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Neuss is a mid-sized city of around 155,000 residents – located directly across the Rhine from Düsseldorf. The city hosts three private universities: FOM offers around 5 part-time programmes, RFH Cologne around 4, and CBS International Business School around 2. Around 8,000 students study in Neuss altogether.
Why is Neuss a smart choice for a private degree?
Neuss offers the locational advantages of Düsseldorf – without Düsseldorf's rental prices. The city is just one Rhine bridge away from the state capital, but with significantly lower rents. The VRR transport ticket covers Düsseldorf, Cologne, and the entire Rhineland.
FOM: Part-time study alongside work
FOM is Germany's largest private university for working professionals. At its Neuss campus, it offers part-time business and management programmes with lectures in the evenings and at weekends.
RFH Cologne: Technology and business
RFH Cologne operates a study location in Neuss with programmes in business and technology. The university combines practical orientation with small group sizes – an advantage over overcrowded public universities in Cologne or Düsseldorf.
CBS: International business
CBS offers internationally oriented programmes in business and management at its Neuss campus. Some courses are taught in English – ideal for students aiming for an international career.
What does it cost to live in Neuss as a student?
Neuss is in the Rhineland with a cost of living index of 68 (Numbeo). This is cheaper than Düsseldorf but more expensive than eastern Ruhr area cities. Monthly total costs (excluding tuition) range between €750 and €950.
Rent and housing
A room in a shared flat costs between €380 and €460 per month on average. Prices in the Neuss city centre are moderate; towards Düsseldorf they rise. Many students live in Neuss and commute to Düsseldorf for leisure and work.
Sample monthly budget
- Rent (shared flat): €420
- Health insurance: €110
- Public transport: €40
- Groceries & household: €210
- Leisure & culture: €75
- Total: approx. €855 per month (excluding tuition fees)
What are the admission requirements at private universities in Neuss?
All three universities admit students without an NC. Admission is based on each institution's own process. At FOM, you additionally need professional training or employment for the part-time programmes.
International applicants
Most programmes in Neuss are taught in German (C1 level required). CBS offers some English-taught modules for international business students. Verify your school-leaving certificate at anabin.kmk.org. Düsseldorf's international business community provides excellent networking and career opportunities.
How can you finance your studies in Neuss?
Tuition fees vary by institution: FOM charges around €300–400/month, RFH and CBS are higher. You can apply for BAföG (maximum €934/month). FOM students typically work in parallel – many employers contribute to tuition fees. Düsseldorf's job market is quickly accessible via VRR transport.
Frequently asked questions about studying privately in Neuss
Neuss offers lower rents with practically the same accessibility. By tram, you reach Düsseldorf city centre in 15–20 minutes. You benefit from Düsseldorf's job market and cultural scene while paying less rent.
No. FOM exclusively offers part-time programmes. Lectures take place in the evenings and at weekends. You need professional training, employment, or a parallel internship alongside your studies.
CBS is the strongest option for international students, offering partly English-taught programmes in international business. RFH provides practical small-group teaching. FOM is designed for working professionals and requires a parallel job or internship.
Yes. The VRR ticket covers Düsseldorf, Cologne, the Ruhr area, and large parts of the Rhineland. You reach Cologne from Neuss in around 30 minutes by S-Bahn – convenient for leisure, culture, and additional job opportunities.
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