The Ruhr University Bochum, established in 1962, is one of Germany’s leading public research universities. The university has a single campus and is academically ranked well. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it is ranked #395, while in the THE rankings 2026, it falls within the #251-300 range, and #269 as per Collegedunia Study Abroad rankings.
Ruhr University Bochum is particularly popular among Indian students for programs such as MS Applied Computer Science, MS Computational Engineering, and BS Applied Computer Science. The university offers courses in both German and English; however, many programs, especially at the undergraduate level, are mainly taught in German. Therefore, international students are often required to demonstrate German language proficiency through tests like TestDAF 16, DSH Level 2-3, and others. RUB offers admission in 2 intakes, and the deadline for both master's and bachelor's programs is:
- Winter 2026: 15 July 2026
- Summer 2027: 15 January 2027
RUB does not officially publish its acceptance rate; some unofficial estimates suggest it to be around 40%, indicating that admissions are moderately competitive. The university does not charge tuition fees; instead, students are required to pay a semester contribution fee of approximately €350 / ₹37,962 per semester. This fee covers administrative costs, student services, and includes a public transportation ticket. Approximately total (whole duration of the programs) semester cost at Ruhr University Bochum is estimated to be:
- Bachelors (3 years): € 1,400 / ₹ 1.5 Lakhs
- Masters (2 years): € 2,100 / ₹ 2.2 Lakhs
In addition to academic expenses, students should also consider the cost of living in Bochum, which typically ranges between €825-1,440 / ₹76,560-1.3 lakhs per month. To ease the financial burden, the university offers several scholarships, such as Deutschland stipendium and funding from the German Academic Exchange Service, which can provide financial support of around €300 / ₹32,538 per month or more, depending on eligibility.
Admission Scenario: Currently, admission to master's and bachelor's programs for international applicants is closed. Application for the Winter 2026 intake will reopen on 1 June 2026 (Bachelor's and Master's programs).
Conversion rate of € 1 = ₹ 109.12 as on 13 April is used in this article.
Know more: Ruhr University Fees
- Ruhr University Bochum Key Highlights
- Ruhr University Bochum Popular Programs
- Ruhr University Bochum Application Deadlines
- Ruhr University Bochum Admission Requirements
- Ruhr University Bochum German Language Tests
- Ruhr University Bochum Rankings
- Cost of Living in Bochum
- Ruhr University Bochum Scholarships
- FAQs
Ruhr University Bochum Key Highlights
The table below mentions some of the key highlights of the Ruhr University Bochum:
- Ruhr University Bochum is one of Germany’s leading public research universities, known for its strong academic foundation and diverse international student community.
- With English and German as the main languages of instruction, the university offers a wide range of programs across disciplines.
- It is attractive to international students, including those from India, due to its no-tuition-fee policy, where students are only required to pay a semester contribution fee.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| German Name | Ruhr-Universität Bochum |
| Establishment year | 1962 |
| Type | Public Research Institute |
| Address | Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany |
| Additional Requirements for Indian students | HBZ Qualification for Bachelor's program admission and APS Certificate for German Visa (Mentioned below in the article in detail) |
| Language of Instruction | German and English (Hence, Indian students need to qualify in the German language proficiency tests) |
| Unique Fact | No tuition fees (Only Semester fees of €350 / ₹ 37,962) |
| Total number of Students | 37,653 |
| International students | 6,739 |
| Faculties | 21 |
| Campus | Only 1 |
Ruhr University Bochum Popular Programs
Ruhr University Bochum offers a wide range of popular programs across both bachelor’s and master’s levels:
- Programs are available in fields such as Computer Science, Engineering, IT Security, Psychology, and Natural Sciences, with varying language requirements in English and German. The language of instruction and eligibility criteria differ by program.
