Bremen combines Hanseatic charm with a diverse private university landscape. Constructor University (formerly Jacobs University) offers English-taught campus programmes, IU is the largest provider with over 25 programmes, and FOM enables part-time studies. The aerospace industry (Airbus, OHB) shapes the local economy.
Bremen is a Hanseatic city with around 37,000 students and a broad private university offering. Constructor University (formerly Jacobs University) is an internationally oriented campus university with English-taught programmes. IU International University offers over 25 programmes on campus, dual, and online. FOM enables part-time studies in the evenings and weekends. Most programmes have no NC restriction, with tuition starting from €295 per month.
Why study at a private university in Bremen?
Bremen: International campus university and Hanseatic charm
Bremen combines northern German quality of life with a strong economic base. Private universities offer distinct profiles – from international research to practice-oriented study formats and part-time programmes for working professionals.
Constructor University: International campus experience
Constructor University (until 2022 Jacobs University) offers a unique model in Germany: English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes on a dedicated campus in Bremen-Nord. Students from over 100 countries live and learn together. Focus areas include engineering, computer science, and social sciences.
Aerospace hub
Bremen is Germany's second-most important aerospace location. Airbus Defence and Space, OHB, and numerous suppliers are based here. For students in engineering and technology, this provides an attractive job market for internships and working student positions.
Compact city with green spaces
Bremen is manageable in size, green, and cycling-friendly. The Weser river, Bürgerpark, and Blockland offer recreation. The Viertel area around Ostertor is the student hub – with cafés, culture, and nightlife.
What does it cost to live in Bremen as a student?
Bremen is among Germany's more affordable major cities. The cost of living index is 69 (Numbeo). Monthly living costs (excluding tuition) range between €800 and €1,050.
Rent and housing
A room in a shared flat costs between €380 and €460 per month on average. Affordable areas include Findorff, Walle, and Hemelingen. The Viertel (Ostertor/Steintor) is more popular and pricier but still significantly cheaper than Hamburg or Munich.
Tip: The Studierendenwerk Bremen offers dormitory rooms from around €220 per month. Constructor University has its own on-campus accommodation.
Semester ticket and transport
The semester ticket costs around €200 per semester and covers the entire VBN area – bus and tram. Bremen is flat and an excellent cycling city. Hamburg is reachable by ICE in about one hour.
Sample monthly budget
- Rent (shared flat): €420
- Health insurance: €110
- Semester ticket: €33
- Groceries & household: €220
- Leisure & culture: €100
- Total: approx. €883 per month (excluding tuition fees)
What are the admission requirements at private universities in Bremen?
Private universities in Bremen mostly admit students without an NC. At IU and FOM, admission is based on motivation letters and interviews. FOM requires parallel employment. Constructor University has a selective application process with a portfolio, recommendation letters, and interview. All institutions accept students without Abitur.
International applicants
Constructor University teaches entirely in English and actively recruits international students – no German language skills required for most programmes. At IU, some programmes are available in English. For German-taught programmes at other institutions, C1-level German is typically required. Verify your school-leaving certificate's recognition at anabin.kmk.org.
How can you finance your studies at a private university in Bremen?
Tuition fees vary significantly: FOM charges around €295/month, IU between €359 and €539/month, and Constructor University over €20,000 per year – though with extensive scholarship programmes. You can apply for BAföG at all state-recognised institutions (maximum €934/month). The local job market offers working student positions at Airbus, OHB, BLG Logistics, and in the port area.
Frequently asked questions about studying privately in Bremen
Constructor University is an international campus university with English-taught programmes. Students live on campus in Bremen-Nord, and teaching is research-oriented. Tuition fees are higher than at IU or FOM, but around 80% of students receive financial support through the university's scholarship programmes.
Constructor University offers English-taught engineering and computer science programmes. IU has computer science and business informatics programmes at its Bremen campus. The proximity to Airbus and OHB makes Bremen particularly attractive for technology students.
Bremen's housing market is more relaxed than in Hamburg or Munich. Options include Studierendenwerk Bremen (dormitory rooms from €220), WG-Gesucht.de, and university notice boards. Affordable areas: Findorff, Walle, Hemelingen, Neustadt.
Yes, especially at Constructor University, which offers a fully English-speaking environment with students from over 100 countries. IU also has English-taught programmes. Bremen is compact and easy to navigate, with Hamburg airport about an hour away.
Yes. FOM offers evening and weekend programmes in business and management. IU provides flexible scheduling with individual time management. Bremen's moderate living costs make it easier to combine work and study compared to more expensive cities like Hamburg or Munich.
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