Numerus Clausus in Bochum
Bochum coat of arms

Bochum: Admission Restriction - Numerus Clausus/NC (2026/27)

Bochum offers international students a vibrant educational experience at Ruhr University Bochum, one of Germany's largest universities and a powerhouse in engineering, natural sciences, and humanities with a strong research orientation and innovative interdisciplinary programmes. This dynamic city in the heart of the Ruhr region has transformed from industrial hub to diverse academic centre, and its remarkably multicultural atmosphere—shaped by decades of immigration—creates a welcoming environment where international students feel at home quickly amid a genuine mix of cultures and perspectives. The campus itself forms a small city, with everything from libraries to sports facilities in one place, while Bochum beyond offers a thriving cultural scene: the renowned Schauspielhaus theatre, the fascinating German Mining Museum, legendary music venues like the Zeche, and a nightlife that draws students from across the region. Living costs run significantly lower than in many German cities, making student life comfortable without financial strain, and excellent public transport connects Bochum seamlessly to neighbouring Dortmund, Essen, and Düsseldorf—effectively giving students access to a sprawling metropolitan region while keeping their home base manageable and affordable.

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Bochum offers international students a vibrant educational experience at Ruhr University Bochum, one of Germany's largest universities and a powerhouse in engineering, natural sciences, and humanities with a strong research orientation and innovative interdisciplinary programmes. This dynamic city in the heart of the Ruhr region has transformed from industrial hub to diverse academic centre, and its remarkably multicultural atmosphere—shaped by decades of immigration—creates a welcoming environment where international students feel at home quickly amid a genuine mix of cultures and perspectives. The campus itself forms a small city, with everything from libraries to sports facilities in one place, while Bochum beyond offers a thriving cultural scene: the renowned Schauspielhaus theatre, the fascinating German Mining Museum, legendary music venues like the Zeche, and a nightlife that draws students from across the region. Living costs run significantly lower than in many German cities, making student life comfortable without financial strain, and excellent public transport connects Bochum seamlessly to neighbouring Dortmund, Essen, and Düsseldorf—effectively giving students access to a sprawling metropolitan region while keeping their home base manageable and affordable. For international students seeking quality education in an authentic, unpretentious environment that offers genuine cultural diversity, strong career connections to a region in transformation, and a lifestyle that balances urban energy with everyday affordability, Bochum delivers substance over image.

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Quick Facts
Population
360,000
Students
14%
International students
16%
Room in a shared apartment
€ 400

Most Selective Study Programs in Bochum

For degree courses with a numerus clausus, part of the study places are allocated according to the grade point average (GPA) of the previous degree. Selection is generally based on how many applicants apply for a place. The higher the grade, the more difficult it is to get onto the course. The German grading system ranges from 1.0 (very good) to 6.0 (unsatisfactory).

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63 courses available

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Bochum & Most Selective Cities

language All German Cities

Share of admission-restricted programs
...
78
19%
Bochum coat of arms
Bochum

language Cities in North Rhine- Westphalia

Share of admission-restricted programs
...
14
19%
Bochum coat of arms
Bochum
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Bochum: All Admission-Restricted Programs

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Alternatives to Numerus Clausus in Bochum

Other cities in North Rhine- Westphalia and nearby

Numerus Clausus in Herne
Herne
6.3 km
0% admission-restricted programs
Numerus Clausus in Gelsenkirchen
Gelsenkirchen
9.2 km
15% admission-restricted programs
Numerus Clausus in Witten
Witten
9.4 km
0% admission-restricted programs
Numerus Clausus in Essen
Essen
14.4 km
19% admission-restricted programs
Numerus Clausus in Recklinghausen
Recklinghausen
14.8 km
29% admission-restricted programs
Numerus Clausus in Dortmund
Dortmund
17.4 km
13% admission-restricted programs

Other similar-sized cities

Numerus Clausus in Herne
Herne
6.3 km
0% admission-restricted programs
Numerus Clausus in Gelsenkirchen
Gelsenkirchen
9.2 km
15% admission-restricted programs
Numerus Clausus in Recklinghausen
Recklinghausen
14.8 km
29% admission-restricted programs
Numerus Clausus in Bottrop
Bottrop
20.6 km
0% admission-restricted programs
Numerus Clausus in Hagen
Hagen
22.3 km
0% admission-restricted programs
Numerus Clausus in Mülheim an der Ruhr
Mülheim an der Ruhr
24.1 km
3% admission-restricted programs

Bochum NC: Glossary

Numerus Clausus (NC)
This Latin term means “limited number” and indicates that a program has restricted admission. In other words, not all applicants can be accepted, so selection is usually based on grades or other criteria when demand exceeds available spots.
NC-Free
AdH-Score
Waiting Semesters
Acceptance rate
Admission-restricted programs
Admission-free programs

Bochum Numerus Clausus & Living costs

⌀ 400 Euros
19% below German average
Room in a shared apartment in Bochum
600
400
200
0
National average
€493
€400
Bochum
Average accommodation cost (for a room in a shared apartment)