Process Engineering

The MPE program equips students with advanced knowledge in chemical and thermal process engineering, biotechnology or food technology

What's it about?

Offenburg University enjoys an excellent reputation and consistently high ratings in nationwide rankings. Offenburg is a smaller university, and hence students benefit from the advantages of a manageable educational facility with personal attention from instructors. Offenburg University also offers comprehensive services and close integration with the regional economy.

The Master's program Process Engineering (MPE) is a double-degree program, organized jointly by Offenburg University and the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn - a traditional university with a strong focus on research in Poland.

In three semesters, the MPE program equips students with advanced knowledge in chemical and thermal process engineering, biotechnology or food technology. Additionally, they receive training in the intercultural competencies that are essential qualifications in process engineering's increasingly multicultural environment.

The winter semester takes place in Offenburg and the summer semester in Olsztyn/Poland. The Master's Thesis can be written either at one of the participating universities or externally in a suitable company or institute.

 

The main objectives of the MPE study program are to:

Reviewing Objectives

  • strengthen the engineering skills of students in future oriented areas of process engineering
  • foster a holistic understanding of the global socio-economic environment through mediation and economic aspects of intercultural competence
  • prepare students for either a career in science and research or for leadership positions in private industry or public service 

University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM)

The 2005 innaugurated laboratories of the department of Environmental Biotechnology at the UWM in Olsztyn are prepared for you to investigate:

  • Environmental impacts
  • Toxicology (especially with regard to the fishing industry and landfills) 
  • Water and sludge treatment
  • Genetic engineering
  • Biopolymers and biofuels

Since March 2016, the newly added department of Food Technology offers lectures and labs in modern, well-equipped technology halls, focusing on:

  • food physics and rheology
  • food quality and safety management
  • basic nutrition
  • novel food products

 

Offenburg University

Offenburg provides research oriented education with strong practical oriented elements focusing on

  • Gasification, pyrolysis and combustion of biomass
  • Production, purification and storage of biogas
  • Effect-related environmental analysis‌ 

In three semesters the master's degree program Process Engineering (MPE) equips students with an advanced knowledge in chemical and thermal process engineering and biotechnology.  Additionally, they receive important training in the intercultural competencies that are essential qualifications in process engineering's increasingly multicultural environment.

The MPE program is operated jointly by Offenburg University in Germany and the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn in Poland. The curriculum provides for three semesters comprised of two semesters of theoretical study and one semester for writing a master's thesis. 

Winter semesters take place in Germany and summer semesters in Poland. The master's thesis can be written at either university, another institution, a research institute, or industrial enterprise at a location of your choice. 

The individual courses in the program are grouped into thematically related modules. A student will require three semesters to complete all the required modules (90 ECTS). The successful completion of all modules results in the granting of the degree "Master of Science in Process Engineering". 

The table below shows the modules, the subjects covered, and is arranged chronologically.  For a more detailed explanation of the study program structure and requirements please consult the Special Part of the Study Regulations relevant to MPE. 

