Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences
Rhine-Waal is a public university of applied sciences on the Dutch border, and one of the few German public institutions where the majority of degree programmes are taught in English.
About Rhine-Waal
It charges no tuition fee. Students pay only the semester contribution, which includes a public transport ticket for the whole state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Its strengths are engineering, environmental and life sciences, and international business, taught in small groups with laboratory work throughout.
Strong subjects
Entry at a glance
| English | IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 depending on programme; TOEFL and PTE accepted |
| Intakes | October (winter semester); March (a small number of programmes) |
| Undergraduate fees | No tuition fee; semester contribution of about €330 |
| Postgraduate fees | No tuition fee; semester contribution of about €330 |
| Application fee | None |
| Deposit | None |
Fees are indicative for 2026/27. We confirm the exact figure with the university before you apply.
Courses
A selection. Ask us for the full list, or for a course that is not shown here.
| Course | Level | Length | Indicative fee | Intakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Mechanical Engineering | Undergraduate | 3.5 years | No tuition fee | Oct |
| BSc Environment and Energy | Undergraduate | 3.5 years | No tuition fee | Oct |
| BSc International Business and Social Sciences | Undergraduate | 3.5 years | No tuition fee | Oct |
| MSc Bioengineering | Postgraduate | 2 years | No tuition fee | Oct, Mar |
| MSc Information Engineering and Computer Science | Postgraduate | 2 years | No tuition fee | Oct |
| MSc Sustainable Development Management | Postgraduate | 2 years | No tuition fee | Oct |
Campus and student life
Fees
No tuition fee. The semester contribution includes unlimited regional public transport.
Language
The majority of programmes are taught in English, unusual for a German public university.
Cost of living
Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort are small towns, so rent is well below Berlin or Munich, typically €300 to €450 for a room.
After you graduate
An 18-month residence permit to look for work, with the Ruhr industrial region on the doorstep.
Questions about Rhine-Waal
Is it genuinely free?
There is no tuition fee. You pay a semester contribution of roughly €330, which covers administration and a regional transport ticket. You still need the blocked account for the visa.
How competitive is it?
More competitive than a private university, and the deadlines are strict. Applications for the October intake usually close in the spring.
Is a small town a problem?
It is quieter than Berlin, and rent is around half. Düsseldorf is an hour away and Amsterdam is close.
Do I need German?
Not for the English-taught programmes, but you will need it for part-time work and daily life in a small town.
Interested in Rhine-Waal?
Send us your results. We will tell you which of its courses you can get into and what the year will cost.