# Study in Brandenburg an der Havel, Brandenburg

> Brandenburg an der Havel is a district-free city in Brandenburg with 74,113 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences (Brandenburg an der Havel). Summers average 18.6 °C and winters 1.8 °C, with about 572 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Brandenburg an der Havel is an independent city in Brandenburg with a university of applied sciences.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 74,113 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 229.73 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Brandenburg an der Havel (2 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €310–320 per month — Monthly rent for a furnished single room in a shared flat at Zanderstraße 10 A–G, as listed in the undated DAAD residence directory, checked November 2026. This is a residence price, not a citywide market average. | [source](https://www.daad.de/de/in-deutschland-studieren/leben-in-deutschland/wohnheimfinder/detail/detail/wohnanlage-brandenburg-an-der-havel-zanderstrasse-10-a-g-brandenburg-an-der-havel/?df-id=1321) |
| Mean temperature | 9.9 °C (summer 18.6 °C, winter 1.8 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 572 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,720 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Brandenburg an der Havel

Brandenburg an der Havel is a city shaped by waterways and historic neighbourhoods. Its centre has three distinct historic cores: Altstadt, Neustadt and Dominsel, with churches and medieval streets linking them together ([Berlin.de](https://www.berlin.de/tourismus/brandenburg/1168273-1098592-brandenburganderhavelundbeetzsee.html)).

Water is part of everyday recreation here: cycling, paddling and trips around the Havel lakes complement the city's museums and architecture ([German National Tourist Board](https://www.germany.travel/de/staedte-kultur/brandenburg.html)). There is also a working industrial side, including ZF's transmission factory and the Brandenburger Elektrostahlwerke steelworks ([VME](https://www.vme-net.de/transformation-ist-tradition), [Riva](https://www.rivastahl.com/de/konzern/arbeiten_bei_der_riva_stahl_gmbh)).

- **Altstadt**: A historic central neighbourhood with St Gotthardt's Church and the Gothic town hall ([City sights](https://www.stadt-brandenburg.de/stadt/sehenswertes)).
- **Neustadt**: A historic central neighbourhood containing St Catherine's Church and the Paulikloster archaeological museum ([Berlin.de](https://www.berlin.de/tourismus/brandenburg/1168273-1098592-brandenburganderhavelundbeetzsee.html)).
- **Dominsel**: The cathedral island forms another of the city's historic cores, centred on St Peter and Paul's Cathedral ([Berlin.de](https://www.berlin.de/tourismus/brandenburg/1168273-1098592-brandenburganderhavelundbeetzsee.html)).
- **Hohenstücken**: An option to include in a wider housing search: tram line 6 connects Hohenstücken Nord with the main railway station ([VBBr timetables](https://www.vbbr.de/fahrplantabellen)).

## Universities

Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, usually called THB, is the local university in the supplied catalogue. Its campus residence and IQ student club offer practical starting points for meeting other students ([DAAD residence guide](https://www.daad.de/de/in-deutschland-studieren/leben-in-deutschland/wohnheimfinder/detail/detail/wohnanlage-brandenburg-an-der-havel-zanderstrasse-10-a-g-brandenburg-an-der-havel/?df-id=1321), [THB culture guide](https://www.th-brandenburg.de/leben/kultur/)). Potsdam is a realistic commuting direction: published regional-train examples take about 25 minutes between the main stations, before your onward campus journey ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/brandenburg/potsdam.shtml)). Consider living here if you value a local campus community and access to outdoor activities; test your full commute before choosing it as a base for another university.

- **Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences** (Brandenburg an der Havel) — 24 courses

## Housing

Do not assume a smaller city means an easy housing search. Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg explicitly reports a shortage of student accommodation here ([Housing FAQ](https://www.stwwb.de/wohnen/faq)). THB also warns that furnished private flats are uncommon and that some rentals have no fitted kitchen, which can add significantly to your arrival costs ([THB arrival guidance](https://zis.th-brandenburg.de/auslaendische-studierende/vor-der-ankunft/)).