Topic:Contact Replication of DNA Microarrays, (2012)
Topic:Investigations for the Application of Megasonic, (2011)
Topic:Development of a Holistic Concept from the OFF Gas of an Electric Arc Furnance by Means of Evaporation Cooling, (2012)
Topic:Determination of Design for Environment Legal Requirements for DC Products, (2013)
Topic:Calculation of Thermodynamic Properties for Alternative Energy Resources and Processes of Production of Organic Carbonates Based on CO2 as a Feedstock, (2013)
Topic:Präzisionsreinigung mit flüssigem und überkritischem CO2, (2011)
Topic:Improving the Productivity of Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) Enantioseparation of Amino Acids, (2012)
Topic:Further Investigation for the Optimisation of the Eisenmann Fentox-Process, (2010)
Topic:Development and Validation of the Sterilization System of Aseptic Filling Machines, (2011)
Topic:
  • Anaerobe Behandlung von Reststoffen aus der Olivenölproduktion in einem Gaslift-Schlaufenreaktor, (2010)
  • In vitro Evaluierung des Zelladhäsionsverhaltens auf diamantbeschichteten Implantatmaterialien, (2010)
  • Prozessentwicklung zur Produktion von C5- und C6-Zuckern als biobasierte Plattformchemikalien aus Lignocellulose, (2010)
  • Inkjet Printing of Silver Nanoparticle Ink on Glass Substrates to Produce Miniaturized Plasma Electrodes, (2012)
  • Construction and Evaluation of an Ice Storage System with Anti-Ice Surfaces, (2012)
  • Development of a Silicone-based Block Copolymer Membrane Support for Carbon Dioxide Separation, (2013)
  • Entwicklung polymener Membranen für die Abtrennung von CO2, (2013)
Topic:
  • Design of a Continuous Drying Unit for the Optimazation of a Novel Pyrolysis Process of Freshly Harvested Biomass, (2013)
  • Development and Implementation of a Liquid-Entry-Pressure Test Facility for Assessment of the Wettability of Hydrophobic Membranes, (2014)
Topic:Analysis and Detection of Possible Improvements of a Foa, Device which is used for Ground Conditioning on Tunnel Boring Machines, (2013)
Topic:
  • Investigations on Synthesis Gas in the Gasification of Biogenic Residues and their Mixture, (2012)
  • Optimization of Substrate Composition for Efficient Production of Cellulase by Trichoderma reesei to Improve the Biogas Production, (2012)
  • Development of a Bioreactor for Cellulase Production: Design and Characterization, (2012)
  • Screening of Different Cellulase Producing Microorganisms to Optimize the Biogas Yield, (2012)
  • Gasification Properties of a Downdraft Gasifier Using Different Biomass from Grounds Maintenance, (2013)
  • Continuous Enzymatic Pretreatment of Cellulottic Substrates to Increase the Biogas Yield in Biogas Processes, (2013)
  • Analysing and creation of a balancing model for optimizing of a downdraft gasifier in respect to efficiency and handling in dependance of waste biomass, (2013)
  • Introduction to Computer Tomography for Undergraduate Students, (2013)
  • Methanation of Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide as a Means for Direct Methane Productivity Enhancement in a Biogas Digester, (2014)
  • Theoretical Review on the Catalytic Conversion of Glycerol to Lactic Acid, (2014)
Topic:Influence of Grinding Aids on a Combined Milling and Air Classifying Loop, (2011)
Topic:Immunoassay-Development on an Innovative Lab-on-aChip System, (2012)
Topic:
  • Automation of the Initialization and the start-up phase of the Divided Wall Distillation Column, (2012)
  • Dynamic Process Simulation on a Dividing Wall Column, (2012)
Topic:
  • Coupling of the Closed Bottle Biodegradability Test with GC-MS, (2010)
  • Establishment of an Aerobic Water Sediment Test, (2010)
  • Emissionsprofile und erste Untersuchungen zur Toxizität von handelsüblichen Laserdruckern, (2011)
  • The influence of chemical and physical properties of surfaces on cell behavior, (2011)
  • Studies on the suitability of the FADU-Assay (Fluorometric Analysis of DNA Unwinding Assay) as a method for identifying the potential genotoxicity of environmental pollutants in human A549 lung cells, (2012)
  • Establishment and Application of 3D Speroid Culture of Human Primary Epithelial Lung Cell for Investigation of Potential Toxic Effects of Nanoparticles, (2013)
  • Use of human lung cell monocultures (A549 and BEAS-2B) and an organotypical 3-D air-liquid model of human lung to assess the biological effects after silica and silver nanoparticle exposure, (2013)
Topic:

 

  • Experimental Investigations for NIR-in-line-Monitoring in CO2-based Processes, (2010)
  • Online-Monitoring for High Salinity Ground Waters, (2011)
  • Simulation of fluid dynamics and light distribution in photobioreactors : evaluation of open-pored transparent sponges as light conducting structures, (2011)
  • Product Recovery Options for Fast Pyrolysis of Lignocellulose, (2012)
  • SHM-Technique: Homogenization Efficiency of a SHM-Valve and the Influence on Product Properties, (2012)
  • Use of natural zeolites as an ion exchanger to remove heavy metals from industrial wastewater, (2013)
  • Investigation of Wastewater Treatment and Biogas Production under Varying Operational Parameters Using Anaerobic RBC, (2013)
  • Extrusion Processing of Sustainable Protein-Rich Cereals: Influence of Protein Content on System Parameters and Final Product Characteristics, (2014)

