TopUniGermany
OU OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts logo

OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Lemgo, North Rhine-Westphalia · University of Applied Sciences · Est. 1971

DE Rank #148 State-recognised German higher-education institution Admissions open
Type
University of Applied Sciences
Founded
1971
Students
5,938
International

Overview

OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, located in Lemgo, North Rhine-Westphalia, is a university of applied sciences offering a practice-oriented education. With an enrollment of approximately 5,938 students, the institution focuses on equipping students with practical skills through internship semesters. The university provides a range of programs, including Automation & Control Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Management, and Urban Planning. As a university of applied sciences, OWL emphasizes hands-on training and real-world applications, allowing students to gain valuable experience in their fields of study. Notably, OWL charges no tuition fees, and students are responsible only for a semester contribution, making it an accessible option for those seeking a practical education in Germany.

Programs at OWL University of Applied Sciences and A

6 programs across 2 study levels.

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's Degree Automation & Control Engineering

General Engineering

OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts

⏱ 8 semesters 🎓 Full Time 💰 No tuition fees

Master's Degree

Master's Degree Automation & Control Engineering

Information Technology

OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts

⏱ 4 semesters, 8 semesters 🎓 Full Time 💰 No tuition fees

Tuition fees & costs

Indicative annual tuition

No tuition fees

Tuition-free

Semester contribution

Semesterbeitrag — often includes a transport ticket

Indicative living cost

Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees — only the semester contribution. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester, and private universities set their own fees. Figures are indicative; confirm with the university before applying.

Guides for applying to German universities

All guides →

Admission requirements

A secondary-school leaving certificate recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur (checked against the anabin database, usually via uni-assist). Applicants whose qualification is not directly equivalent complete a Studienkolleg year and the Feststellungsprüfung, or sit the TestAS. Master’s applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree with a good grade average; some subjects are restricted by a Numerus Clausus (NC) or an aptitude assessment (Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren).

Language: German-taught degrees: DSH-2, TestDaF 4x4, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or Goethe-Zertifikat C2. English-taught degrees: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 88+ (programme-dependent); many international master’s programmes are taught fully in English and require no German at entry.

How to apply

  1. 1Check your qualification for equivalence in the anabin database and confirm the programme’s intake and deadline (usually 15 July for October, 15 January for April).
  2. 2Confirm you meet the entry requirements: A secondary-school leaving certificate recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur (checked against the anabin database, usually via uni-assist). Applicants whose qualification is not directly equivalent complete a Studienkolleg year and the Feststellungsprüfung, or sit the TestAS. Master’s applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree with a good grade average; some subjects are restricted by a Numerus Clausus (NC) or an aptitude assessment (Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren).
  3. 3Apply through uni-assist (most international applicants), hochschulstart.de for nationally restricted subjects such as medicine, or directly with the university where it accepts direct applications.
  4. 4Submit certified transcripts and translations, your language certificate (DSH / TestDaF / telc for German-taught, IELTS / TOEFL for English-taught) and — if your country requires it — the APS certificate, then pay the processing fee.
  5. 5On receiving your letter of admission (Zulassungsbescheid), open a blocked account and take out health insurance, then apply for the national student visa (Visa D) at the German mission in your country.

For international students

Non-EU students apply for a German national student visa (Visa D) at the German mission in their country, then convert it into a residence permit for study purposes at the local Ausländerbehörde. Proof of funds is normally a blocked account (Sperrkonto) — currently about €11,904 for one year — plus statutory health insurance. Graduates may stay for up to 18 months on a job-seeking residence permit.

Read the student visa & residence permit guide →

Frequently asked questions

What are the admission requirements for OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts?

A secondary-school leaving certificate recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur (checked against the anabin database, usually via uni-assist). Applicants whose qualification is not directly equivalent complete a Studienkolleg year and the Feststellungsprüfung, or sit the Tes...

How much is tuition at OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts?

There are no tuition fees — you pay only the semester contribution. Figures are indicative — confirm with the university.

How is OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts ranked?

Germany national rank #148.

What are the English requirements?

German-taught degrees: DSH-2, TestDaF 4x4, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or Goethe-Zertifikat C2. English-taught degrees: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 88+ (programme-dependent); many international master’s programmes are taught fu...

Sources

Last updated 21 Aug 2026. Information is provided for guidance — verify with official sources before applying.