Private Universities in Leipzig: Creative City on the Rise

HHL, IU, Macromedia, SRH and more – over 40 programmes at private universities in Saxony's boomtown
  • 9 Universities
  • 46 Courses
  • 620.000 Population
Leipzig is one of Germany's fastest-growing cities and a university location with unique character. Around 43,000 students are enrolled. Private universities like HHL Leipzig Graduate School, IU, Macromedia, and SRH offer over 55 programmes – from management and finance to media and health. The city combines the lowest rents among growing German cities with a vibrant cultural scene and eastern Germany's best nightlife.
📍 Region Saxony
👥 Population 620.000
🎓 Students 43.000
🏠 Avg. Rent (shared flat) 380€/month
💰 Cost of Living Index 67
🚇 Public Transport Rating ★★★★☆
✨ Quality of Life Index 195.14
🌙 Nightlife ★★★★★
🌳 Green Spaces ★★★★☆

All private Universities in Leipzig

Shown are private universities headquartered in Leipzig as well as private universities offering courses in Leipzig.

DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences

UAS · Private

  • Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Hesse
  • 6283 Students
  • Business Administration, Medicine, Legal Sciences, IT Management, Psychology, Childhood Education, Mechanical Engineering, Tourism and Event, Business Informatics, Industrial Engineering, General Mana…
  • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Business Administration, Master of Laws, Master of Science
  • 50 Degree programs in the directory
More Info  
European Distance Learning University Hamburg

European Distance Learning University Hamburg (Euro-FH)

UAS · Private

  • Hamburg, Germany
  • 10610 Students
  • Business Administration, International Management, MBA, Legal Sciences, Logistics, Business Psychology, Psychology, Finance, Marketing, IT Management, Pedagogy, Childhood Education, Political Science,…
  • Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Accountancy, Master of Laws, Bachelor of Engineering
  • 67 Degree programs in the directory
More Info  

German University of Health and Sports (DHGS)

UAS · Private

  • Berlin, Germany
  • 2700 Students
  • Psychology, Sports, Social Work, Physiotherapy
  • Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science
  • 8 Degree programs in the directory
More Info  

HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

University · Private

  • Leipzig, Saxony
  • 800 Students
  • General Management, MBA, Entrepreneurship, Finance
  • Master of Science, Master of Business Administration
  • 6 Degree programs in the directory
More Info  
IU International University of Applied Sciences

IU International University of Applied Sciences

UAS · Private

  • Erfurt, Thuringia
  • 140000 Students
  • Tourism and Event, Business Informatics, Legal Sciences, Business Administration, Finance, Health Management, Real Estate Management, Logistics, Marketing, Human Resources, Nursing Science, Social Wor…
  • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, Master of Laws, Master of Engineering
  • 184 Degree programs in the directory
More Info   Info Pack

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences

UAS · Private

  • Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg
  • 5687 Students
  • Media Management, Journalism, Film, General Management, Media Design, Fashion, Psychology
  • Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Science
  • 11 Degree programs in the directory
More Info  

SRH Fernhochschule - The Mobile University

UAS · Private

  • Riedlingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg
  • 8500 Students
  • Nutritional Sciences, Social Work, Business Psychology, Business Administration, MBA, Legal Sciences, IT Management, Communication Sciences, Health Management, Media Management, Sustainable Management…
  • Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Science, Master of Arts
  • 31 Degree programs in the directory
More Info  

SRH University

UAS · Private

  • Heidelberg, Baden-Wuerttemberg
  • 9046 Students
  • Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Management, Real Estate Management, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Art Therapy, Social Work, Legal Sciences, A…
  • Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Engineering, Master of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration
  • 94 Degree programs in the directory
More Info  

University of Applied Management (HAM)

UAS · Private

  • Ismaning, Bavaria
  • 3287 Students
  • General Management, Business Psychology, Sports, Real Estate Management, Media Management, Art, Political Science, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Civil Engineering, Fashion, Journalism, Psychology, Busi…
  • Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
  • 40 Degree programs in the directory
More Info  