 

Topic: Conditioning film monitoring with surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors, (2013)

Topic:Studies on Heterogeneous Catalysis of Methyl Oleate, (2012)
Topic:Development of a Beneficiation Process of Low-Grade Iron Ore Slurries, (2013)
Topic:Einsatz der Elektrolyseanlage DULCOLYSE R bei der Permanentbedüsung eines Getränkefüllers, (2011)
Topic:Reduction of Hydrogen Sulfide Amount in the Biogas Plant Neurath with Calcium Nitrate Additive, (2013)
Topic:
  • Application of Additives for Improving the Production in Biogas Plants, (2013)
  • Improving the Performance in the Biogas Production with Additives, (2013)
Topic:Konzeption und Entwicklung eines Messsystems zur Erfassung der Stahlbadzusammensetzung in einem Elektrolichtbogenofen, (2011)
Topic:Rheological and Technical Characterization of Natural Texturising Systems in Model Systems and Food Applications, (2011)
Topic:Treatment of Process Waters from Hydro Thermal Carbonization (HTC), (2013)
Topic:Moisture Sorption and Moisture Measurement at Oxide Powder, (2012)
Topic:Development of an LC-MS/MS Method for the Detection of the Alcohol Biomarker Phosphatidyl-Ethanol (PEth) in Blood, (2012)
Topic:
  • Production of PHA by fed-batch fermentation of pseudomonas sp. GI01 using rapeseed oil as carbon source, (2011)
  • Differential Gene Expression in Hepatopancreatic Gland of Pond Snail (Lymnaea Stagnalis) after Exposure to Benzo(a)pyrene, (2013)
  • Evaluation of Selected mRNA Expression Changes in Hepatopancreatic Gland of Pond Snail (Lymnaea Stagnalis) as Novel Biomarkers of Exposure to Benzo(a)pyrene, (2013)
  • Structure and Expression of the c-myc Gene in Liver of Whitefish Coregonus lavaretus, (2014)
Topic:Implementierung einer OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) im Bereich einer Bulkherstellung von Naturkosmetikprodukten, (2011)
Topic:Simulation of Different Fruit Preparation Processes to Establish the Optimization Potential, (2010)
Topic:
  • Conditioning film monitoring with surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors, (2013)
  • The Transportation and Heat Transfer Mechanism in a Screw Pyrolysis Reactor, (2014)
  • Investigations to Entrained Flow Sorption and HTHP Sampling System, (2014)

Topic: Development and economic efficiency of diffusion dialysis
           system for hydrochloric pickling bath recycling with special
           attention to feed conditioning, (2013)

Topic: Investigation of potential factors influencing enzymatic
          degumming of Jatropha crude oil envisaged to undergo
          biodiesel production, (2013)

Topic: Biogas production from sugar beet pulp in sugar factory in
           Poland, (2013)

Every study program at the Offenburg University is defined and regulated as described in:

"Regulations concerning Study and Examinations (RSE) of the Offenburg University".

Some of the topics covered are:

  • Regular periods of study and structure of study
  • Modular Structure of Studies
  • Loss of Admission to the Degree Program, loss of the right to take
  • Examinations, Deadlines
  • General Rules of Admission
  • Examination Requirements
  • Oral Examinations
  • Seminar Papers and other written Assignments
  • Evaluation of Examination Results
  • Omission, Withdrawal, Deception, Irregularities
  • Passing and Failing an Examination

These study regulations consist of a general part and a special part.  The general part of the study regulations covers the topics common to all the masters programs. Each individual masters program has a special part that explains the regulations specific to its program. For legal purposes, only the German version of the "General Part of the Study Regulations" is binding. Here the links to both the general and the MPE specific parts of the study regulations: 

1) German version of the General part of the Regulations concering Study and Examinations (RSE)

1a) English translation of the General part of the Regulation concerning Study and Examinations (RSE)

2) MPE-specific part of the Regulations concering Study and Examinations (RSE) (mainly in English)

3) German abbreviations used in the Regulations concering Study and Examinations (RSE)

The modules in the master's degree program in MPE are designed to enhance and deepen students' knowledge the most important areas of process technology: chemical, thermal, mechanical, and biological engineering. 

