries and Croatia may work 120 full days or 240 half-days a year (and usually have a corresponding remark in their residence permit). For this, you do not need a work permit (residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment), i.e. no permit from the Federal Employment Agency and the Alien's Registration Office.

No work permit is required for compulsory work-placements (internships which are specified in the study and examination regulations of your degree program) and these internships do not fall under the 120-day rule.

Also working as a scientific or student research assistant at the university is exempted from a work permit and is not affected by the 120-day rule. At the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, international students can work, e.g. as language tutors.

You should always inform the Alien's Registration Office on your employment activity.

If you want to complete a voluntary internship, the 120-day rule applies. For any other employment above and beyond this, you need a residence permit for the purpose of employment.

If you would like to apply for an internship or a job after graduation, the Career Center of the of Osnabrück will assist you. A great way to connect with over 100 companies in the region is to attend CHANCE, the business contact trade fair(page only available in German), which takes place once a year in th the fall at the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences.

Consult the website of the German Academic Exchange Service for internships in Germany.

Use your leisure time to explore Germany, to meet other people and to find a balance to studies. The Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and the Cities of Osnabrück and Lingen offer you many possibilities:

University Sports Center

The University Sports Center offers an extensive and diverse sports program from aqua jogging to Zumba. The semester program is published each mid-April to mid-October and  courses are also held during the semester holidays. You will find a program in the Central International Office or on the Sports Offerings webpage.

Explore Germany: cultural program for international students

Explore Germany is a cultural program organized by the Center for International Mobility of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences for international students. It offers a multifaceted program with regional excursions and city trips for example to Cologne and Bonn, as well as leisure activities such as a visit to the Treetop Challenge Course at the Nettetal. With Explore Germany you can experience German history, mentality, culture and nature at first hand.

Friend family

The friendfamily program mediates contacts between international students of the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and the Osnabrück residents and helps you get insight into life outside of studies and the university.

Events of the AStA and the student councils

The events organized by the student representatives are an integral part of the academic year: First semester parties and the annual terrace celebration invite you to celebrate. These and many other events are be announced on the Facebook page of the General Students' Committee (AStA).

Off Campus

Osnabrück as well as Lingen have much to offer for students. In addition to restaurants, bars and clubs, there are theaters, movie theaters, museums and a beautiful environment. Best ask your fellow classmates about their favorite places and look at the calendar of events

http://www.stadtblatt-live.de/

http://veranstaltungen.noz.de/

www.nachtleben-os.de/

https://www.lingen.de/en/tourism-leisure-culture/tourism-leisure-culture.html

Lingen Campus

Students at the Lingen campus can find out what sports and leisure activities are available on-site on the Internet page "Where is Lingen?".

After studying in Germany, many international students want to stay here to work. The following is to be noted:

The chances of getting a job in Germany are generally much better when you have good German language skills. Exceptions are large, internationally active companies or scientific research institutions.

The Career Center (page only available in German) of the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences helps you by providing seminars and consulting on starting your career.