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Gera is a mid-sized city of around 93,000 residents in Thuringia and one of Germany's most affordable university locations. SRH University operates a campus here with around 16 programmes in health, pedagogy, and social sciences. Around 4,000 students are enrolled in the city. All programmes have no NC restriction – admission is based on the university's own process.
Why study at a private university in Gera?
Leaving aside the public DHGE university with its main focus on technology and economics, Gera is a dedicated SRH campus city – all roughly 16 private programmes come from one university, creating short distances and a cohesive campus atmosphere. Extremely low living costs make a private degree feasible even on a tight budget.
SRH University: Compact campus, broad offering
SRH University offers around 16 degree programs at its Gera campus – primarily in the fields of medicine, psychology, nursing, social work and education.
The CORE principle (Competence Oriented Research and Education) uses 5-week blocks focused on one subject instead of traditional semester structures.
Extremely low living costs
The cost of living index is 56 – one of the lowest among all German university cities. Shared-flat rooms start from around €260 per month. For students looking to finance a private degree on a limited budget, Gera is hard to beat.
Thuringian Forest and nature
Gera sits on the edge of the Thuringian Forest and offers a green environment. The Weiße Elster river runs through the city. For students who value nature and quiet surroundings, the location is ideal – Erfurt and Jena are reachable by train in under an hour.
What does it cost to live in Gera as a student?
Gera is one of Germany's most affordable university cities. The cost of living index is 56. Monthly total costs (excluding tuition) range between €600 and €800.
Rent and housing
A room in a shared flat costs between €260 and €340 per month on average. The centre, Untermhaus, and Debschwitz are popular residential areas. Supply is good – housing shortages like Munich or Berlin simply do not exist here.
Sample monthly budget
- Rent (shared flat): €300
- Health insurance: €110
- Public transport: €25
- Groceries & household: €170
- Leisure & culture: €60
- Total: approx. €665 per month (excluding tuition fees)
What are the admission requirements at SRH University in Gera?
SRH University admits all students in Gera without an NC. Admission is based on motivation letters and personal interviews. Health programmes such as physiotherapy may require a preliminary internship or aptitude test.
International applicants
Most programmes in Gera are taught in German (C1 level required). Verify your school-leaving certificate at anabin.kmk.org. Gera's extremely low living costs make it particularly attractive for international students on a tight budget. Erfurt and Jena offer additional international networking opportunities nearby.
How can you finance your studies at SRH University in Gera?
Tuition fees range from around €400 to €650/month depending on the programme. You can apply for BAföG (maximum €934/month). Gera's extremely low living costs mean your budget stretches significantly further than in major cities. Working student positions are available in Gera and nearby Jena.
Frequently asked questions about studying privately in Gera
CORE stands for Competence Oriented Research and Education. Instead of a traditional semester structure, you study in 5-week blocks focusing on one subject at a time. This enables intensive, practice-oriented learning without end-of-semester exam stress.
Yes. Gera has around 4,000 students, and the SRH campus provides a cohesive study atmosphere. The social scene is modest but present. For a bigger-city experience, Erfurt and Jena are under an hour away by train.
Gera has a main railway station with connections to Erfurt, Jena, Leipzig, and Chemnitz. Locally, trams and buses cover the city. The compact size makes most destinations reachable by bicycle.
Yes. SRH University offers programmes such as health management, physiotherapy, and social work at its Gera campus. All programmes are NC-free and practice-oriented using the CORE study model.
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