In addition, students also aquire knowledge of scientific working methods, economics, and intercultural competence. In the practice oriented phase, students get to know at least one external institution. 

Graduates are well prepared for a career in civil service, private industry, or academics. For Process Engineering the Offenburg University does not offer an own PhD program, but there are limited options in joint projects with partner universities. 

Places that graduates are typically in demand:

  • the chemical industry
  • the pharmaceutical industry
  • biotechnology companies
  • medical companies
  • equipment and plant engineering companies
  • governmental and non-governmental regulatory companies
  • insurance companies
  • research institutes
  • institutions of higher education

Dr. Supasuda Assawajaruwan

Process Engineer-Evonik

" I have been blessed with being a student at the Graduate School of Offenburg University. Offenburg University did not only give me great practical knowledge and perspectives in technology and engineering, but also wonderful and convenient lived experiences in Germany.  I feel grateful to generous people at the University who supported me unconditionally to move forward and fulfill my dream of graduation and career goals. Without them, I would not have become who I am today."

Jonathan Serna Solórzano

Process Engineer-Roche Pharma, Switzerland

"Offenburg University provides us with the right environment and the tools to prepare ourselves for the challenges out there. Make the best use of this time, take the best out of it, have fun and always dare to go the extra mile. The rest will fall in place".

Are you attracted by our international master's degree Program Process Engineering and meet all the requirements? Then you are invited to apply online through HISinOne

 

There are 20 places per academic year.

 

Application deadline for the winter semester:

  • March 31st

 

Please use HISinOne to enter your personal data:

 

 

At the end of the first selection process (in April for winter term) you will be informed if your application was short-listed. In this case you will be invited to send your complete application documents by postal mail. 

Thanks for your patience!

The establishment of a German-Polish double degree program at Offenburg University goes back to the so-called “Christmas Bridge”: In 1981, following a deep economic crisis after which many people in Poland lacked even the most necessary food items and supplies, the local parliamentary leaders in Offenburg's municipal council – Günter Fehringer, Engelbert Heck, Alfred Gailer and former Mayor Martin Grüber – suggested a relief action for Olsztyn, a formerly East Prussian city (“Allenstein”) with a population of approximately 180,000. Georg Dietrich, owner of a logistics company in Offenburg, immediately agreed to a relief transport aid. Through further aid shipments, the “Christmas Bridge” was established which ultimately, in 1998, led to the founding of the Georg and Maria Dietrich Foundation.

The Foundation subsequently became much more than an aid organization, promoting German-Polish exchanges on many levels. For example, during a choir trip to Olsztyn in the 1990s, the enthusiastic singer Professor Johannes Vinke from Offenburg University (HSO) initiated contacts with the local University of Warmia and Mazury (Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski,UWM) and went to teach there as a visiting professor for a time. In 2009, the double-degree program Master of Process Engineering was introduced at UWM and HSO. Ever since, the Georg und Maria Dietrich Foundation has actively supported both institutions and the students enrolled in the program. For example, Polish students receive scholarships to study at HSO; at HSO, start-up funding was provided in 2012 for the construction of the “E” building.

The contacts that Georg Dietrich helped establish continue to work together even after his death in 2013. A delegation from UWM traveled to Offenburg University for its 50th anniversary in 2014, for instance, and in the same year then-HSO Rector Professor Dr. Winfried Lieber received an honorary doctorate from UWM in Olsztyn. Numerous cultural exchanges, joint conferences and the expansion of the study program have followed, leading to the second German-Polish double degree program in 2018, the Master of Biotechnology. Finally, in 2022, the new HSO Rector, Professor Dr. Stephan Trahasch, personally met with UWM Rector Jerzy Andrzej Przyborowski twice – once in Olsztyn and once in Offenburg.