**How to find a place**

- Apply through Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg's housing application page and check the current application window; admission to THB does not automatically provide accommodation ([Studierendenwerk applications](https://www.stwwb.de/wohnen/online-bewerben), [THB](https://zis.th-brandenburg.de/auslaendische-studierende/vor-der-ankunft/)).
- Use THB's arrival guidance to investigate local housing companies, cooperatives and private landlords alongside the residence application ([THB housing guidance](https://zis.th-brandenburg.de/auslaendische-studierende/vor-der-ankunft/)).
- Check THB noticeboards and ask fellow students about forming a shared flat, known as a WG ([THB housing guidance](https://zis.th-brandenburg.de/auslaendische-studierende/vor-der-ankunft/)).
- Before accepting a private rental, confirm whether furniture and a kitchen are included ([THB housing guidance](https://zis.th-brandenburg.de/auslaendische-studierende/vor-der-ankunft/)).

**Student residences**

- [Wohnanlage Zanderstraße 10 A–G](https://www.stwwb.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/) (Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg): On the THB campus, with furnished shared-flat rooms and apartments; applications go through the Studierendenwerk ([DAAD residence details](https://www.daad.de/de/in-deutschland-studieren/leben-in-deutschland/wohnheimfinder/detail/detail/wohnanlage-brandenburg-an-der-havel-zanderstrasse-10-a-g-brandenburg-an-der-havel/?df-id=1321), [Operator](https://www.stwwb.de/wohnen/online-bewerben)).

## Cost of living

THB's regular semester contribution is €372.80 for winter semester 2026/27, including a €226.80 semester-ticket component; some programmes have different charges ([THB contributions](https://www.th-brandenburg.de/studium/bewerbung-und-einschreibung/beitraege?type=1)). The Studierendenwerk requires a €400 housing deposit. Its flat-rate rent includes heating, operating costs, electricity and furniture, while internet and the broadcasting contribution are excluded ([Housing FAQ](https://www.stwwb.de/wohnen/faq)). Budget separately for food, insurance and any furniture or kitchen needed in a private rental; no verified current comparison with big-city living costs is available here.

## Jobs & employers

Manufacturing and healthcare provide useful places to investigate for employment: ZF makes transmissions, Riva operates the local steelworks, and the university hospital employs clinical, technical and service staff ([VME](https://www.vme-net.de/transformation-ist-tradition), [Riva careers](https://www.rivastahl.com/de/konzern/arbeiten_bei_der_riva_stahl_gmbh), [Hospital careers](https://karriere.uk-brandenburg.de/)). ZF also advertises local apprenticeships and dual-study routes, which are separate commitments from ordinary part-time student work ([ZF Brandenburg](https://ausbildungsfinder.zf.com/brandenburg)).

- Medical-practice reception and patient-organisation assistance: the Studierendenwerk's student job board includes this type of work in Brandenburg an der Havel ([Student job board](https://www.stwwb.de/jobben/studentische-jobvermittlung)).
- Campus promotion, distributing flyers and putting up posters: the student job board lists assignments that can include Brandenburg an der Havel ([Student job board](https://www.stwwb.de/jobben/studentische-jobvermittlung)).
- Part-time kitchen work in the hospital group; check whether the advertised shifts fit your timetable ([Hospital vacancies](https://karriere.uk-brandenburg.de/stellen/)).
- Nursing side jobs for students who already hold the required professional qualification ([Hospital vacancies](https://karriere.uk-brandenburg.de/stellen/)).

- **ZF Getriebe Brandenburg GmbH** (Automotive manufacturing): The Caasmannstraße plant manufactures transmissions, including dual-clutch and hybrid units ([VME](https://www.vme-net.de/transformation-ist-tradition)). Local training and dual-study opportunities are listed separately ([ZF](https://ausbildungsfinder.zf.com/brandenburg)).
- **B.E.S. Brandenburger Elektrostahlwerke GmbH** (Steel manufacturing): Riva's local steelworks recruits for steel production, rolling-mill, maintenance and related operational roles ([Riva careers](https://www.rivastahl.com/de/konzern/arbeiten_bei_der_riva_stahl_gmbh)).
- **Universitätsklinikum Brandenburg an der Havel** (Healthcare): The hospital group combines patient care with teaching and research; its service subsidiary also covers catering, cleaning, transport and technical services ([Hospital careers](https://karriere.uk-brandenburg.de/)).

