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Paderborn is a university city of around 155,000 residents in the East Westphalia-Lippe region. Alongside the large public university, the city hosts two private institutions: FHDW – University of Applied Sciences for Business offers over 10 dual-study programmes in IT and business. Around 21,000 students shape the cityscape – Paderborn is a genuine student town with affordable living costs.
Why consider Paderborn for a private degree?
Paderborn combines IT heritage with low living costs. The city carries the legacy of Heinz Nixdorf – founder of the computer company of the same name – and has developed into a strong IT hub. FHDW leverages this network for its dual-study model.
FHDW: Dual study in IT and business
FHDW specialises in dual-study programmes. Theory phases at the university alternate with practical phases at partner companies. Focus areas include business informatics, business administration, international business, and applied computer science. Companies frequently cover tuition fees.
IT tradition and the Nixdorf legacy
The Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum – the world's largest computer museum – is located in Paderborn. The IT sector is well represented in the region, which makes finding dual-study placements and working student positions easier.
Affordable student city
Paderborn is one of the most affordable university cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. A room in a shared flat costs between €320 and €420 per month. Combined with the dual-study salary from partner companies, students can live comfortably.
What does it cost to live in Paderborn as a student?
The cost of living index is 62 (Numbeo) – well below major German cities. Monthly total costs (excluding tuition) range between €700 and €900. This makes Paderborn particularly attractive for students financing their studies independently.
Rent and housing
A room in a shared flat costs between €320 and €420 per month on average. The housing market is manageable, though competition from around 21,000 students is noticeable at the start of each semester.
Sample monthly budget
- Rent (shared flat): €370
- Health insurance: €110
- Public transport: €35
- Groceries & household: €200
- Leisure & culture: €70
- Total: approx. €785 per month (excluding tuition fees)
What are the admission requirements at FHDW?
FHDW admits students without an NC. For the dual-study programme, you also need a contract with a partner company. FHDW actively supports the search. Admission is based on the university's own selection process.
International applicants
Most programmes at FHDW are taught in German (C1 level required). Some international business modules include English components. Verify your school-leaving certificate at anabin.kmk.org. The dual-study model requires a German work contract, so German language skills and a work permit are essential.
How can you finance your studies in Paderborn?
In FHDW's dual model, partner companies frequently cover tuition fees and pay a monthly salary. BAföG is available (maximum €934/month). The affordable living costs in the East Westphalia-Lippe region make financing easier overall.
Frequently asked questions about studying privately in Paderborn
At FHDW, theory and practice phases alternate on a quarterly basis. You work at a partner company and study in parallel. Many companies cover tuition fees and pay a monthly salary, making the programme financially attractive.
Yes, for the dual-study programme you need a cooperation contract with a partner company. However, FHDW actively supports the search and has a broad network of cooperation partners in the region.
Paderborn has a strong IT sector with companies such as Diebold Nixdorf, dSPACE, Connext, and numerous SMEs. This makes finding dual-study placements and working student positions considerably easier.
Paderborn is a genuine student town with around 21,000 students. The city offers an affordable lifestyle, a compact centre with cafés and cultural events, and a friendly atmosphere. The international student community is primarily based at the public university, but private university students benefit from the same infrastructure.
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