 

Degree Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Language of instruction English
Duration of program 3 Semesters
Beginning of study program Winter semester (October)
Registration Deadline March 31st (resident outside the EU)
July 15th (resident within the EU)
Tuition and fees Fees per semester:
€ 1500 state tuition fee for non-EU citizens
€ 650 state tuition fee for a second degree (only for EU citizens who already obtained a master's degree from a German university)
€ 150 service contribution
€ 160 administration fees
Requirements Above-average Bachelor’s degree in process engineering or related area, such as biotechnology, environmental engineering, or chemical engineering, TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 6.0 (in each band), APS (only for applicants from China, India and Vietnam)
Internship Professional experience preferred
Selection procedure Yes
Accreditation Yes
ECTS 90 credits

Important Links
 

Study and examination regulations

Regulations on the formal procedure of studies and examinations as well as on the conditions for admission

Module Handbook

Description of the content of the fields of study of the degree programme

Competence Matrix

Qualification Objectives

Good to know

Students at Offenburg University of Applied Sciences must pay a semester fee for each semester. The semester fee is made up as follows:

  • State Administration Fee per semester, €70
    This fee does not need to be paid by exchange students from partner universities or special scholarship program students
  • Student Services Fee per semester, €65
    This fee contributes to the student canteen, student residences, counseling services, student book store and other services offered by the "Studentenwerk"
  • Student Representative Organization Fees per semester, €18.
    This fee does not need to be paid by non degree seeking exchange students from partner universities or special scholarship program students
  • Service Contribution per semester, €150 (only for students studying in one of the English master's degree programs of the Graduate School)
    This fee is charged each semester for ongoing services of the Graduate School, such as liability insurance, assistance in finding accommodation, buddies, events and excursions.
  • IBC-Program Tuition Fees: €10,400 (for students studying in the MBA-program International Business Consulting). Students of the MBA-program do not have to pay additional State Tuition Fees.
  • State Tuition Fee for Non-EU-citizens: €1,500. You are exempted from this tuition fee if 
    - You are a citizen of the EU and/or the EEA
    - Your spouse or one of your parent is a citizen of the EU and/or the EEA
    - You have received your qualification of university entrance from the state of Germany
    - You are officially recognized as a refugee in Germany
    - You are an exchange student from one of Offenburg University's partner universities, or
    - You were already enrolled at Offenburg University before the 2017/2018 winter semester
  • State Tuition Fee for a Second Degree: €650 (only for students who are not exempted from the State Tuition Fee for Non-EU-citizens and already obtained a master's degree from a Germany university.

 

This information is supplied without liability. The jurisdiction on the exemption from tuition lies with the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg. For more information please click here.

Payment deadlines will be sent along with the admission letter. Exchange students from partner universities or special scholarship program students need to pay upon arrival.

In Germany, scholarships are usually not granted by the universities themselves but by independent institutions and foundations. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a comprehensive database of scholarships and grants, which must be applied for from your home country before your arrival. Information about funding possibilities are also provided by the European Funding Guide.

Detailed information is also available through the DAAD regional offices, the German Embassy, German Consulate or German Official Representations in your home country, as well as from the specific organizations granting the scholarships.

At Offenburg a very limited number of partial scholarships are also available; applications for these are only open to students enrolled who have shown high academic performance and social commitment outside of class.

In addition, there are a few scholarships for international students, through which they can be exempted from the 1500 EUR state tuition fees for one year. To be entitled to apply, students must be enrolled at Offenburg University for their second semester (or higher) of the respective degree program.

 

Depending on your preferred lifestyle, average living expenses amount to approximately € 934 per month. Here is a breakdown of monthly expenses:                 

 

Rent

420

Health insurance (obligatory)

120

Study materials

  40

Groceries

240

Clothing, Public Transport, other

114

Total monthly expenses

934

For more information about the cost of rent, see the accommodation page.

