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Brunswick (Braunschweig) is one of Europe's most research-intensive cities with around 249,000 residents. DLR, PTB, Helmholtz centres, and TU Braunschweig define the location. Around 26,000 students are enrolled. In the private sector, IU International University offers over 15 programmes. Fresenius University and Carl Remigius Medical School add health-focused programmes. All private programmes have no NC restriction.
Why study at a private university in Brunswick?
Brunswick combines research excellence with low living costs. The city has Europe's highest density of research institutions per capita – and VW in Wolfsburg is just 30 minutes away by train.
IU: Largest private provider
IU operates one of its campuses in Brunswick with over 15 programmes in business, IT, social work, and health. On-campus, distance, and dual models are available. NC-free admission and flexible study models set IU apart from the research-focused TU Braunschweig.
Fresenius and Carl Remigius: Health and therapy
Fresenius University offers around 2 health and therapy programmes. Carl Remigius Medical School adds further health programmes. Both benefit from the city's strong clinical and research environment.
Automotive region and research cluster
VW in Wolfsburg is reachable by train in around 30 minutes. DLR (German Aerospace Center), PTB (National Metrology Institute), and several Helmholtz centres offer working student positions and industry contacts – a unique environment for technology and business students.
What does it cost to live in Brunswick as a student?
Brunswick is more affordable than most western German cities. The cost of living index is 65 (Numbeo). Monthly total costs (excluding tuition) range between €730 and €920.
Rent and housing
A room in a shared flat costs between €350 and €430 per month on average. Popular areas include the Östliches Ringgebiet, Lehndorf, and Weststadt. The city centre is compact and easily reachable by bicycle.
Sample monthly budget
- Rent (shared flat): €390
- Health insurance: €110
- Semester ticket: €25
- Groceries & household: €200
- Leisure & culture: €80
- Total: approx. €805 per month (excluding tuition fees)
What are the admission requirements at private universities in Brunswick?
All private universities in Brunswick admit students without an NC. Admission is based on each institution's own process. At IU, motivation letters and interviews are standard. Health programmes at Fresenius and Carl Remigius may require aptitude tests or preliminary internships.
International applicants
IU offers some English-taught programmes. Most other programmes are taught in German (C1 level required). Verify your school-leaving certificate at anabin.kmk.org. Brunswick's research environment and VW proximity offer unique career perspectives for international graduates.
How can you finance your studies at a private university in Brunswick?
Tuition fees range from around €300 to €700/month depending on the institution and programme. You can apply for BAföG at all institutions (maximum €934/month). Working student positions are available at VW in Wolfsburg, at DLR, and at Brunswick-based companies – the low living costs make financing easier.
Frequently asked questions about studying privately in Brunswick
VW in Wolfsburg is reachable by train in about 30 minutes. The company regularly offers working student positions, internships, and dual study places. Suppliers and IT service providers in the region complement the opportunities.
DLR (aerospace), PTB (metrology), the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Fraunhofer institutes, and the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute. Brunswick has Europe's highest research density per capita.
Yes. The compact city centre is cycling-friendly, the pub and cultural scene is lively. Around 26,000 students create a young atmosphere. Rents are affordable, infrastructure is good – and Hanover is reachable by train in 30 minutes.
IU offers some English-taught programmes at its Brunswick campus. Fresenius and Carl Remigius primarily teach in German. The research environment and international companies provide English-speaking career opportunities after graduation.
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