## Getting around

VBBr runs the city's trams, buses and night buses ([Local timetables](https://www.vbbr.de/fahrplantabellen)). The RE1 corridor links Brandenburg with Potsdam, Berlin and Magdeburg; VBB flags substantial engineering work during 2026, so check the actual travel date ([VBB RE1](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/re1)). Published regional services to Potsdam Hbf take approximately 24–25 minutes ([DB Potsdam connections](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/brandenburg/potsdam.shtml)). Berlin journeys can be considerably longer during disruption: DB's November examples include a regional itinerary of roughly 90 minutes with changes ([DB Berlin connections](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/brandenburg/berlin.shtml)). The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local buses, trams and regional trains, including RE services, but generally excludes ICE, IC and EC trains ([DB ticket rules](https://www.bahn.de/faq/pk/angebot/regionale-angebote/deutschland-ticket)).

- Station: Brandenburg Hauptbahnhof — the principal RE1 station for journeys towards Potsdam, Berlin and Magdeburg ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/re1)).
- Station: Kirchmöser — another city station served by the Magdeburg–Brandenburg RE1 service ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/re1)).
- Nearest airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) — A regional-rail route is RE1 to Potsdam, then RB22 towards Flughafen BER. Check the connection for your flight date and allow transfer time ([VBB RE1](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/re1), [DB regional timetables](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/db-regio-no/Fahren/Fahrplaene)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 1.8 °C, 42 mm rain a month, 1.9 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.6 °C, 41 mm rain a month, 5.9 h sun a day
- Summer: 18.6 °C, 63 mm rain a month, 7.4 h sun a day
- Autumn: 9.9 °C, 45 mm rain a month, 3.7 h sun a day

Expect cold, often grey winters and a gradual return to outdoor routines in spring. Summer is generally warm, with occasional hot days and rain, so keep a waterproof layer handy. The Havel and surrounding lakes offer options for paddling and cycling when the weather suits ([German National Tourist Board](https://www.germany.travel/de/staedte-kultur/brandenburg.html)). Autumn brings cooler conditions and shorter days; winter is a good time to make regular indoor activities part of your week.

## Culture & language

Fishing and river life are visible parts of local identity. The Altstädtischer Fischerkietz recalls the city's fishing history, while Plaue's Fischerjakobi festival continues the tradition with a procession and activities on the Havel ([Local tourism](https://erlebnis-brandenburg.de/fisch), [City festival information](https://www.stadt-brandenburg.de/veranstaltung/plauer-fischerjakobi-vom-24-bis-26-juli-2026)).

For student evenings, THB points to the IQ student club for parties and quizzes, plus a central cinema and Klubhaus Philipp for dancing. Think in terms of specific venues and their programmes when planning a night out ([THB culture guide](https://www.th-brandenburg.de/leben/kultur/)).

English can support your studies on an English-taught programme, but do not plan on using it for every rental, appointment or job application. As practical preparation, aim for conversational German and work towards B1–B2 for everyday independence; this is advice, not a local admission rule. THB's German-taught programmes require accepted C1-level evidence, while its listed English-taught Mechanical Engineering and Interactive Media programmes require B2 English ([THB application requirements](https://zis.th-brandenburg.de/auslaendische-studierende/bewerbung?S=1F&type=1)).

## Local food

- **Zander**: Pike-perch belongs to the region's freshwater-fish tradition and is highlighted by the local tourism board among Brandenburg's principal catches ([Local fish guide](https://erlebnis-brandenburg.de/fisch)).
- **Hecht**: Pike is another regional freshwater fish to look for on menus; the city's culinary connection is to the Havel and its lakes rather than seafood ([Local fish guide](https://erlebnis-brandenburg.de/fisch)).