Please note, in the first few days there will be several expenses such as your first rent, deposit, health insurance, etc. Therefore, we recommend bringing with you enough cash to cover these initial expenses.

Students who are EU-citizens are able to work in Germany without a work permit. 

Non-EU students have two opportunities:

  • Off-campus: 120 days per year, according to visa regulations for foreign students
  • On-campus: a limited number of assistantships and tutoring jobs are available

A basic knowledge of German is required for most jobs.

Minimum wage leaflet: In cooperation between the Universities of Applied Sciences and industry and other employers against the background of the Minimum Wage Act - Information for Universities, published by haw-bw.de

Once you have been admitted to Hochschule Offenburg, you can use this section as an information source for pre-arrival preparations. Learn more about required documents, study fees and living expenses, accommodation and transportation, and more.

Another great source of information is the DAAD's brochure "Studying in Germany - A Practical Guide for International Students".

 

 

 

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Students who come from a country that is not part of the European Union will need a visa to enter Germany and an additional residence permit to study in Germany. Students who are citizens of an EU country will have other entry and permit regulations. You can find out more information about visa requirements by contacting the German consulate in your country.

We recommend applying for your visa three months in advance, because some cases may take longer to process. Also be sure to apply for the correct visa, because you are not allowed to study with a tourist visa.

There is a comprehensive list of information on the German Federal Foreign Office's visa regulations page.

If you need to give a German address for your visa application, and don't know yours yet, you can give the information for Offenburg University of Applied Sciences (Badstrasse 24, 77654 Offenburg).

In order to receive a student visa, foreign students must be able to prove to German authorities that they have enough financial support during their studies. This means, you must prove that you are able to cover at least your first year of studies. Currently, that amounts to € 861 per month, or a total of € 10,332 for a year of study.

There are several forms of proof of financial support, which include a savings book, a confirmation from your bank on the credit balance available, a bank statement, proof of scholorship or a statement of support from your parents. Check with your local embassy to ensure you have the proper documents. In some cases you may be asked by your embassy to open a blocked account called a "Sperrkonto". This is available, for example, via Deutsche Bank, Fintiba or Expatrio. Please note that these are external service providers that are not affiliated with Offenburg University of Applied Sciences.

Please be aware, as it is only allowed to withdraw a certain amount of money per month from these blocked accounts, you will not be able to pay the tuition fees from the money on your blocked account.

Students will be responsible for their living expenses in Germany in addition to their tuition and fees. Before departure, it is a good idea to bring cash for your initial expenses, because a transfer from your home country could take 3-4 weeks. For more information about your first few days, please visit Upon Arrival.

An estimation of students' living expenses in Offenburg/Gengenbach, including a breakdown of the various costs, can bei found in the Costs and Expenses section. 

Whoever wants to study in Germany is required to have health insurance. Without health insurance, a student is not allowed to enroll for studies. International students need health insurance upon arrival. Students are eligible for statutory health insurance at a low monthly rate of about € 100,00.

There are some countries within the EU that have agreements with Germany. If you are a student from one of these countries and you already have statutory health insurance from your home country, you may not be required to get additional German health insurance.

It is advisable to purchase traveler's insurance for your first few days in Germany. This way, you will be covered until you obtain your German health insurance. 

Some companies, like Fintiba or X-patrio , also offer you to contract both types of insurances together online.

The organization that gives the largest amount of scholarships to international students in Germany, is the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). They have an entire www.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/, which you can use to find the best scholarships for you.

We will arrange for a "buddy" to help you settle in during your first weeks in Offenburg. Your buddy will be a student from Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, who will be in contact with you before your arrival in order to ask and answer important questions in advance.

Your buddy will be responsible for picking you up upon arrival, taking you to your accommodation and assisting you in communicating with your landlady/landlord and understanding the lease. Additionally, your buddy will help you with registering at the town hall and the foreign residents office, opening a bank account and showing you where to go grocery shopping. Your buddy will also show you around the campus. 

Offenburg University of Applied Sciences has two campuses, both of which are easily accessible by plane, train or car.

