View of Bonn from above under a blue sky, with the Rhine in the background

Studying in Bonn

Bonn offers you 33 degree programmes in English at 5 higher education institutions.

As the former capital of Germany and home to many international organisations, around 20 from the UN world alone, Bonn is marked by a striking international atmosphere. About 40,000 students live in the birthplace of the world-famous composer Beethoven, which is considered today one of the cultural and art capitals of Germany. On warm summer evenings, many people head to the banks of the Rhine to casually barbecue.

Bonn was the capital of Germany for about 50 years. As a result, Bonn has become an important business and science location as well as a cosmopolitan city – and that is quite extraordinary for a city of this size.

In Bonn, you have the choice between several higher education institutions, which further enhance the international character of the city and offer international double degrees. And since many international governmental and non-governmental organisations have their headquarters in Bonn, you can also find exciting internships right here.

As befits such a cosmopolitan city, almost a third of Bonn's population has an international background from around 176 countries around the world. The students, who make up more than 10% of Bonn's more than 300,000 inhabitants, also contribute to this colourful mix.

Depending on your higher education institution, however, it may happen that you don't study directly in Bonn, but a little further away, for example in St. Augustin or Hennef. But don't worry, the distances are short and even the smaller towns can be reached easily. Of course, this also applies to Cologne, the largest city near Bonn, which you will certainly visit often. Many people commute regularly between the cities and towns. And if you don't feel like using public transport, you can, of course, cover some distances by bike and be active by the by!

Life in Bonn

336,000 residents

High-speed train connections
In close vicinity
International airport
In close vicinity
Coast
North Sea in 250 km distance
Mountain range
Siebengebirge in 11 km distance
Other countries
Belgium in 60 km distance
Attractions within 100 km
- Drachenfels hill in 11 km distance
- Eifel in 25 km distance
- Cold-water geyser in Andernach in 38 km distance
- Cologne Cathedral in 26 km distance

Study in Bonn

5 higher education institutions in Bonn

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Subject groups of degree programmes in Bonn

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

6
Agricultural and Forest Sciences
36
Humanities and Social Sciences
48
Mathematics, Natural Sciences
10
Art, Music, Design
71
Language and Cultural Studies
11
Medicine, Health Sciences
38
Economic Sciences, Law
10
Engineering Sciences
61
Teaching Degrees

Carnival parade with people in costume in front of the Old Town Hall

Bonn's market square – this spot is always lively, not just during the carnival!

The Rhineland Carnival is also celebrated in Bonn with parades, street parties and many events.

Bonn has one of the biggest pedestrian zones in Europe, and you can walk from the city centre to the largest contiguous Wilhelminian period quarter in Germany. There, beautiful old buildings are lined up next to each other – with a bit of luck, even students will find an impressive flat in these period houses. Overall, however, rents are rising in Bonn and living space is becoming scarcer; nevertheless, the situation is nowhere near as tense as in some major cities in Germany.

Many cafés and pubs can be found throughout the city, and in Nordstadt there is a very special attraction: the cherry blossom avenues. Not only do numerous guests come to wonder when the trees are in blossom, but the locals also appreciate this beauty and often organise the so-called Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate it, with flea markets, music events and readings. And there is no shortage of art and cultural events in Bonn: Organised by higher education institutions, the city or by various associations, you can take part in many events here, from open-air events to jazz festivals to the Bonn Silent Film Days.

The many green spaces in and around the city provide relaxation between courses and events: the Rhine meadows are particularly popular for walks, sports or as an area for festivals and concerts. If you prefer to relax in the middle of the city, you can find a nice spot in the Botanical Garden or the Hofgarten. Especially in the Hofgarten, many students meet on warm days to unwind together: Not only do they party or play music – at the right time, you can even watch quidditch training!

Hikers will find what they are looking for in the Siebengebirge nature reserve. Contrary to the name, there are not seven, but far more than 40 hills and mountains to climb here. Even if the so-called mountains might feel more like hills for some, everyone will be rewarded for the climb with a beautiful panorama of the Rhine Valley.

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

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

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