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Unna is a small city of around 60,000 residents in the eastern Ruhr area, just 20 minutes from Dortmund. Two private universities operate here: the University of Applied Management (HfaM) with around 9 programmes in sports, business, and media, and the German University of Health and Sports (DHGS) with around 6 programmes. Around 1,500 students study in the city. All programmes have no NC restriction.
Why study at a private university in Unna?
Unna offers a quiet study environment with extremely affordable rents and direct access to Dortmund and the entire Ruhr area via the VRR ticket. For students in sports, business, and health, the combination of HfaM and DHGS is attractive.
HfaM: Sports, business, and media
The University of Applied Management offers around 9 programmes at its Unna campus – including sports management, business administration, business psychology, and media management. The study model combines on-campus phases with online teaching – ideal for working professionals and athletes.
DHGS: Health and sports
The DHGS offers around 6 programmes in health sciences, sports management, and related fields. The study model is similarly flexible with a mix of on-campus and online phases.
VRR ticket and Ruhr area access
The VRR semester ticket is a major advantage: it covers the entire Ruhr area – Dortmund in 20 minutes, Essen and Bochum in under an hour. This way you benefit from Unna's low rents while having access to the entire job market and cultural offering of the Ruhr metropolitan area.
What does it cost to live in Unna as a student?
Unna is one of the most affordable study locations in NRW. The cost of living index is 58 (Numbeo). Monthly total costs (excluding tuition) range between €650 and €830.
Rent and housing
A room in a shared flat costs between €290 and €370 per month on average. The town centre and Massen are popular residential areas. Alternatively, some students live in Dortmund and commute – the train connection is quick and reliable.
Sample monthly budget
- Rent (shared flat): €330
- Health insurance: €110
- Semester ticket: €25
- Groceries & household: €190
- Leisure & culture: €70
- Total: approx. €725 per month (excluding tuition fees)
What are the admission requirements at private universities in Unna?
Both HfaM and DHGS admit students without an NC. Admission is based on each institution's own process – typically motivation letters and interviews. At HfaM, athletes are particularly welcome – the study model accommodates training schedules. Studying without Abitur is possible at both institutions.
International applicants
Most programmes in Unna are taught in German (C1 level required). Verify your school-leaving certificate at anabin.kmk.org. The proximity to Dortmund provides access to an international job market and cultural scene. Unna's very low living costs make it particularly attractive for international students on a budget.
How can you finance your studies at a private university in Unna?
Tuition fees at HfaM and DHGS are around €395–495/month. You can apply for BAföG at both institutions (maximum €934/month). Unna's low living costs are a significant advantage. Working student positions are mainly found in Dortmund – reachable by VRR ticket in 20 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about studying privately in Unna
It depends on your priorities. Unna offers extremely affordable rents and a quiet learning environment. Nightlife is in Dortmund – reachable by train in 20 minutes. For students who want to save money and study focused, the location is ideal.
Yes. The train connection between Dortmund and Unna is quick and reliable (around 20 minutes). The VRR semester ticket covers the route. Many students use this option to combine Dortmund's urban amenities with the affordable study location.
Yes. The University of Applied Management is known for its athlete-friendly study model. Training schedules are accommodated, and exam dates can be flexibly adjusted. Many professional and competitive athletes study here alongside their sports careers.
DHGS offers around 6 programmes in health sciences, sports management, and related fields. The study model is flexible with a mix of on-campus and online phases – ideal for working professionals.
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