During the theorical semester, an obligatory German language course is offered to prepare the student for the mandatory course in German shipping law that has to be taken at the end of the study course in German.
Proof of English proficiency at B2 level is required: please check the uni-assist English proficiency framework and the admission requirements for your chosen programme on our website (one is listed as an example).
For all applicants: 15 March for the summer semester (March to August).
As the lectures begin at the beginning of March, we strongly recommend applying in advance. If you need a visa, please apply at least two to three months before the deadline.
Nautical studies is an academic programme leading to the qualification for Nautical Watch Officer’s Certificate of Competence. All aspects of navigating and operating a ship as well as business around the ship and maritime transportation are included. There is a variety of elective subjects to deepen knowledge and competences in special fields such as shiphandling, quality management and green shipping.
There is an obligation to submit a health insurance declaration: since 1 December 2021, the University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer has been using the electronic student notification procedure (SMV). Notifications from the health insurance companies can only be accepted electronically. In addition to the application, all applicants must apply for a confirmation of insurance from a statutory health insurance company, quoting our sender number, H0002194.
The study programme includes six semesters of studying at the maritime campus in Leer. An additional two semesters of training at sea are integrated in the curriculum. Students need to apply and contract for training at sea with ship operators fulfilling the requirements of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).
PDF DownloadTwo semesters of training at sea in fulfilment of STCW requirements
The current semester fee for studying at the Faculty of Maritime Sciences is 299.80 EUR for one semester. Further information can be found at https://www.hs-emden-leer.de/en/university-of-applied-sciences/organization/departments-a-z/admission-and-examination-office/reregistration-and-fees.
Compared to other cities in Germany, the living expenses in Leer are rather low. Rent is approximately 250 to 350 EUR per month. Further information can be found at https://www.hs-emden-leer.de/en/institutions/international-office/international-students/living-expenses/.
Further information concerning funding opportunities can be found at https://www.hs-emden-leer.de/en/university-of-applied-sciences/organization/departments-a-z/international-office/international-students/scholarships.
The University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer awards scholarships to female students to promote young female academics: fem:talent-Stipendium – Hochschule Emden/Leer (hs-emden-leer.de).
Applicants originating from China, India, or Vietnam additionally have to hand in the original certificate of the academic assessment office issued by the German embassy (“Akademische Prüfstelle”). Your application cannot be processed without this certificate. You may find further information here:
For all applicants: 15 March for the summer semester (March to August).
As the lectures begin at the beginning of March, we strongly recommend applying in advance. If you need a visa, please apply at least two to three months before the deadline.
Rooms for rent within walking distance from the department
Intensive guidance and counselling is provided by the Career Office.
Intensive guidance and counselling are provided by the student support desk, the Student Counselling Service, and the International Office as well as by the professors and lecturers.
Starting a new course of study is always an exciting time, especially if you start studying abroad. There is a lot to organise and a lot to discover. For this reason, the International Office offers a buddy programme. Prospective international exchange and degree seeking students participating will receive support in initial practical questions and will get a good insight in the student life and daily life atmosphere in Germany. We want you to feel good and comfortable in Emden/Leer from the very beginning and make it your second home.
The programme is based on voluntariness. You and your buddy decide on what you want to do and how much time you spend together.
The participation in the buddy programme is free of charge!
Advice and information for students and employees who are responsible for children and/or family members in need of care
The University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer was newly founded in 2009 in the process of splitting the merged university "Fachhochschule Oldenburg/Ostfriesland/Wilhelmshaven". They had been merged in January 2000. Originally, the University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer was founded in 1973 as "Fachhochschule Ostfriesland". The Faculty of Maritime Sciences was one of the founding departments with its roots in the middle of the 19th century, founded in 1854 as "Städtische Navigationsschule Leer". Today, the university has four faculties: Maritime Sciences, Social Work and Health, Technology, Business Studies.
At the moment, the University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer has 32 Bachelor's and 14 Master's study courses. Some of these courses can be studied on a part-time basis. Others are offered as online and professional courses. Four of the study courses are offered in cooperation with the Carl von Ossietzky University in Oldenburg.
The University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer has 3,563 students (winter semester 2025/26) and 474 employees, including 113 professors.
The university consists of two locations. The main location is in Emden and the Faculty of Maritime Studies is in Leer. In Leer, approx. 300 students are studying in two Bachelor's programmes, Nautical Science and Maritime Engineering and Management as well as in the joint Master's programme in Maritime Operations (MSc). In Leer, 32 people are employed, and 11 of them are professors.
With its varied and up-to-date programme, University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer positions itself primarily as a university of applied science in the region and for the region. Bachelor's and Master's degrees in engineering and natural sciences, nautical science, business administration, social work, and health science aim to cover current and future needs for academics in the region. Excellent teaching and study programmes with an international profile are seen here as essential elements in the education of young scientists for a globalised knowledge-based society.
Research, technology transfer, and continuing education – particularly in our established areas of specialisation – serve to provide stimuli for new businesses and new directions in existing business and society.
University location benefits:
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