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Nuremberg is Bavaria's second-largest city with around 523,000 residents and a significant technology and industrial hub. Around 26,000 students are enrolled at the city's institutions. Several private universities complement the offering: IU International University offers over 23 programmes, FOM provides part-time programmes, and the University of Applied Management offers flexible formats. Most programmes have no NC restriction, with tuition starting from €295 per month.
Why study at a private university in Nuremberg?
Nuremberg combines Franconian quality of life with a strong economic base. Private universities focus on practice-oriented formats – part-time, dual, or with flexible study models.
Technology and industry
Nuremberg is one of southern Germany's most important industrial locations. Siemens (Energy, Healthineers), Bosch, Schaeffler, Diehl, and numerous suppliers are based here or maintain major facilities. For students in business, IT, and technology, this provides a strong job market for internships and working student positions.
Broad private university offering
IU is the largest private provider with on-campus, dual, and distance learning programmes. FOM caters to working professionals with evening and weekend formats. HfaM offers flexible models in sports, business, and management. HFH and DIPLOMA complement with distance learning programmes.
Moderate costs, high quality of life
Nuremberg is cheaper than Munich while offering full city infrastructure: a metro system, diverse cultural scene, and proximity to Franconian Switzerland. The old town, the Imperial Castle, and numerous pubs and cafés define the cityscape.
What does it cost to live in Nuremberg as a student?
Nuremberg is comparatively affordable for a Bavarian major city. The cost of living index is 70 (Numbeo). Monthly living costs (excluding tuition) range between €820 and €1,050.
Rent and housing
A room in a shared flat costs between €380 and €460 per month on average. Affordable areas include Langwasser, Schweinau, and St. Leonhard. The Südstadt and Gostenhof are more popular and slightly pricier but still significantly cheaper than Munich.
Semester ticket and transport
Nuremberg has a well-developed public transport network with metro, tram, and bus. The semester ticket covers the VGN area. Erlangen is reachable by S-Bahn in 20 minutes, Munich by ICE in one hour.
Sample monthly budget
- Rent (shared flat): €420
- Health insurance: €110
- Semester ticket: €35
- Groceries & household: €220
- Leisure & culture: €100
- Total: approx. €885 per month (excluding tuition fees)
What are the admission requirements at private universities in Nuremberg?
Private universities in Nuremberg admit students without an NC. At IU and HfaM, admission is based on motivation letters and interviews. FOM requires parallel employment. All institutions accept students without Abitur.
International applicants
Most programmes in Nuremberg are taught in German (C1 level required). IU offers some English-taught programmes. Verify your school-leaving certificate's recognition at anabin.kmk.org. Nuremberg's international industry presence (Siemens, Bosch) creates a welcoming environment for international professionals.
How can you finance your studies at a private university in Nuremberg?
Tuition fees range from €295/month (FOM) to around €539/month (IU on-campus). You can apply for BAföG at all state-recognised institutions (maximum €934/month). The Nuremberg job market offers working student positions at Siemens, Bosch, Schaeffler, GfK, and in the IT sector. Tuition fees are tax-deductible.
Frequently asked questions about studying privately in Nuremberg
IU offers computer science and business informatics programmes at its Nuremberg campus. The proximity to Siemens, Bosch, and numerous IT companies makes Nuremberg particularly attractive for technology students. Working student positions in IT are readily available.
Nuremberg is significantly cheaper than Munich – especially regarding rent. The city has fewer private universities but a strong industrial job market. Munich offers more choice but higher living costs. Both cities are connected by ICE in one hour.
Yes. FOM offers evening and weekend programmes in business and management. HfaM has flexible study models with online components. IU enables individual scheduling. HFH and DIPLOMA offer pure distance learning with on-site phases in Nuremberg.
Nuremberg's housing market is more relaxed than Munich's. Options include Studierendenwerk Erlangen-Nürnberg (dormitory rooms from €220), WG-Gesucht.de, and university notice boards. Affordable areas: Langwasser, Schweinau, St. Leonhard.
Nuremberg offers more city infrastructure (metro, nightlife, culture), a broader private university selection, and a larger job market. Erlangen has a higher student density and is more shaped by Friedrich-Alexander University. Both cities are connected by S-Bahn in 20 minutes.
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