- The Ruhr University Bochum charges a semester contribution fee (€350 / ₹ 37,962 per semester), rather than tuition fees. The table below mentions the semester fees charged by international students for the total duration of the program.
| Popular Programs | Full Program Duration Semester Fees in € (Euros) | Full Program Duration Semester Fees in ₹ (INR) | Language of Instruction | Tips for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Applied Computer Science | € 1,400 | ₹ 1.5 Lakhs | German and English | Strong CS/math background, prepare a motivation letter + work sample. |
| MS Computational Engineering | € 1,400 | ₹ 1.5 Lakhs | English | Needs solid programming (C/C++/Python) + engineering background |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | € 1,400 | ₹ 1.5 Lakhs | German and English | Relevant bachelor's in Mech Eng or similar |
| MS Psychology | € 1,400 | ₹ 1.5 Lakhs | German | Often German-taught (esp. Clinical); strong bachelor's in Psychology needed + possible restricted admission |
| MS Applied IT Security | € 1,400 | ₹ 1.5 Lakhs | German and English | Faculty-level application; good IT/CS foundation helpful. |
| BS Applied Computer Science | € 2,100 | ₹ 2.2 Lakhs | German and English | English B2 level required + interest in math/tech; mostly German-taught elements. |
| BS Sports Science | € 2,100 | ₹ 2.2 Lakhs | German | Likely German-taught; check sports-related prerequisites + HBZ qualification. |
| BS Mechanical Engineering | € 2,100 | ₹ 2.2 Lakhs | German | German proficiency essential; strong physics/math from 12th + entrance qualification (HBZ). |
| BS Chemistry | € 2,100 | ₹ 2.2 Lakhs | German | Science background from school; mostly German-taught. secondary + language proof. |
| BS Geography | € 2,100 | ₹ 2.2 Lakhs | German | German proficiency key; interdisciplinary focus. |
Ruhr University Bochum Students’ Review:
As per the students’ review on YouTube, there are various pros and cons of studying at the Ruhr University Bochum, as mentioned below in the table.
Positive Negative Vegetarian food options are available. The waiting period for on-campus accommodation is around 6-8 months. The university provides free pick-up services for international students arriving at either Bochum train station or Düsseldorf airport. Registration with city authorities is mandatory upon arrival. Efficient public transport connecting the university and the city (U35 campus line). Common international products like KitKat and Red Bull are available on campus, but at higher prices. Free bicycles are available for student use on campus and around Bochum, included in the semester ticket. Dinner time in Germany is in the evening (5-6 pm).
Ruhr University Bochum Application Deadlines
The table below mentions the application deadlines for Indian students to apply to the Ruhr University Bochum:
- The university offers two main intakes: Winter and Summer.
- The winter intake is particularly popular among Indian students.
- Applicants should apply within the specified dates, as late or incomplete applications are generally not considered at Ruhr University Bochum.
| Particulars | Winter 2026 | Summer 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 1 June 2026 | 1 December 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 15 July 2026 | 15 January 2027 |
| Document Submission Deadline | 15 July 2026 | 15 January 2027 |
| Class Start Date | 13 October 2026 | 13 April 2027 |
Ruhr University Bochum Admission Requirements
The university offers both bachelor’s and master’s programs, and applicants must meet specific requirements, such as:
- Academic qualifications, English or German language proficiency through approved tests.
- Indian students are required to obtain an APS certificate, which is mandatory for both admission and the German student visa process.
- HZB qualification for the Bachelor's program admission (1 year of foundation program).
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Masters and Bachelors |
| Degree Certificates | Bachelors: 10th, 12th, and HZB qualification |
| Masters: 10th, 12th, and undergraduate certificates | |
| APS Certificate | Indian students need to get an APS certificate to become eligible for Ruhr University Bochum admission and to get a German Student Visa. |
| English Language Test scores | IELTS 6, TOEFL 85, and PTE 55 |
| German Language Test Scores | TestDAF 16, DSH Level 2-3, and others |
HZB Qualification:
- It is a Higher Education Entrance Qualification.
- An HZB qualification is necessary to take admission to the Bachelor's program in any German university, such as Ruhr University Bochum. (Indian students admitting to the master's program do not need it).
- It requires Indian students to take 1 year of extra studies in the foundation program called Studienkolleg. After completing it, Indian students are eligible for admission to the bachelor's program.