  • Campus Offenburg
    Badstr. 24
    77652 Offenburg
    Germany
  • Campus Gengenbach
    Klosterstr. 14
    77723 Gengenbach
    Germany
  • location map

Airports

Frankfurt airport is the largest international airport in Germany, with two railway stations: one for within the city, and one for long distances, the "Fernbahnhof". There is a "Fernbahnhof" train directly to Offenburg from Frankfurt airport, and from Offenburg you can take a local train to Gengenbach.

Other nearby airports include: Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden, Basel-Mulhouse (CH/F), Strasbourg (F), Stuttgart and Zurich (CH).

Trains

Offenburg is a railway junction with regular connections to many major German cities, thus making it very accessible. From Offenburg, Gengenbach can be reached within 7 minutes by means of local train.

For information on train schedules and prices, please visit the German railway website.

By Car

Offenburg and Gengenbach are both conveniently located along motorway A5. A map of the Offenburg campus can be seen here, and a map of the Gengenbach campus can be seen here.

Once you arrive in Offenburg or Gengenbach, you need to enroll at the University. Exchange students do so at the International Office, Master's degree students at the Graduate School's registrar's office.

Before enrollment, exchange students have to pay their fees at the the University's payment office (room A106 on the Offenburg Campus). Please note that this office accepts cash payments only.

Graduate School students have to have transfered the fees in advance by a given deadline in order for their admission to be valid. 

For detailed information about the relevant fees, please see the website on "Costs and Expenses."

Once enrolled, you will receive your registration certificate and student ID, which is called OSKAR (link in German only). The OSKAR card offers a number of additional advantages, such as paying for meals at the campus cafeteria or for the printing services on campus. You will also receive an email account from Offenburg University.

One of the first things you should do after arrival is opening a bank account, because health insurance, rent and other obligations can only be paid by bank transfer.

To open a bank account, bring your passport and the registration certificate you receive at enrollment, so that you qualify for a free student account. Bringing cash will allow the account to be opened immediately, whereas a transfer from your home country could take up to three or four weeks.

There are three main ways of conducting monetary transactions:

  • Transfer - used to move money from one account to the other; transfer forms can be filled out by hand at the bank or online
  • Standing order - used for recurring payments of a specific amount, e.g. the monthly rent; the bank automatically debits your account on an agreed date
  • Direct debit - used for recurring payments of varying amounts, e.g. phone bills; the recipient is given a direct debit authorization to deduct the respective amount from your account.

In Germany most transactions are conducted with cash, especially when paying a small sum of money. Credit cards are relatively common, but not often used for everyday purchases.  Instead, people pay more often with debit cards. When you set up a German bank account, you will receive a debit card that you can use at the ATM of your bank free of charge or while you are shopping.

Health Insurance

To study in Germany, you are required to have health insurance coverage. Therefore, before enrolling at Offenburg University you need to provide proof of valid health insurance, i.e. a confirmation that you are covered by a German statutory-health-insurance provider. For more information about the German healthcare system, offered in 10 different languages, please check here.

In general, statutory health insurance companies offer cheaper rates for students, at approximately € 90 per month.

International students from EU countries who have statutory health insurance in their home country can have their insurance coverage recognized in Germany. These students must bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Here you can download information about student health insurance.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is taken out if you cause damage to someone else or their property. In Germany, you are legally responsible not only for material damages, but also, for example, health damages. Therefore, liability insurance is one of the most important insurances if you travel or live in Germany!

By paying the semester fees, all enrolled students of Hochschule Offenburg are covered by liability insurance. However, this only applies to activities that have a causal connection with your studies and take place on the premises of the University, or are part of a course stated in the study curriculum. Cover is also provided during approved work-experience programs which are part of the study curriculum.

Damages declaration forms and further details on student liability insurance can be found on the website of the Studentenwerk Freiburg.

For students of the Graduate School we take out our own liability insurance, financed by the Service Contribution fee, which also covers damages that are not causally related to the University. Exchange students and others, who are studying in one of the other study programs and/or are not obliged to pay the Service Contribution, are strongly recommended to take out liability insurance on their own, at the cost of  € 24 per year.

