Augsburg is Bavaria's third-largest city with around 304,000 residents and a university location with approximately 30,000 students. In the private sector, IU International University dominates with over 29 programmes on campus, dual, and as distance learning. FOM offers part-time programmes and FHM complements with individual programmes. All programmes have no NC restriction, with tuition starting from €295 per month.
Why study at a private university in Augsburg?
Augsburg is one of Germany's oldest cities with a rich industrial heritage – from the Fugger banking dynasty to today's technology companies. As Bavaria's most affordable major city, it offers an attractive cost-benefit ratio for students.
IU as the dominant provider
IU has a large campus in Augsburg offering over 29 programmes – from business and social work to computer science and health management. On-campus, dual, and distance learning formats are available.
Part-time studies at FOM and FHM
FOM offers evening and weekend programmes for working professionals in business and management. FHM complements with individual practice-oriented programmes.
Affordable living, close to Munich
Augsburg is Bavaria's cheapest major city – with a cost of living index of 66. Rents are significantly below Munich levels. Munich is reachable by regional train in about 40 minutes, making Augsburg attractive as a commuter base too.
What does it cost to live in Augsburg as a student?
Augsburg is one of the most affordable major cities in southern Germany. The cost of living index is 66 (Numbeo). Monthly living costs (excluding tuition) range between €750 and €950.
Rent and housing
A room in a shared flat costs between €360 and €440 per month on average. Affordable areas include Oberhausen, Lechhausen, and Kriegshaber. The city centre and university quarter are pricier but still significantly cheaper than Munich.
Semester ticket and transport
The semester ticket covers public transport in Augsburg (tram and bus). Augsburg is compact and cycling-friendly. Munich is reachable by regional train in about 40 minutes.
Sample monthly budget
- Rent (shared flat): €400
- Health insurance: €110
- Semester ticket: €30
- Groceries & household: €210
- Leisure & culture: €80
- Total: approx. €830 per month (excluding tuition fees)
What are the admission requirements at private universities in Augsburg?
Private universities in Augsburg admit students without an NC. At IU, admission is based on motivation letters and interviews. FOM requires parallel employment. All institutions accept students without Abitur.
International applicants
Most programmes in Augsburg are taught in German (C1 level required). IU offers some English-taught options. Verify your school-leaving certificate's recognition at anabin.kmk.org. Augsburg's proximity to Munich provides access to an international business environment.
How can you finance your studies at a private university in Augsburg?
Tuition fees range from €295/month (FOM) to around €539/month (IU on-campus). You can apply for BAföG at all state-recognised institutions (maximum €934/month). The Augsburg job market offers working student positions at KUKA, MAN Energy Solutions, Premium AEROTEC, and in retail. The low living costs make financing easier compared to Munich.
Frequently asked questions about studying privately in Augsburg
Augsburg has a cost of living index of 66 compared to around 82 in Munich. The difference is most pronounced in rent: a shared flat room costs around €400 in Augsburg versus often over €700 in Munich. Groceries and leisure activities are also cheaper.
Yes. Munich is reachable by regional train in about 40 minutes. Many students use Augsburg as an affordable base and commute to Munich for working student positions or internships. The semester ticket covers only Augsburg's local transport, however.
Yes. FOM offers part-time programmes in business and management (evening/weekend formats). FHM complements with individual programmes. IU is by far the largest private provider at the location, however.
Augsburg has a strong industrial tradition: KUKA (robotics), MAN Energy Solutions, Premium AEROTEC (aerospace), Renk, and Faurecia are major employers. The IT sector is growing. Munich's proximity expands the job market further.
Yes. With around 30,000 students and a compact city centre, Augsburg offers a lively student community. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Lech and Wertach rivers provide recreation. Augsburg is quieter than Munich but far from boring.
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