Ruhr University Bochum German Language Tests
For admission to German-taught programs at Ruhr University Bochum, international students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the German language through recognised tests. These exams assess a student’s ability to study and communicate effectively in an academic environment.
| German Language Tests | Minimum Passing Score/Level |
|---|---|
| TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) | Score of 16 |
| DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) | Level 2-3 |
| Goethe Certificates | - |
| Telc C1 Hochschule | C1 |
| DSD II | Level 2 |
For more information, check: German Language Tests for Indians
Ruhr University Bochum Rankings
The global rankings of Ruhr University Bochum demonstrate a steady and consistent academic performance across major international ranking bodies. Over the past few years, the university has maintained a stable position with slight fluctuations:
- In the QS World University Rankings, Ruhr University Bochum has shown an overall improving trend from #416 in 2023 to #395 in 2026.
- Similarly, in THE rankings, the university has consistently remained within the #251-350 range, from 2023 to 2026.
- The US News rankings show moderate variation, with rankings moving from #354 in 2023 to #389 in 2024 and improving to #369 in 2025.
- In the ARWU Shanghai rankings, the university has improved from the #301-400 band in 2023 to the #201-300 range in 2024 and 2025.
| Ranked by | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS Ranks | #395 | #396 | #375 | #416 |
| THE Ranks | #251-300 | #301-350 | #251-300 | #251-300 |
| US News Ranks | - | #369 | #389 | #354 |
| ARWU Shanghai Ranks | - | #201-300 | #201-300 | #301-400 |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranks | #269 | - | - | - |
Cost of Living in Bochum
The table below mentions the monthly expenses for international students to stay in Bochum:
- Rent forms the largest portion of the monthly cost, followed by food and essential services like health insurance and internet.
- Students also benefit from free public transportation covered under the semester contribution fee of the Ruhr University Bochum.
- Monthly expenses are estimated to be in the range of € 825-1,440 / ₹ 76,560-1.3 Lakhs.
(Source: Cost of Studying at the Ruhr University Bochum official page).
| Expenses | In Euros (€) | In INR (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | € 350-700 | ₹ 37,962-75,924 |
| Food | € 200-350 | ₹ 21,692-37,962 |
| Travel | Free (Included in Semester Fees) | Free (Included in Semester Fees) |
| Telephone/Internet | € 35 | ₹ 3,796 |
| Books | € 20-30 | ₹ 2,169-3,253 |
| Clothes | € 40-60 | ₹ 4,338-6,507 |
| Entertainment (Outing) | € 60-100 | ₹ 6,507-10,846 |
| Subscriptions (Netflix, etc.) | € 5-50 | ₹ 542-5,423 |
| Health Insurance | € 115 | ₹ 12,473 |
Ruhr University Bochum Scholarships
Ruhr University Bochum offers a range of scholarships to support international students financially during their studies in Germany:
- These scholarships are awarded based on various criteria such as academic excellence, leadership qualities, and social involvement.
- While some scholarships (Deutschland Stipendium) provide fixed monthly funding, others offer variable amounts depending on the student’s profile and funding availability.
- These financial aids help reduce the overall cost of studying and make education more accessible for international students.
| Scholarships | Eligibility | Amount in Euros (€) | Amount in INR (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutschland Stipendium | International students with good academic grades and social commitment | € 300 per month | ₹ 32,538 per month |
| DAAD Scholarship (German Academic Exchange Service) | International students enrolled in a Master's program with good academic grades | Variable | Variable |
| Scholarships awarded by the International Office | International students with good academic grades, leadership qualities, and social commitment | Variable | Variable |
Explore: Scholarships for Indian students to study in Germany.
The Ruhr University Bochum is one of the top universities in Germany. It has been ranked among the top universities by QS (#395) in 2026. It has an acceptance rate of 40% for students, which is considered good. International students need to check all the required details before proceeding with the application.
FAQs
Ques. What is the HZB qualification for Ruhr University Bochum?
Ans. HZB (Higher Education Entrance Qualification) is required for bachelor’s programs. Indian students usually need to complete a one-year foundation course (Studienkolleg) to qualify.
Ques. Can international students work while studying at Ruhr University Bochum?
Ans. Yes, international students in Germany are allowed to work part-time for up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year.
Ques. What is the duration of programs at Ruhr University Bochum?
