# Study in Grafschaft Bentheim district, Lower Saxony

> Grafschaft Bentheim is a rural district (Landkreis) in Lower Saxony with 144,543 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Grafschaft Bentheim district itself; the nearest is Akademie St. Franziskus Katholische Bildungsstätte im Sozial-Gesundheitswesen GmbH in Lingen (Ems), about 21 km away. Summers average 17.8 °C and winters 3.3 °C, with about 812 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Grafschaft Bentheim is a rural district on the Dutch border, with small towns, cycling routes and student life shaped by commuting.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 144,543 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 981.79 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Akademie St. Franziskus Katholische Bildungsstätte im Sozial-Gesundheitswesen GmbH, Lingen (Ems) (21 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Mean temperature | 10.4 °C (summer 17.8 °C, winter 3.3 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 812 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,551 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Grafschaft Bentheim district

Grafschaft Bentheim lies on the Dutch border in western Lower Saxony. Much of its landscape is flat, with fields, meadows, waterways and cycle routes extending into the neighbouring Netherlands ([Lower Saxony](https://www.niedersachsen.de/startseite/land_leute/kultur_freizeit/reiseland_niedersachsen/urlaubs_regionen/grafschaft_bentheim/grafschaft-bentheim-19687.html)).

Nordhorn's textile heritage, Bad Bentheim's sandstone castle and spa facilities, and Schüttorf's historic centre give the district distinct town identities. Outside them, cycling and countryside outings are central to the area's appeal ([Lower Saxony](https://www.niedersachsen.de/startseite/land_leute/kultur_freizeit/reiseland_niedersachsen/urlaubs_regionen/grafschaft_bentheim/grafschaft-bentheim-19687.html), [Schüttorf Tourism](https://www.tourismus-schuettorf.de/)).

- **Nordhorn**: The district seat, with the Vechtesee close to its centre and a strong textile-industrial heritage ([Vechtesee](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vechtesee), [Stadtmuseum Nordhorn](https://stadtmuseum-nordhorn.de/povelturm/)).
- **Bad Bentheim**: A spa town dominated by its sandstone castle ([Lower Saxony](https://www.niedersachsen.de/startseite/land_leute/kultur_freizeit/reiseland_niedersachsen/urlaubs_regionen/grafschaft_bentheim/grafschaft-bentheim-19687.html)).
- **Schüttorf**: The district's oldest town, with a historic centre and former textile manufacturers' villas ([Schüttorf Tourism](https://www.tourismus-schuettorf.de/)).
- **Neuenhaus**: Home to Neuenhauser Maschinenbau, which offers practical semesters and thesis placements for students ([Neuenhauser](https://www.werde-neuenhauser.de/werde-neuenhauser/schueler-studenten/praxissemester-ba-ma-thesis/)).

## Nearest universities

There is no university in Grafschaft Bentheim. Nearby study options include Akademie St. Franziskus in Lingen and the universities in Münster, including the University of Münster and FH Münster. For Lingen, investigate the direct bus routes from Nordhorn before choosing housing ([VGB](https://vgb-mob.de/fahrplan/linienfahrplaene/verbindungen-in-das-emsland/)). For Münster, test the complete journey to your teaching location rather than judging by map distance. Local apprenticeships and dual-study routes are another option promoted by the district ([district careers guide](https://zukunft.grafschaft-bentheim.de/de/deine-heimat-deine-zukunft/ich-bin-mit-der-schule-fertig.php)). This is worth considering if you prefer countryside access or have a local work placement; do not assume lower rent will compensate for a demanding commute.

- **Akademie St. Franziskus Katholische Bildungsstätte im Sozial-Gesundheitswesen GmbH** (Lingen (Ems)) — 21 km away, 1 courses
- **Kunstakademie Münster, Hochschule für Bildende Künste** (Münster) — 68 km away, 9 courses
- **University of Münster** (Münster) — 70 km away, 314 courses
- **FH Münster University of Applied Sciences** (Münster) — 70 km away, 133 courses
- **Deutsche Hochschule der Polizei** (Münster, Westfalen) — 71 km away, 3 courses

## Housing

Start with ordinary rental housing through local providers and private landlords. GEWO maintains a local property search, while ImmoScout24 has a dedicated Nordhorn rental overview ([GEWO](https://www.gewo-nordhorn.de/immobilien/), [ImmoScout24](https://www.immobilienscout24.de/Suche/de/niedersachsen/grafschaft-bentheim-kreis/nordhorn/wohnung-mieten)). The evidence checked does not establish whether affordable student-sized accommodation is currently plentiful or scarce.

**How to find a place**

- Check GEWO's rental offers and contact its lettings team about suitable small apartments in Nordhorn and the surrounding area ([GEWO](https://www.gewo-nordhorn.de/immobilien/)).
- Use the Nordhorn overview on ImmoScout24 to compare available apartments; check whether each advertised price excludes heating and other running costs ([ImmoScout24](https://www.immobilienscout24.de/Suche/de/niedersachsen/grafschaft-bentheim-kreis/nordhorn/wohnung-mieten)).
- For study in Lingen, compare addresses against the routes of buses 80 and 981, which connect Nordhorn and Lingen by different paths ([VGB](https://vgb-mob.de/fahrplan/linienfahrplaene/verbindungen-in-das-emsland/)).
- For rail commuting, prioritise access to a station and test your actual morning and evening journeys before signing a lease ([Bentheimer Eisenbahn](https://www.be-mobil.de/)).