All study programmes in Leipzig

Dual studies · Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Social Work

IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester

IU International University of Applied Sciences
7 Semester Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bonn, Brunswick, Bremen, Dortmund, Dresden, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Leipzig, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Münster, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Virtual Campus German
More Info
Info Pack

Part-time program · Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Business Psychology

University of Applied Management · B.A. · 7 Semester

University of Applied Management
7 Semester Ismaning (Munich), Unna (Dortmund), Hamburg, Hannover, Berlin, Frankfurt, Mannheim, Leipzig German
from 399 € monthly 16.758 € total
More Info

Dual studies · Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Media Design

IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester

IU International University of Applied Sciences
7 Semester Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich, Virtual Campus German
More Info
Info Pack

Dual studies · Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Marketing

IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester

IU International University of Applied Sciences
7 Semester Berlin, Bremen, Dortmund, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Leipzig, Mannheim, Munich, Stuttgart, Virtual Campus German
More Info
Info Pack

On-campus program · Master of Arts (M.A.)

in english

Business Management

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences · M.A. · 4 Semester

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences
4 Semester Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Stuttgart German or English
from 895 € monthly 21.480 € total
More Info

On-campus program · Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Psychology

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences · B.Sc. · 6 Semester

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences
6 Semester Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig or Freiburg German
from 725 € monthly 26.100 € total
More Info

Dual studies · Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Business Administration - Accounting & Controlling

IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester

IU International University of Applied Sciences
7 Semester Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bonn, Brunswick, Bremen, Dortmund, Dresden, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Leipzig, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Münster, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Virtual Campus German
More Info
Info Pack

Dual studies · Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Health Management

IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester

IU International University of Applied Sciences
7 Semester Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich, Virtual Campus German
More Info
Info Pack

Part-time program · Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Sports Management

University of Applied Management · B.A. · 7 Semester

University of Applied Management
7 Semester Ismaning (Munich), Unna (Dortmund), Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig German
from 495 € monthly 21.585 € total
More Info

On-campus program · Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Management

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences
7 Semester Berlin, Frankfurt, Freiburg, Hamburg, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Stuttgart German
from 725 € monthly 26.100 € total
More Info

On-campus program · Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Media Management

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences
7 Semester Munich, Stuttgart, Freiburg, Cologne, Hamburg, Leipzig, Berlin German
from 725 € monthly 26.100 € total
More Info

Part-time program · Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Medical and Nursing Education

Carl Remigius Medical School · B.A. · 5 Semester

Carl Remigius Medical School
5 Semester Leipzig, Hamburg, Idstein, Frankfurt am Main German
from 399 € monthly 11.970 € total
More Info
Info Pack

On-campus program · Master of Arts (M.A.)

in english

Media and Communications Management

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences · M.A. · 3 Semester

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences
3 Semester Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Stuttgart German or English
from 750 € monthly 14.100 € total
More Info

Distance learning program · Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Physical Therapy

DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences · B.Sc. · 8 Semester

DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences
8 Semester Hanover, Leipzig German
from 147 € monthly 8.705 € total
More Info

Dual studies · Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Business Administration

IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester

IU International University of Applied Sciences
7 Semester Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bonn, Brunswick, Bremen, Dortmund, Dresden, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Leipzig, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Münster, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Virtual Campus German
More Info
Info Pack

On-campus program · Master of Business Administration (MBA)

in english

Master in Business Administration

HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management · MBA · 3 Semester

HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
3 Semester Leipzig English
from 2633 € monthly 39.500 € total
More Info

On-campus program · Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Journalism

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences
7 Semester Munich, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Cologne, Berlin or Leipzig German
from 725 € monthly 26.100 € total
More Info

Part-time program · Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Marketing & Digital Media

FOM University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester

FOM University of Applied Sciences
7 Semester Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bochum, Bremen, Dortmund, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen, Frankfurt, Hagen, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Leipzig, Mannheim, Marl, Munich, Münster, Neuss, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Wesel, Wuppertal German
from 345 € monthly 14.490 € total
More Info

On-campus program · Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Childhood Education

DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 6 Semester

DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences
6 Semester Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Leipzig German
from 395 € monthly 14.885 € total
More Info

Leipzig is growing faster than any other eastern German city – and its higher education landscape is growing with it. Around 43,000 students are enrolled. Beyond the University of Leipzig, several private universities have established clear profiles: HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management ranks among Germany's most prestigious business schools. IU, Macromedia University, and SRH University add business, media, and health. Most programmes have no NC restriction, with tuition starting from €215 per month.

