A compact university city in Bavaria with short distances, regional industry and the Alps close enough for life beyond lectures.
Arrive in Kempten, meet people from around the world and become part of campus life from the beginning.
Friendships across borders
Every semester, international students come to Kempten for an exchange or a complete degree. The Buddy Programme brings them together with local students.
A local buddy helps with settling into Kempten and university life. In return, both sides practise languages, gain insight into another culture and build friendships that may continue far beyond the semester.
Meet people from around the world on campus
The club connects international and local students, creates opportunities to share cultural experiences and makes international engagement visible across the campus.
All students are welcome and no membership is required. Membership is free for anyone who wants to help organise events or excursions; active volunteers can receive an official certificate for their engagement.
Three short interviews give personal insights into International Engineering, living in Kempten and preparing an application.
An introduction to the programme and first impressions of studying International Engineering.
A student perspective on everyday life, community and the region around Kempten.
Practical insights for prospective students preparing their application and arrival.
Kempten offers many everyday services of a regional city without the scale of a major metropolis. Students can reach campus, shops, leisure facilities and transport connections with comparatively manageable journeys.
The smaller scale can make routines easier to organise and help newcomers become familiar with the city. Campus events, student groups, sports and language activities offer opportunities to meet people beyond the classroom.
The surrounding region is known for lakes, mountains and outdoor activities. Hiking, cycling and winter sports are accessible options, although costs, equipment, experience and weather conditions should always be considered responsibly.
Local and regional public transport connects Kempten with the surrounding area, while rail services provide links to larger cities. Students should check current semester-ticket arrangements and plan late-evening journeys in advance.
Bavaria combines established industrial expertise with research, digital technologies and a dense network of specialised companies. This makes engineering visible not only in lectures but throughout the regional economy.
Automotive and mechanical engineering, electronics, energy systems, software and advanced manufacturing are important fields. Global corporations coexist with medium-sized companies that often specialise deeply in particular technologies or markets.
The region can provide valuable contexts for internships, projects and later employment. Opportunities remain competitive, however. Academic performance, practical experience, professional contacts and German-language skills can all influence a graduate's options.
Kempten University is a public university and does not charge tuition fees. Semester contributions and, for some international students, an additional service fee still apply.
The semester contribution consists of €85 for student services and €30 for the semester ticket.
Per semester for non-EU students enrolled in an English-taught programme who started from winter semester 2025/26. Exceptions apply.
Check details and exceptionsPlan at least this amount per month for accommodation, food, transport and daily activities. Actual costs depend on your lifestyle.
| Rent | €280-360 |
|---|---|
| Food | €250-300 |
| Health insurance | €125-150 |
| Phone, internet and broadcasting fee | €40 |
| Study materials and other costs | €150-200 |
You are expected to finance your studies and living expenses yourself. Kempten University does not provide financial support for living costs. Many international students receive family support or take a part-time job.
If you need a visa or residence permit, you may need to prove funds of at least €992 per month or €11,904 for twelve months. Ask the German embassy which form of evidence is currently accepted.
Work opportunities depend on your nationality and residence status. Your studies must remain the main purpose of your stay.
You may generally work 140 full or 280 half days per year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency or immigration authority. Self-employment and freelance work are not permitted. Additional work requires approval.
Academic or student assistant work may be possible beyond the day limit if it does not endanger your studies; inform the immigration authority. Voluntary internships normally count as work days, while mandatory curricular internships are exempt.
You have free access to the German labour market. During the lecture period, working no more than 20 hours per week normally preserves student status. A paid job or internship may require German health insurance.
Start searching early. Residence rooms are usually rented for at least one semester, and applying around three months before your planned arrival is recommended.
All residences have a bus connection to the university, and some are within walking distance. Also search private rooms and apartments through the Studierendenwerk Augsburg.
Private housing offers
+49 (0)821 598 4918 / -4919
wohnen(at)stw-a.de
Complete all required documents, payments and health-insurance reporting by the official deadline.
Register your address and clarify residence-permit requirements with the responsible authorities.
Arrange suitable payment access, a mobile connection and secure access to university systems.
Join orientation, campus groups, sports, language activities or a buddy programme to meet people early.
A compact university with a broad academic community and international connections.
| Campus area | ca. 53,000 m² |
|---|---|
| Students | ca. 5,000 |
| Professors | 172 |
| Lecturers from industry | 200 |
| Non-academic staff | 313 |
| Partner universities worldwide | 110+ |
| Research institutes | 16 |
|---|---|
| Laboratories | 23 |
| Professors involved in research | ca. 70 |
| Research employees | 230+ |
| Ongoing research projects | 160+ |
| Research budget | ca. €15m |
| Research partners | 240+ |
Approximate figures supplied for university information; values may change over time.