Germany has a personal registration law which requires everyone to register with their local government office. International students must report to their local foreign-nationals office within one week of arrival and register themselves. At the same office, students requiring a residence permit will have their visas converted into a residence permit for the duration of their studies. EU citizens don't need a residence permit, but are also obliged to register at the registration office and obtain a freedom-of-movement permit (Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung). 

Please bring the following documents for registration:  

  • Your passport 
  • A passport-sized photograph
  • The registration certificate from Offenburg University
  • Proof of financial support
  • Your signed rental contract
  • Proof of existing health insurance

For students living in Offenburg, you must register with the Office for Non-German Citizens (AusländerBüro), which has a website in German only. For students living in other communities of the Ortenau district, including Gengenbach, you must register at the Immigration Office of the Landratsamt (district office).

The opening hours are as follows:

AusländerBüro: Monday-Friday 8:00-12:00 noon, Thursday 1:00-6:00 pm

Landratsamt Immigration Office: Monday-Wednesday and Friday 8:00-12:00 noon, Thursday 1:00-6:00 pm

In the past, a residence permit (German "Aufenthaltstitel") was issued in the form of an adhesive label placed in the ID card or passport. Since 2011, electronic residence permits (eAT) for non-EU nationals have been issued as a separate document in credit-card format. 

The permit is equipped with a contact-free chip inside the card on which biometric features (photograph and two fingerprints), ancillary conditions and personal data are saved. Additional provisions relating to the residence permit are no longer printed on a label and stuck into the passport, but saved on the eAT chip and printed on a supplementary sheet that is issued along with the eAT.

Please note that the eAT is only valid for as long as the registered accompanying passport is. Therefore, please make sure that your passport is sufficiently valid or apply for a passport extension in good time. Also, travel to other Schengen-area countries is permitted only after issuance of the eAT.

 

eAT costs:

  • Duration up to one year: € 100
  • Duration of more than one year: € 110
  • Extension for more than three months: € 80

How and where to get the eAT:

  • Pick up the application form from the Ausländerbüro
  • Fill out, sign, and return the application form to the Ausländerbüro where you will receive a checklist
  • Take the checklist and other required documentation to the Bürgerbüro
  • You will receive an email invitation/appointment for fingerprint scanning
  • You will receive an email notification when your eAT is ready to be picked-up

Additional information:

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has published the booklet “All you need to know about the electronic residence permit (eAT),” which is also available in other languages.

Please be informed that as a resident of Germany you are legally required to pay a monthly fee of €18.36 per household (e. g., per shared apartment) to the Gebühreneinzugszentrale der öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunkanstalten (GEZ), a joint organization of Germany's public broadcasting institutions.

‘Per household’ in this context means that if you share an apartment, only one of the tenants has to pay, and it is up to the household members to decide how they divide up the costs. Thus, if you move into a shared place, you should first clarify whether one of the other household members is already paying the GEZ fee.

However, your German roommate(s) might be exempt from the fee because they are recipients of federal financial aid. To be sure, such an exemption does not extend to the remaining household members, who still have to pay the full fee.

If you live by yourself, or if no one in your household has been paying the GEZ fees yet, you are required to register with the GEZ – regardless of whether you are actually using or even able to receive the broadcasts. Note that failure to do so, whether purposefully or by negligence, constitutes a misdemeanor and may lead to fines.

The responsibility of paying the GEZ fees begins with moving in and ends when you move out again and have deregistered your place of residence at the local international office (Bürgerbüro). Hence, when you move out, remember to deregister from the GEZ as well!

For more details, refer to this information sheet by Deutsches Studentenwerk (in English).

At the beginning of the semester, several orientation events are held for international and exchange students, where they get to know the campus, professors and lecturers and fellow students, and have plenty of opportunities to clarify any remaining questions about their studies at Hochschule Offenburg.

For all new students, an Introduction Day is held the day before the beginning of classes, including a welcome address by the Rector. New Master's degree students also meet for several orientation days at a special retreat, often in the Black Forest or at Lake Constance.

You will be notified about all relevant orientation dates and locations before your arrival.