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View of the winding tower of the mining museum in Bochum, surrounded by green trees
©Tupungato – stock.adobe.com

Studying in Bochum

Bochum offers you 23 degree programmes in English at 9 higher education institutions.

From the lecture hall, it's a quick trip to the outdoors; the small stores in the Ehrenfeld district; an evening party or even 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. Out of the approximate 370,000 people who live in Bochum, almost 54,000 study at the city's many higher education institutions. These vary in size and specialisation 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! 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. If that doesn't pique your interests, then you're sure to find the right extracurriculars 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

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.
©Lutz Leitmann / Stadt Bochum, Referat für Kommunikation

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, you can immerse yourself in the old-world mining theme park here. The industrial buildings also provide an impressive backdrop for numerous events! The Jahrhunderthalle in the Westpark is particularly popular. The 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 is 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, cycling paths and numerous oases of relaxation just waiting to be discovered.

Heading back to the city centre, you will encounter an numerous nightlife spots. You are likely to meet 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. Maybe you'll even stray to the nearby "Square of the European Promise" from here. In 2004, an artist thought 14,726 people should make a promise to Europe. Afterwards, everyone kept their promise a secret. The names of the participants were engraved in basalt stones, which have symbolised participation and the change of Europe ever since. What would you promise?

A young woman walks through the city
A young woman walks through the cityJan von Allwörden / DAAD

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