## Events

- **Havelfest** (June; the 2026 edition ran from 19 to 21 June.): A long-running riverside city festival with concerts and activities across the centre ([City announcement](https://www.stadt-brandenburg.de/presse/61-havelfest-lockt-mit-no-angels-die-prinzen-vielen-hoehepunkten-an-die-havel)).
- **Plauer Fischerjakobi** (Late July; the 2026 edition ran from 24 to 26 July.): Plaue's recurring fishing-tradition festival includes a parade, boat procession and blessing of the waters ([City event page](https://www.stadt-brandenburg.de/veranstaltung/plauer-fischerjakobi-vom-24-bis-26-juli-2026)).

## Places to see

- **Dom St. Peter und Paul** (Cathedral): Explore the cathedral and its surrounding historic district on Dominsel ([City cathedral guide](https://www.stadt-brandenburg.de/stadt/sehenswertes/dom-st-peter-und-paul)).
- **Altstädtisches Rathaus and Roland** (Old town): The Gothic town hall and Roland statue are landmarks of the Altstadt ([City guide](https://www.stadt-brandenburg.de/stadt/sehenswertes/rathaus-und-roland)).
- **Archäologisches Landesmuseum in the Paulikloster** (Museum): The former monastery houses the state's archaeological museum, introducing Brandenburg's cultural history ([Berlin.de](https://www.berlin.de/tourismus/brandenburg/1168273-1098592-brandenburganderhavelundbeetzsee.html)).
- **Marienberg** (Park): A public park with lawns, mature trees and themed gardens for a break from studying ([THB recreation guide](https://www.th-brandenburg.de/leben/kultur/)).

## FAQ

### Is Brandenburg an der Havel a good place to live as a student?

It is worth considering if you want a local campus community with access to water and outdoor activities. THB has an on-campus residence and an IQ student club, although accommodation requires a separate application ([DAAD residence guide](https://www.daad.de/de/in-deutschland-studieren/leben-in-deutschland/wohnheimfinder/detail/detail/wohnanlage-brandenburg-an-der-havel-zanderstrasse-10-a-g-brandenburg-an-der-havel/?df-id=1321), [THB culture](https://www.th-brandenburg.de/leben/kultur/)).

### Is there a university in Brandenburg an der Havel?

Yes. Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, known locally as Technische Hochschule Brandenburg or THB, is based here and provides guidance for international applicants ([THB international admissions](https://zis.th-brandenburg.de/auslaendische-studierende/bewerbung?S=1F&type=1)).

### Can I commute from Brandenburg an der Havel to Potsdam?

Yes. Published regional-train examples take about 24–25 minutes from Brandenburg Hbf to Potsdam Hbf; add the journey from home to the station and from Potsdam Hbf to your campus ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/brandenburg/potsdam.shtml)).

### How much does student accommodation cost in Brandenburg an der Havel?

The DAAD residence directory lists furnished single rooms in shared flats at Zanderstraße for €310–320 per month, checked November 2026. This is a residence price and does not represent the private rental market ([DAAD](https://www.daad.de/de/in-deutschland-studieren/leben-in-deutschland/wohnheimfinder/detail/detail/wohnanlage-brandenburg-an-der-havel-zanderstrasse-10-a-g-brandenburg-an-der-havel/?df-id=1321)).

### What jobs can students find in Brandenburg an der Havel?

Verified examples include medical-practice assistance and campus promotion, while the hospital also advertises part-time kitchen work and nursing side jobs requiring professional qualifications. Check current availability and shift requirements ([Studierendenwerk job board](https://www.stwwb.de/jobben/studentische-jobvermittlung), [Hospital careers](https://karriere.uk-brandenburg.de/stellen/)).

### Does the Deutschlandticket cover travel from Brandenburg an der Havel to Berlin?

It covers regional trains such as RE1 and ordinary local public transport. It generally does not cover ICE, IC or EC services, so check the train category as well as the route ([VBB RE1](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/re1), [DB ticket rules](https://www.bahn.de/faq/pk/angebot/regionale-angebote/deutschland-ticket)).

