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Internationals Welcome!

Congratulations on your decision to study at Osnabrück University, founded more than 50 years ago. The University’s teaching staff and numerous service units will provide excellent support for you and around 14,000 other students. Osnabrück, the City of Peace, is a medium-sized city with a population of around 165,000 who speak High German – ideal for learning the language! As you will soon find out, this green and safe city is a great place to live and offers you ideal conditions for studying!

Consultation International Office

If you have any questions about onboarding, visas, scholarships, part-time jobs, social contacts, etc., simply come to  Teresa Gehr’s consultation hours at the International Office (Neuer Graben 27, Room 19/E07). These are held on Mondays from 10 am to 12 pm and Wednesdays from 11 am to 12:30 pm.

Consultation prospective students

Find out about the German higher education system and get help choosing the right degree programme for you (online group counselling).

Dates: Every first Tuesday of the month, 4 pm - 6 pm; please register via e-mail:  info@zsb-os.de.

Code of Conduct

Find out about the standards set out in the  National Code of Conduct for German Universities regarding International Students to ensure and continuously improve the quality of studies for foreign students.

Studying at Osnabrück University

Five international students in summer clothing cross a street in front of the Osnabrück University castle building. Two people are walking with their bikes.
© Simone Reukauf

Exchange studies at Osnabrück University

Are you going to study in Osnabrück for one or two semesters? If so, you can find all the information you need at  Exchange Studies at Osnabrück University.

Three international students stand smiling on a market square in the center of Bremen.
© Universität Osnabrück - International Office

International Short-Term Programs

Are you interested in coming to Osnabrück University for a short-term stay as part of a Spring School, Summer School or Winter School? Find out more about our  International Short-Term Programs.

Information for international degree-seeking* students

*Students who are pursuing a degree at Osnabrück University

What are the admission requirements for the different degree programs at Osnabrück University? Find out more about the  Requirements for international applicants.

What do you need to consider when applying to study at Osnabrück University? What are the steps to admission and enrolment in your chosen degree program? Get an overview of  Application information for prospective international students.

What formalities must be completed to obtain a valid residence permit for studying in Germany? You will find all relevant information under  Visa and residence.

For more information on how to get to Osnabrück and to find your way around Osnabrück University campuses, see  Maps and arrival.

In addition, you can find detailed directions on how to get to Osnabrück from nearby international airports under  Arriving in Germany.

If you enrolled prior to your arrival in Germany and transferred the  Deutschland-Semesterticket to your mobile device, you can use all local public transportation (RB, RE, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, bus) throughout Germany after the start of the semester (April 1 or October 1). The ticket is not valid on DB Fernverkehr AG trains (IC, EC, ICE) and other long-distance providers such as FlixTrain. For more information see  Deutschlandticket (Germany ticket).

Where do you want to live during your time at Osnabrück University? Check out about the different  Housing options early on.

What types of insurance do you need to study in Germany? Find out more about compulsory health insurance and recommended liability insurance under  Insurances for international students.

Do you need help with formalities after your arrival in Germany and would you like to network with other international students? At the beginning of the semester, before the departments hold their introductory week, the International Office offers a  Welcome Week.

How much does it cost to study at Osnabrück University and what financial assistance and scholarships are available? Find out more about  Costs, scholarships and funding.

Do you have any questions about finding and applying for a job in Germany and want to know more about the regional job market? Check out  International: Working in Germany.

There are plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people both inside and outside of the university and to build up a personal network.

Are you an international student and do you have other interests that you would like to pursue in Osnabrück? Contact  Teresa Gehrs to discuss your options.

Events

Osnabrück University

Osnabrück University also offers a wide range of exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, panel discussions and lectures. The  Calendar of events provides an overview of numerous university events.

City of Osnabrück

From theater/stage, music and nightlife to guided tours, markets, festivals and sports, the  OSkalender DEIN event calendar offers a diverse overview of events in and around Osnabrück.

Music

There are a number of  Musical ensembles at Osnabrück University (Symphony Orchestra, University Choir, University Big Band, Ensemble for Contemporary Music, Chamber Choir, Unipop Choir, Drum Experience) that are always happy to welcome new members.

Languages

 Tandem language learning is when two people with different mother tongues come into contact and learn each other’s language. One person’s native language is the other person’s foreign language. The  Language Center’s tandem placement service brings interested individuals together.

Theater

English-language theater is provided by the  Ostensibles, a group of over ten different nationalities. Ostensibles e. V. is a theater company that welcomes theater enthusiasts from all walks of life who wish to attend their twice-yearly performances or actively participate in the production.

Sport

For sports enthusiasts, the University Sports Center (Zentrum für Hochschulsport) offers opportunities to relax, improve your fitness, learn new sports or simply practice your favorite sport together. Find the right course in the  Sports program.

Radio

 Unifunk, the student radio station run by the Student Government of Osnabrück University, produces a variety of weekly programs that can be heard on OS-Radio every Friday evening from 19:00 to 20:00. The radio program provides an ideal platform for members of the University to express their opinions, experiences and creative talents.

Volunteering

Want to get involved? Looking for a volunteering opportunity? Do you have any questions about volunteering?  Osnabrück’s Volunteer Agency offers individual and personal guidance on volunteering to help you find suitable and interesting opportunities.

Contact person for international degree-seeking students

Teresa Gehrs

Foto Teresa Gehrs
International Office

Neuer Graben 27
49074 Osnabrück

Room: 19/E07
Office hours: Mo 10-12, Mi 11-12:30

 +49 541 969-4106
 tgehrs@uni-osnabrueck.de

The International Office advises you on all questions that are not directly related to your studies. Typically, these questions revolve around:

  • financing your studies
  • finding accommodation
  • finding part-time work
  • taking out health insurance
  • opening a bank account
  • applying for residence permits

Further Information

Two women and a man stand next to each other in front of a railing with a view over the rooftops of Osnabrück. The woman in front is veiled and has a laptop in her hand.
© Simone Reukauf

IMCourse

Are you interested in gaining intercultural experiences alongside local and international students and developing a shared cultural understanding? Find out more about the International Mentoring Course (IMCourse), taking place annually in Summer Semester.

Scrabble Wort Sprache
© Reimar Ott

Learn German

Benefit from the UOS Language Center’s offer to learn German as a foreign language or to enhance your language proficiency. German courses (levels A1 to C1) are available during your studies. Alternatively, you can attend intensive German courses (levels A1 to B2) at the start of each Winter Semester.

Gestikulierende Hände über Finanzunterlagen; Taschenrechner und Computer.
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Opening a German bank account

Watch the explanatory video “How do I open a bank account?” to find out whether you need a German bank account for your studies in Germany and how to set one up.