Proof of Financing
Financial planning is an important part of preparing for your studies in Germany. If you require a visa and later a residence permit, you will generally need to provide proof that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses during your stay. This serves as assurance that you have enough money to study in Germany and amounts to approximately €11,904 for one year. Ways to provide proof include:
- Proof of your parents' income
- A security deposit in a blocked account (Sperrkonto)
- A bank guarantee
- A recognized scholarship (further information is available from the DAAD).
While the money in the account belongs to you, only a fixed monthly amount can be withdrawn. In addition to the financial proof required for your visa application, you should carefully plan your budget for accommodation, health insurance, food, transportation, study materials, and other personal expenses.
As a general guideline, students in Bochum and the Ruhr region should expect living costs of approximately €900–1,100 per month.
Bank Account
Open a bank account as soon as possible after your arrival. This will make it easier to manage monthly payments such as rent and insurance.
Account maintenance fees are usually charged for an account. However, most banks and savings banks offer free checking accounts for students. Ask about a student account.
Scholarships for International Students
If you have any questions about scholarships offered by the International Office, please contact daad-foerderung@hs-bochum.de
The DAAD Graduation Grant is intended to provide financial support to foreign students with good academic records who find themselves in need through no fault of their own, enabling them to concentrate on their studies and complete their upcoming degree.
The application deadline for the 2026/27 winter semester is September 21, 2026.
Who can apply?
International students who
- have obtained their university entrance qualification abroad (foreign students)
- do not have German citizenship
- do not have EU citizenship (non-EU member)
- are regularly enrolled at Bochum University of Applied Sciences (exchange students are not eligible for funding)
- are expected to successfully complete their studies by the end of the respective semester
Eligibility criteria
- Study progress (number of credits currently still outstanding)
- Final phase of studies
- Financial hardship
Note: Other scholarships and/or remuneration will be taken into account when determining the amount of the scholarship.
Application documents / Selection process
- Curriculum vitae
- Letter of motivation (including details of previous study financing and information on the expected date of submission of the thesis)
- Application for graduation grant
- Statement from the Student Office by email confirming the expected date of graduation
- Current transcript of records
- Proof of financial situation
Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of their application documents by a selection committee consisting of representatives from the International Office, the faculty of Bochum University of Applied Sciences, and the various departments.
Please send your complete application by email in a PDF document within the specified deadline to: daad-foerderung(at)hs-bochum.de
Contact
Contact person for questions regarding the application:
Antonia Gawronski, International Office, daad-foerderung(at)hs-bochum.de, +49 234 36186 9223
The DAAD Prize for outstanding achievements by international students is awarded annually.
International students at Bochum University of Applied Sciences who meet the requirements listed below can be nominated for the DAAD Prize by university lecturers. The prize is worth €1,000 and can only be awarded to one person. With this prize, the DAAD honors international students with outstanding achievements.
The following requirements must be met:
- Good or very good academic performance
- Social or intercultural engagement
- Foreign citizenship
- University entrance qualification obtained abroad
- Student enrolled in a regular program at Bochum University of Applied Sciences (not a visiting student)
- At least in the 3rd semester of a Bachelor's program or 2nd semester of a Master's program, or doctoral candidate
Applicants must submit the following documents to the International Office at Bochum University of Applied Sciences
- Application form
- Curriculum vitae
- Current transcript of grades
- Letter of recommendation (e.g., university lecturer, supervisor, volunteer coordinator, etc. / NOT from your employer)
- Letter of motivation with a detailed description of your social/intercultural engagement
- Proof of engagement/volunteer work
The DAAD Scholarship for Equal Opportunities is designed to support international students facing particular challenges in their studies (e.g. special childcare arrangements or relatives in need of care, physical disabilities, mental health issues or a refugee background).
Who is eligible to apply?
International students who
- have obtained their university entrance qualification abroad (international students)
- do not hold German citizenship
- do not hold EU citizenship (non-EU citizens)
- are regularly enrolled at Bochum University of Applied Sciences (exchange students are not eligible for funding)
- face particular challenges:
- students with a refugee background
- students with children
- students who provide care for a family member
- students with a disability
- financial hardship
- enrollment during the funding period
Note: Other scholarships and/or income from employment will be taken into account when determining the scholarship amount.
Application Materials / Selection Process
- Curriculum vitae
- Letter of motivation (explanation of the specific challenge and its impact on your studies)
- Application Form
- Proof of the specific challenges listed in the applications: official documents, disability ID card, medical report, child’s birth certificate, caregiving certification, etc. Non-essential information may be redacted. You may choose the supporting documents yourself, and they should clearly explain your situation.
- Current Certificate of Enrollment
- Transcript of Records
- Statement from the Student Office by email confirming the expected date of graduation
Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of their application documents by a selection committee consisting of representatives from the International Office, the faculty of Bochum University of Applied Sciences, and the various departments.
Please send your complete application by email in a PDF document within the specified deadline to: daad-foerderung(at)
Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
Are you in financial distress or experiencing other social problems? Then send an email to the social services department at the AStA (Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss)
The social advisors are students at Bochum University themselves and always willing to listen. The AStA also has a fund to help international students in emergency situations.