Ans. Bachelor’s programs typically last 3 years, while master’s programs usually take 2 years to complete at the Ruhr University Bochum.
Ques. Is health insurance mandatory for students in Germany?
Ans. Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all international students studying in Germany. It costs around € 115 / ₹ 12,473 per month for it.
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Ruhr University Bochum Reviews
4 Reviews Found
Likes
- Atmosphere and solid research on computational material science (Shows how we can study and discover futuristic materials)
- Support for International students (Accommodation, Student jobs)
- Collaborations with the reputed partner institutes such as Max Planck, Julich
Dislikes
- Doesn't encourage working/researching in Industries so they are purely academic interests
- Communication between inter departments
- Some PhD students are rude during tutorials but somewhat not an issue of ICAMS department
Campus Life
- Single campus in Bochum with modern facilities.
- Library: Extensive UB with late hours and study areas.
- Sports: Hochschulsport offers 100+ activities-football, climbing, and Bollywood Dance.
- Medical: On-campus health center. Events: Sommerfest, International Week, ASTA parties. Clubs: hiking clubs and cultural associations. Activities: BBQ, weekend trips to nearby cities with free public transportation for the students, a language exchange program, and many more.
Likes
- Supportive people
- Welcoming for international students.
- Very good research work
Dislikes
- Slow administration
- Accommodation is not good (overcrowded hostels)
Campus Life
- The Campus is full of clubs and extracurricular activities. There is an auditorium where regular events are happening. Look at the RUB website for updates.
Fees
- All education in Germany is free. You just have to pay the social contribution fees that include the travel card (360 euros per semester)
Likes
- Good reputation with well known Professors.
- Strong location in the Ruhr region.
- Strong social life outside work, plus strong alumni network.
Dislikes
- Many courses are offered only in German.
- International students are lower than US universities.
- German bureaucracy in paperwork during registration.
Campus Life
- Ruhr University Bochum has 1 main campus and some small departments, like sport and fitness, on a nearby campus.
- The library is centralized and huge. Sports facilities are huge, with nearly all types of sports played on a regular basis.
- There is a summer fest every year on the campus during June and July. Fitness studio, volleyball, and hockey are played daily professionally.
Likes
- I liked the structure of my course as it has a lot of lab rotations and practical work along with the lectures.
- "The course structure and the international team. They give you detailed information about the university and how everything works. They also had excursions at the start of the semester. The cafeteria at the university has a lot of vegan and vegetarian options for people who don’t consume meat."
Dislikes
- "Sometimes certain meetings and classes is only in German and I feel it is not fair for the international students studying at the university. It would be nice if there was an English version so that people who are interested can take a part in it. "
Overview
It is very nice. I enjoy a lot studying and exploring at the university. The university campus is very big so it took me 2-3 days to explore the whole campus.
Campus Life
The infrastructure of the university is very nice but a bit old aa the university is very old. The wifi, research facilities and library is very nice. They also offer various sport courses to students and also have a big gym. The students can use all these facilities for a very affordable price. There are always some events taking place on the campus and the university has an instagram page where you can get information about all the events and other activities.
Ruhr University Bochum Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 92,880/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| MAWISTA Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 6.2 L/Yr$6,691 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeEasy-to-Apply | |
| Kurt Hansen Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 9.3 L/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeNeed-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Google's Women Techmakers Program | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 1.9 L/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |
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Ruhr University Bochum Admissions
Application Portal: http://international.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/bewerbung/verfahren/index.html.en
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
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Comments
Found 7 Comments
We, at Collegedunia, are not affiliated with the any university. However, You can refer here to see MA courses provided by Ruhr University.
I am about to finish A2, and I am going to start with b1, but can I study mechanical engineering in English?
While RUB offers some Master's programs in English, most Bachelor's and Master's programs in Mechanical Engineering are only taught in German. However, you can explore the RUB courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.
Can I get admission to a master's in mechanical engineering with IELTS 6 band in Germany at this university?
You could get admission to the Master's program in Mechanical Engineering at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) with an IELTS score of 6 bands. Strengthening your application with other aspects and aiming for a higher IELTS score will significantly improve your chances of success.