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Alfter is a municipality of around 24,000 residents south of Bonn and home to Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences. With around 15 programmes in fine arts, Waldorf education, business administration, and architecture, Alanus offers a unique combination found nowhere else in Germany. Around 2,500 students are enrolled. All programmes have no NC restriction.
What makes Alanus University in Alfter so special?
Alanus University combines artistic, pedagogical, and business education on a campus surrounded by nature. The anthroposophically inspired profile and the blend of painting, sculpture, eurythmy, Waldorf education, and business administration are unique in the German higher education landscape.
Arts and design
Alanus offers programmes in fine arts, acting, eurythmy, and architecture. Artistic training takes place in studios and workshops on campus – small, personal, and intensive.
Waldorf education
Alfter is one of Germany's most important training locations for Waldorf education. Programmes in early childhood education and Waldorf pedagogy prepare students for work in Waldorf schools and kindergartens.
Business with an artistic companion programme
The business programme at Alanus has a distinctive feature: an artistic companion programme is integrated. You study business administration while taking parallel courses in painting, sculpture, or performing arts – the idea being that creativity fosters entrepreneurial thinking.
Campus in nature
The Alanus campus sits on green grounds between Alfter and Bonn. Gardens, studios, and workshops define the atmosphere. Bonn is reachable by bus in around 20 minutes – Cologne via VRS transport in under an hour.
What does it cost to live in Alfter as a student?
Alfter is in the Rhein-Sieg district and cheaper than central Bonn. The cost of living index is 68 (Numbeo). Monthly total costs (excluding tuition) range between €770 and €950.
Rent and housing
A room in a shared flat in Alfter or surroundings costs between €380 and €460 per month on average. Many students live in Bonn or the Rhein-Sieg district and commute to campus. Housing directly in Alfter is limited.
Sample monthly budget
- Rent (shared flat): €420
- Health insurance: €110
- Public transport: €35
- Groceries & household: €210
- Leisure & culture: €80
- Total: approx. €855 per month (excluding tuition fees)
What are the admission requirements at Alanus University?
Alanus University admits students without an NC. For arts programmes, an artistic aptitude test with a portfolio is required. For business and education programmes, admission is based on motivation letters and interviews. Studying without Abitur is possible.
International applicants
Some programmes at Alanus include English-language components, but most teaching is in German (C1 level required). Verify your school-leaving certificate at anabin.kmk.org. The university's international art and education network offers exchange opportunities with partner institutions worldwide.
How can you finance your studies at Alanus University?
Tuition fees vary from around €250 to €500/month depending on the programme. Alanus offers income-dependent fee models and scholarships. You can apply for BAföG (maximum €934/month). Working student positions are mainly found in Bonn and Cologne.
Frequently asked questions about studying at Alanus University
In the business programme at Alanus, you take parallel courses in painting, sculpture, or performing arts alongside your business subjects. The idea is that artistic work fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Yes. Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences is a state-recognised private university. All degrees (bachelor's and master's) are equivalent to those from public universities and internationally recognised.
Yes. Alanus is one of Germany's most important training locations for Waldorf education. Programmes in early childhood education and Waldorf pedagogy prepare students for work in Waldorf schools and kindergartens.
The campus is reachable by bus in around 20 minutes from Bonn. Many students cycle. VRS transport also enables commuting from Cologne and the Rhein-Sieg district.
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