University of Bonn: Tuition, English Programs & How to Apply (2027/28)

The University of Bonn charges no tuition fees, and applying is free. Its international applicants page says public universities in Germany charge only a semester fee, which at Bonn is about €300 per semester (€600 per year).

For non-EU students who want an English-taught master's in fields like artificial intelligence, economics, physics or agriculture, Bonn offers a lot for very little money. Here is what it costs, what you need and when to apply.

Why the University of Bonn is good value

• No tuition and no application fee, so you can apply to several programs without paying anything up front.
• A broad English master's offer, from Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science to Economics, Astrophysics and Neurosciences.
• A clear cost estimate: Bonn states average living costs of €864 per month.
• Department scholarships in some fields, such as Physics and Astronomy.

Tuition fees and costs at Bonn

English-taught programs at Bonn

All bachelor's programs are taught in German (DSH-2 needed). Our database lists about 35 fully English-taught master's programs. Examples:

• Computing: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Life Science Informatics, Mobile Robotics
• Natural sciences: Astrophysics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Mathematics, Immunobiology, Medical Immunosciences and Infection
• Agriculture and environment: Agricultural Sciences and Resource Management in the Tropics and Subtropics, Crop Science, Agricultural and Food Economics, Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
• Economics and humanities: Economics, Applied Linguistics, English Literatures and Cultures, Dependency and Slavery Studies
• Engineering: Geodetic Engineering

For more options, see our guide to English-taught programs in Germany.

Admission requirements

Each master's has its own requirements and selection. You need a relevant first degree with specific modules and credits. There is no university-wide minimum grade.

• English: B2 or C1 depending on the program. Computer Science, AI and Cyber Security ask for IELTS Academic 7.0 or TOEFL 95 (old scale); a medium-of-instruction letter is not accepted. Economics, Physics, Mathematics and Neurosciences ask for B2.
• Subject credits (Computer Science and AI): for example 18 ECTS in mathematical foundations, 14 ECTS in algorithms and complexity, 18 to 20 ECTS in programming or software engineering, and a research thesis of at least 12 ECTS.
• Mathematics: applicants with degrees from outside Germany or the EU must pass an aptitude test.
• APS: only for degrees from China, India or Vietnam.

Read Germany university admission requirements for the general rules.

Bonn application deadlines

Each department runs its own application round through the Bonn application portal, and non-EEA applicants often have earlier deadlines than EEA applicants.

The Mathematics and Neurosciences pages state these as recurring yearly deadlines without printing the year. The AI master's is generally not open for a summer start.

Scholarships

Bonn points international students to DAAD scholarships. Some departments offer competitive master's scholarships; in Physics and Astronomy the deadline is 1 December for the following winter semester. Scholarships are competitive and rarely cover whole programs, so plan your own funding. See scholarships in Germany for international students.

Working while you study and after graduation

Non-EU students in Germany may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year. Jobs as a student assistant (HiWi) at the university have no day limit but must be reported to the foreigners' office. The minimum wage since January 2026 is €13.90 per hour. Part-time work helps, but you should not count on it to cover your whole budget, especially in your first semester.

After you graduate, you can apply for a residence permit to look for a qualified job, issued for up to 18 months. Read work and stay in Germany after graduation for the details.

Mistakes to avoid when applying to Bonn

• Assuming one deadline for everyone. Non-EEA applicants often have an earlier window than EEA applicants for the same program.
• Sending a medium-of-instruction letter for Computer Science or AI. It is not accepted; take IELTS or TOEFL in time.
• Ignoring the Mathematics aptitude test. Applicants with degrees from outside Germany or the EU must pass it.
• Choosing a fee-based program by accident. Drug Regulatory Affairs and Global Health are continuing-education programs that charge fees.
• Leaving the visa too late. Processing can take months, so prepare your blocked account as soon as you are admitted.

How to apply to the University of Bonn step by step

1. 1

   Choose your master's

   Check the program page for English level, required modules and the non-EEA deadline.

2. 2

   Compare your transcript

   Count your ECTS in each required area; missing credits can make you ineligible.

3. 3

   Prepare documents

   Degree certificate and transcript (or proof of expected completion), English certificate, module evidence and program-specific documents.

4. 4

   Apply on the Bonn portal

   Submit before the non-EEA deadline. Applying costs nothing.

5. 5

   Prove funds and apply for the visa

   After admission, arrange €11,904 per year and book your visa appointment. Read our documents and legalization guide.

6. 6

   Enrol

   Pay the semester fee and enrol in Bonn.

Get reminders for each department deadline: track deadlines for free on FindUniPath. Compare other universities in Germany or read our cost of studying in Germany guide.