## Sources

- [Berlin.de — Brandenburg an der Havel](https://www.berlin.de/tourismus/brandenburg/1168273-1098592-brandenburganderhavelundbeetzsee.html)
- [German National Tourist Board — Brandenburg an der Havel](https://www.germany.travel/de/staedte-kultur/brandenburg.html)
- [City — sights](https://www.stadt-brandenburg.de/stadt/sehenswertes)
- [City — cathedral](https://www.stadt-brandenburg.de/stadt/sehenswertes/dom-st-peter-und-paul)
- [City — town hall and Roland](https://www.stadt-brandenburg.de/stadt/sehenswertes/rathaus-und-roland)
- [THB — arrival and housing](https://zis.th-brandenburg.de/auslaendische-studierende/vor-der-ankunft/)
- [Studierendenwerk — housing FAQ](https://www.stwwb.de/wohnen/faq)
- [Studierendenwerk — residence directory](https://www.stwwb.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/)
- [Studierendenwerk — housing applications](https://www.stwwb.de/wohnen/online-bewerben)
- [DAAD — Zanderstraße residence and rents](https://www.daad.de/de/in-deutschland-studieren/leben-in-deutschland/wohnheimfinder/detail/detail/wohnanlage-brandenburg-an-der-havel-zanderstrasse-10-a-g-brandenburg-an-der-havel/?df-id=1321)
- [THB — semester contributions](https://www.th-brandenburg.de/studium/bewerbung-und-einschreibung/beitraege?type=1)
- [THB — international application requirements](https://zis.th-brandenburg.de/auslaendische-studierende/bewerbung?S=1F&type=1)
- [THB — culture and recreation](https://www.th-brandenburg.de/leben/kultur/)
- [Studierendenwerk — student job board](https://www.stwwb.de/jobben/studentische-jobvermittlung)
- [VME — ZF Brandenburg factory profile, June 2026](https://www.vme-net.de/transformation-ist-tradition)
- [ZF — Brandenburg training and dual study](https://ausbildungsfinder.zf.com/brandenburg)
- [Riva — careers and Brandenburg operations](https://www.rivastahl.com/de/konzern/arbeiten_bei_der_riva_stahl_gmbh)
- [Universitätsklinikum Brandenburg — careers](https://karriere.uk-brandenburg.de/)
- [Universitätsklinikum Brandenburg — vacancy overview](https://karriere.uk-brandenburg.de/stellen/)
- [VBBr — local transport timetables](https://www.vbbr.de/fahrplantabellen)
- [VBB — RE1 route and engineering information](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/re1)
- [Deutsche Bahn — Brandenburg to Potsdam](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/brandenburg/potsdam.shtml)
- [Deutsche Bahn — Brandenburg to Berlin](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/brandenburg/berlin.shtml)
- [Deutsche Bahn — Deutschlandticket rules](https://www.bahn.de/faq/pk/angebot/regionale-angebote/deutschland-ticket)
- [DB Regio — regional timetables including RB22 to BER](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/db-regio-no/Fahren/Fahrplaene)
- [Local tourism — fishing and regional fish](https://erlebnis-brandenburg.de/fisch)
- [City — Havelfest 2026](https://www.stadt-brandenburg.de/presse/61-havelfest-lockt-mit-no-angels-die-prinzen-vielen-hoehepunkten-an-die-havel)
- [City — Plauer Fischerjakobi 2026](https://www.stadt-brandenburg.de/veranstaltung/plauer-fischerjakobi-vom-24-bis-26-juli-2026)
- [Wikimedia Commons — city panorama](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brandenburg_Pano_02_(MK).jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — old town hall](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Altst%C3%A4dtisches_Rathaus_Brandenburg_front_view.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — cathedral](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brandenburg_an_der_Havel,_der_Dom.jpg)

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Published by [Where Is My Uni?](https://whereismyuni.com) — every German university on one map. Canonical page: https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/brandenburg/brandenburg-an-der-havel. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).