View of the winding tower of the mining museum in Bochum, surrounded by green trees

Studying in Bochum

Bochum offers you 22 degree programmes in English at 9 higher education institutions.

From the lecture hall, it's a quick trip to nature; browse the small stores in the Ehrenfeld district; and in the evening, party or go to the award-winning theatre. Between Essen and Dortmund, Bochum is a city with short walking distances and a unique charm. If you are willing, you will quickly appreciate the blunt but warm atmosphere and the advantages of the "flower in the region".

Welcome to the Ruhrpott! Once an industrial region, the city of Bochum now attracts numerous students with its diverse cultural events, its green spaces and its reputation as a centre of science. In addition, the cost of living is low here, even in the city centre, and the housing market is quite relaxed. Of the approximately 370,000 people who live in Bochum, almost 60,000 study at the city's many higher education institutions. They vary in size and focus and some of them are among the most renowned in Germany - the choice of degree courses is equally large and varied.

Bochum is actively innovating: Especially in the areas of information technology and electromobility, the city proves itself time and again as an important technology location. This opens up many opportunities for you to gain your first practical experience at research institutions or companies! But you can also become active in the higher education institutions themselves: There are many student clubs and associations where you can network with international students or get involved in areas such as theatre, music or politics. And if that doesn't pique your interests, then you're sure to find the right programme to accompany your studies at the university sports centre!

Life in Bochum

366,000 residents

High-speed train connections
In close vicinity
International airport
Dortmund airport in 28 km distance
Coast
North Sea in 200 km distance
Mountain range
Rothaar Mountains in 40 km distance
Other countries
The Netherlands in 60 km distance
Attractions within 100 km
- Tippelsberg Park in close vicinity
- Erzbahnschwinge bridge in close vicinity
- Lake Ümminger See in 6 km distance

Study in Bochum

9 higher education institutions in Bochum

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Subject groups of degree programmes in Bochum

There is a wide range of degree programmes in Bochum. Here you can see the main subject groups. Currently, degree programmes in Bochum are mainly offered in the subject group Language and Cultural Studies, followed by Engineering Sciences and Economic Sciences, Law. Find out more information here about the subject groups and degree programmes offered in Germany.

1
Agricultural and Forest Sciences
56
Humanities and Social Sciences
48
Mathematics, Natural Sciences
12
Art, Music, Design
74
Language and Cultural Studies
25
Medicine, Health Sciences
58
Economic Sciences, Law
66
Engineering Sciences
43
Teaching Degrees

People sit outside at the nightlife district Bermuda Triangle.

Pubs, culture and the legendary Currywurst: that’s what the Bermuda3Eck is known for.

James Bond is from Bochum: According to the authorised biography, the secret agent was born in Wattenscheid, a district in Bochum.

Industrial heritage turns to culture and experiences! The people of Bochum have skilfully transformed their industrial heritage into unusual exhibitions, architecture, artistic objects or experiences. For example, here you can immerse yourself in the old-world mining theme park. The industrial buildings also provide an impressive backdrop for numerous events! The Jahrhunderthalle in the Westpark is particularly popular. Various events in the former gas power station range from concerts of different musical genres to galas and trade fairs. You can also visit local and international festivals here, such as the Ruhrtriennale art festival or ExtraSchicht, a cultural festival with music, theatre, comedy and fireworks.

If you go to one of the events in the Westpark, you will notice that Bochum is an extraordinarily green city - about 40 percent of it has green space! On warm days, finding a cosy corner is easy in one of the many meadows, for example in the Stadtpark or Schlosspark. Most higher education institutions are within walking or cycling distance of one of the most popular recreational areas in Bochum, Lake Kemnader. You can even learn to sail or surf here between your classes. Alternatively, there are inline skating tracks, cycle paths and numerous oases of relaxation just waiting to be discovered.

When you head back to the city centre, you find an enormous number of nightlife spots. You will probably meet the most students in the Bermuda Triangle - the pub district in the middle of Bochum. Get lost here safely with friends in the cafés, bars and clubs. And maybe you'll even stray from here to the nearby "Square of the European Promise". In 2004, an artist had the idea that 14,726 people should make a promise to Europe - everyone kept the promises a secret. The names of these people were engraved in basalt stones, and these have since stood as a symbol for participation in and change of Europe. What would you promise?

You can find more information at study-in-germany.de

For more information on living and studying in Bochum, visit the city portraits at study-in-germany.de

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