Study abroad at Brandenburg

Brandenburg an der Havel is a historic, picturesque cathedral and lake-surrounded university city in the German federal state of Brandenburg along the Havel River, situated just 45 minutes by direct regional express train (RE1) from Central Berlin and Potsdam. Known as the historical cradle of the March of Brandenburg with over 1,000 years of medieval history, Brandenburg is home to Technische Hochschule Brandenburg (THB - Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, renowned for Computer Science, Applied AI, Digital Engineering, Mechatronics, and Business Administration), alongside Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (MHB - Brandenburg's premier medical university training doctors in Medicine and Psychotherapy). Education at public state universities is 100% TUITION-FREE (€0 tuition) for international students. Students benefit from the nationwide Deutschlandticket transit network, extremely affordable student dormitory housing, peaceful natural lake landscapes, direct access to Berlin's job market, and Germany's 18-month post-study work visa.

Tuition fees in Brandenburg at public institutions (THB) are €0 (100% tuition-free for all international students). Students pay only a statutory semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of approximately €270 to €310 per semester, which includes administrative fees and student union services. Subsidized student dormitories managed by Studentenwerk Potsdam cost between €220 and €380 per month (inclusive of heating, electricity, and high-speed Wi-Fi), while private 1-bedroom apartments in Altstadt, Neustadt, and Dominsel range from €380 to €680 per month. General monthly living expenses range between €750 and €1,100 (well within the German blocked account standard).

International non-EU students require a German National Visa for Study (Visum zu Studienzwecken / § 16b AufenthG). Key requirements include: an official Letter of Admission (Zulassungsbescheid) from THB or MHB, proof of financial resources via an official German Blocked Bank Account (Sperrkonto with approx. €11,904/year deposited), and German statutory health insurance (TK, AOK, or Barmer). Upon arrival, students register their address (Anmeldung) at the Bürgeramt Brandenburg and obtain their Electronic Residence Permit (eAT) from the local Ausländerbehörde.