Study in Bremen, Germany

About Bremen

Bremen is a historic Hanseatic port city on the river Weser in north-west Germany. Together with Bremerhaven it forms the smallest German federal state, the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, which had 706,915 inhabitants at the end of 2025, according to the state statistical office. Its compact old town, its maritime and aerospace industries and its research institutes give the city a lively but manageable feel.

Students choose Bremen for its university, for a German course in a city that is smaller and calmer than Berlin or Hamburg, and for the lower living costs of a mid-sized city.

Studying in Bremen

Our directory lists three schools in Bremen: the University of Bremen and two German language schools. The University of Bremen is a young university, founded in 1971. Its teaching model, known as the "Bremen Model", is built on interdisciplinarity, research-based learning in projects and practical orientation. In 2025 it founded the Northwest Alliance with the University of Oldenburg. The university offers bachelor's degrees and master's programmes leading to the Master of Science, Master of Arts or Master of Laws.

Most degree programmes at German universities are taught in German, and most universities require at least level B2. International degree programmes and English-taught postgraduate programmes are exempt from this requirement but ask for proof of English instead.

To reach that level, CASA International Language School offers German courses for international students at all levels, including evening courses, and is an exam centre for telc Deutsch B2 and telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, an exam accepted for university entry. CASA also arranges homestays with local families and rooms in a shared flat. The Aristoteles Institut also teaches German at all levels.

Cost of living for students

State universities in Germany generally charge no tuition fees for bachelor's degrees and most master's degrees. Every student pays a semester contribution of between €70 and €430, which at many universities includes a semester ticket for local public transport.

According to the DAAD, students need between €900 and €1,200 a month depending on the city, and the average student spends €410 a month on rent including utilities. Students from outside the EU must prove €992 a month when they apply for a student visa (DAAD, figure as of 1 January 2025).

Getting around and daily life

Bremen is a compact city with trams and buses, and it is known as a cycling city; the old town around the market square is easy to explore on foot. The Deutschlandticket, valid on local and regional transport throughout Germany, has cost €63 a month since January 2026; where a university offers it as a Deutschlandsemesterticket, students pay 60% of that price. The climate is mild and maritime, with cool summers, mild winters and frequent rain.

Citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland only need an ID card. Students from countries such as the United States, Canada, Brazil or Japan can enter without a visa but need a residence permit for stays of more than three months; most other students need a national student visa from the German embassy. A tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa later.

Frequently asked questions

Which university is in Bremen?

The main university is the University of Bremen, founded in 1971. It offers bachelor's and master's programmes and is known for its project-based "Bremen Model" of teaching.

Can I learn German in Bremen?

Yes. CASA and the Aristoteles Institut teach German at all levels, and CASA is an exam centre for telc Deutsch B2 and telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule.

How much does it cost to study in Bremen?

State universities generally charge no tuition fees, but students pay a semester contribution of €70 to €430. The DAAD estimates living costs of €900 to €1,200 a month in Germany.