 

Why study at a private university in Leipzig?

Leipzig: Low rents, vibrant culture, and eastern Germany''s best nightlife

Leipzig offers a rare combination: low living costs (index 67, Numbeo – 4% cheaper than Berlin), a vibrant creative and cultural scene, and a growing job market. The city attracts young people from across Germany.

HHL: Germany''s oldest business school

HHL was founded in 1898 and holds AACSB and EQUIS accreditation. It offers MBA, Master in Management, and entrepreneurship programmes – many in English. HHL has a strong start-up community: over 300 start-ups have emerged from it.

Creative economy and start-up scene

Leipzig has established itself as a creative city – with galleries, studios, media companies, and a growing tech scene. BMW, Porsche (Leipzig plant), DHL (European hub), and Amazon are major employers. The Spinnerei, a former cotton mill, is a symbol of the creative transformation.

 

What does it cost to live in Leipzig as a student?

Leipzig is one of Germany's most affordable major cities. Monthly living costs: €750–950.

Rent and housing

Shared flat rooms: €330–430. Popular areas: Plagwitz, Connewitz, Südvorstadt. Studio apartment: €700 (centre), €500 (outside).

Sample monthly budget

  • Rent (shared flat): €380
  • Health insurance: €110
  • Semester ticket: €28
  • Groceries & household: €200
  • Leisure & culture: €90
  • Total: approx. €808 per month (excluding tuition fees)

 

Admission, requirements, and financing

All private universities in Leipzig are NC-free. Tuition: €215/month (DIPLOMA) to €2,633/month (HHL, MBA). Most programmes: €350–900. BAföG is available at all institutions. HHL awards extensive scholarships. Studying without Abitur is possible everywhere.

International applicants

HHL offers English-taught MBA and Master''s programmes. IU has English-language degrees at its Leipzig campus. For German-taught programmes, C1 level is required. Verify your certificate at anabin.kmk.org.

 

Frequently asked questions about studying privately in Leipzig

HHL is Germany''s oldest business school (1898) with AACSB/EQUIS accreditation. Its unique strength: a strong entrepreneurship focus – over 300 start-ups have emerged from HHL. MBA and Master''s programmes are largely taught in English. Tuition is high (from €1,333/month), but scholarships are available.

Both cities have similar rents (shared flat €330–450). Leipzig has lower living costs (index 67 vs. 69) and more vibrant nightlife. Dresden scores higher on quality of life (index 213 vs. 195) and has the semiconductor cluster. The two cities are connected by train in 70 minutes.

Yes. Macromedia University offers media, communication, design, and management programmes. SRH University adds business and health programmes. Leipzig''s vibrant creative scene (Spinnerei, art fairs) provides an inspiring environment for creative students.

Leipzig''s housing market is more relaxed than in most western German cities. Options: Studierendenwerk Leipzig (from €180!), WG-Gesucht.de, university portals. Popular areas: Plagwitz (creative), Connewitz (alternative), Südvorstadt (central, lively), Reudnitz (affordable).

Yes, particularly through HHL with its entrepreneurship focus and over 300 spin-offs. Leipzig has a growing start-up scene with co-working spaces, accelerators, and low office rents. The combination of affordable living and a start-up community makes the city attractive for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Picture above: Geisler Martin, CC BY-SA 3.0

Study Advice

Questions about the topic? Use our study advisory service, we are happy to help.

Bookmarks

Your list of bookmarks is empty. Click to add and compare.

Sophie Weber Avatar Hello, I'm Mrs. Weber, your personal study advisor ✨
Do you have any questions about your studies or need help choosing a course?
Just ask me in the 24/7 chat – personal, independent & always available!

👉 Start chat now