Idstein is a half-timbered town in the Taunus hills and the founding location of Fresenius University. With over 20 programmes in health, business, and media, plus the Carl Remigius Medical School, this small town offers a surprisingly broad private university portfolio. The RMV ticket covers Frankfurt and Wiesbaden.
Idstein is a half-timbered town of around 25,000 residents in the Taunus hills – and the founding location of Fresenius University of Applied Sciences. With over 20 programmes in health, business, media, and therapy sciences, Fresenius has a strong presence here. The Carl Remigius Medical School adds around 5 programmes in the health sector. Around 3,000 students study in this small town. Most programmes have no NC restriction.
Why study at a private university in Idstein?
Idstein: Fresenius founding campus with a focus on health and natural sciences
Idstein is not a typical university town – and that is precisely its appeal. Fresenius University was founded here in 1848 and maintains its historic campus in the old town. The charm of the half-timbered architecture and the personal atmosphere set Idstein apart from anonymous big-city campuses.
Fresenius: A founding campus with history
Fresenius University has its roots in Idstein. The campus is located in the historic old town – some lectures take place in listed buildings. Focus areas include health & therapy, business & media, and chemistry & biology. The small campus size enables personal supervision.
Carl Remigius Medical School
The Carl Remigius Medical School specialises in health professions and offers programmes such as Physician Assistance and Health & Management. It shares infrastructure with the Fresenius campus.
RMV connection: Frankfurt and Wiesbaden within reach
Idstein is within the RMV transport network. Regional trains reach Frankfurt in around 40 minutes and Wiesbaden in 20 minutes. This significantly expands your range for leisure, culture, and working student positions – despite the small-town setting.
What does it cost to live in Idstein as a student?
Idstein is in the Rhine-Main area but cheaper than Frankfurt or Wiesbaden. The cost of living index is 68 (Numbeo). Monthly total costs (excluding tuition) range between €780 and €950.
Rent and housing
A room in a shared flat costs between €380 and €460 per month on average. Old town apartments are charming but limited. Many students live in neighbouring towns like Bad Camberg or Niedernhausen and commute by train.
Tip: The small town has limited shared-flat availability. Check early for apartments along the rail line towards Frankfurt or Wiesbaden – more options and manageable commute times.
Sample monthly budget
- Rent (shared flat): €420
- Health insurance: €110
- Public transport: €40
- Groceries & household: €200
- Leisure & culture: €80
- Total: approx. €850 per month (excluding tuition fees)
What are the admission requirements at private universities in Idstein?
Both Fresenius University and Carl Remigius Medical School admit students without an NC. Admission is based on each institution's own process – depending on the programme, this includes motivation letters, interviews, or aptitude tests. A preliminary internship may be required for therapy programmes.
International applicants
Most programmes in Idstein are taught in German (C1 level required). Some business programmes may have English components. Verify your school-leaving certificate at anabin.kmk.org. The proximity to Frankfurt provides access to an international job market and cultural scene.
How can you finance your studies at a private university in Idstein?
Tuition fees at Fresenius University range from around €400 to €700/month depending on the programme. You can apply for BAföG at both institutions (maximum €934/month). Working student positions are mainly found in Frankfurt and Wiesbaden – easily reachable via the RMV ticket.
Frequently asked questions about studying privately in Idstein
Carl Remigius Fresenius founded a chemical laboratory in Idstein in 1848 – this evolved into today's university. The historic campus in the half-timbered old town is still in operation. The small size enables a personal study atmosphere that larger cities cannot match.
Yes. Regional trains connect Idstein and Frankfurt in about 40 minutes. Many students live along the rail line. Wiesbaden is also reachable in 20 minutes. The RMV semester ticket covers both cities.
Idstein is a small town – nightlife is limited. However, the old town offers cosy cafés and pubs, and the campus atmosphere is familiar. For city life, Frankfurt or Wiesbaden are a short train ride away.
Carl Remigius Medical School offers programmes such as Physician Assistance and Health & Management. It specialises in health professions and shares infrastructure with the Fresenius campus in Idstein.
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