Englisch 
Deutsch What kind of provider is Ruhr University Bochum — and who are the programs for?
Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) is a publicly funded (öffentlich-rechtlich) university in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Established in 1962, it is among the country’s largest higher education institutions, with 21 faculties concentrated on a single campus. RUB’s core focus is broad academic research and teaching, spanning STEM fields, humanities, and social sciences. The university’s international orientation is reflected in numerous global academic partnerships and a clear commitment to intercultural exchange. Programs are open to German and international students, including those from outside Europe—if you want to enroll in a recognized German university with extensive international activity and English-speaking support structures, RUB is a primary option.
What can you study at Ruhr University Bochum as an international student?
RUB offers a wide range of degree programs at Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral level. Selected programs in STEM disciplines and the social sciences are taught in English, with options evolving annually. Teaching is typically on campus, but there is a growing share of courses and elements available through e-learning platforms. Please note that, as of now, fully online English-language degree programs are rare at RUB. Subject areas covered in English-taught offerings include:
- Engineering and Computer Science
- Economics and Business
- Religious Studies
- Selected Humanities and Natural Sciences
Each faculty sets its own admissions and language requirements, so check each program's details directly.
Accreditations and international recognition
As a state university, RUB is state-recognized (staatlich anerkannt) under German law. Its degrees are recognized across Germany and the European Union, facilitating international mobility. The university’s active participation in the European Higher Education Area (Bologna Process) ensures that credits and degrees are widely transferable. No dedicated business school accreditations (like AACSB) or distance-learning licenses (like ZFU) were identified for RUB, but its public status and long-standing international partnerships support its global academic credibility.
Access and application for international students at RUB
If you are applying from outside Germany, especially from a non-EU country, RUB provides extensive support for international admissions. Key points include:
- Programs with English instruction usually require TOEFL or IELTS proof; thresholds vary (commonly TOEFL iBT 79–100 or IELTS 6.0–7.0)
- Some programs may require basic German proficiency
- Online elements can be studied remotely, but most degrees require on-site attendance (visa required for degree programs)
- Individual faculties publish detailed entry requirements and application deadlines
Consult the International Office or the faculty-specific site for updated guidance and support services.
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