## Cost of living

Budget for the full housing-and-commuting combination; a reliable comparison showing that student living here is cheaper than in Münster was not established. The standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month through December 2026; DB lists €66.80 from January 2027. Check whether your institution already provides a semester ticket before buying another subscription ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket)). There are inexpensive cultural options: the Povelturm museum lists free admission, and the NINO-Hochbau museum lists €3 admission for students with proof, checked November 2026 ([Povelturm](https://stadtmuseum-nordhorn.de/povelturm/), [NINO-Hochbau](https://stadtmuseum-nordhorn.de/nino-hochbau/)).

## Jobs & employers

Concrete local employment sectors include machinery manufacturing, starch and food ingredients, and healthcare. Student entry routes are particularly clear at Neuenhauser and Emsland Group, whose careers pages describe placements, thesis opportunities or holiday work; these are opportunities to investigate, not guarantees of a current vacancy ([Neuenhauser](https://www.werde-neuenhauser.de/), [Emsland Group](https://www.emsland-group.de/karriere/studenten-absolventen/), [EUREGIO-KLINIK](https://www.euregio-klinik.de/jobs-und-karriere)).

- Production holiday work: Emsland Group explicitly offers holiday jobs to pupils and students ([Emsland Group](https://www.emsland-group.de/karriere/studenten-absolventen/)).
- Laboratory holiday work, subject to the employer's requirements and available assignments ([Emsland Group](https://www.emsland-group.de/karriere/studenten-absolventen/)).
- Administrative holiday work in an industrial company ([Emsland Group](https://www.emsland-group.de/karriere/studenten-absolventen/)).
- Practical semesters and bachelor’s or master’s thesis placements in machinery manufacturing; these are study placements rather than ordinary casual jobs ([Neuenhauser](https://www.werde-neuenhauser.de/werde-neuenhauser/schueler-studenten/praxissemester-ba-ma-thesis/)).

- **Neuenhauser Maschinenbau** (Machinery manufacturing): Based in Neuenhaus; offers practical semesters and bachelor’s and master’s thesis placements ([Neuenhauser](https://www.werde-neuenhauser.de/werde-neuenhauser/schueler-studenten/praxissemester-ba-ma-thesis/)).
- **Emsland Group** (Starch and food ingredients): Operates in Emlichheim; its student careers page describes holiday work, practical semesters and research-related thesis opportunities ([Emsland Group](https://www.emsland-group.de/karriere/studenten-absolventen/)).
- **EUREGIO-KLINIK** (Healthcare): A major hospital employer in Nordhorn, recruiting across healthcare, administration and technical functions; check qualifications for each role ([EUREGIO-KLINIK](https://www.euregio-klinik.de/jobs-und-karriere)).

## Getting around

The RB56 links Neuenhaus, Nordhorn and Bad Bentheim, generally hourly. Its published timetable gives about 19 minutes from Nordhorn to Bad Bentheim, where onward regional and long-distance connections are available ([Bentheimer Eisenbahn timetable](https://www.be-mobil.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/be_zug_fahrplan_2025_2026.pdf)). From Bad Bentheim, a typical RB61 journey to Osnabrück Hbf takes about 49 minutes and serves Schüttorf and Rheine on the way ([DB station timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_248.pdf)). For Münster, change at Rheine for a southbound service such as RB65; allow separately for transfers and travel from the station to campus ([eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/download-center/)). Nordhorn–Lingen buses 80 and 981 provide another commuting corridor ([VGB](https://vgb-mob.de/fahrplan/linienfahrplaene/verbindungen-in-das-emsland/)). The Deutschlandticket covers participating local buses and regional trains, including RB56, but not ordinary ICE journeys ([Bentheimer Eisenbahn](https://www.be-mobil.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/be_zug_fahrplan_2025_2026.pdf), [Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket)). Check the live timetable for your travel date.

- Station: Bad Bentheim — regional interchange and ICE services towards Amsterdam and Berlin ([Bentheimer Eisenbahn](https://www.be-mobil.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/be_zug_fahrplan_2025_2026.pdf)).
- Station: Nordhorn and Neuenhaus — RB56 stations ([Bentheimer Eisenbahn](https://www.be-mobil.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/be_zug_fahrplan_2025_2026.pdf)).
- Station: Schüttorf — RB61 regional services ([DB station timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_248.pdf)).
- Nearest airport: Münster/Osnabrück Airport (FMO) — The nearest commercial airport to Nordhorn ([Rome2Rio](https://www.rome2rio.com/de/s/Nearby-Airports/Nordhorn)). One public-transport approach is by rail to Münster Hbf and then airport bus S50 or R51; check the complete connection against your flight time ([FMO](https://www.fmo.de/anreise/)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 3.3 °C, 71 mm rain a month, 1.8 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.9 °C, 52 mm rain a month, 5.4 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.8 °C, 78 mm rain a month, 6.5 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.5 °C, 70 mm rain a month, 3.3 h sun a day

Expect cool, damp winters, brighter spring days and generally mild summers, with rain possible throughout the year. Waterproof clothing is a practical investment if you plan to cycle regularly. Winter brings local traditions such as midwinter horn blowing, while Bad Bentheim's annual Christmas market takes place on the second Advent weekend ([Grafschaft Bentheim Tourism](https://www.grafschaft-bentheim-tourismus.de/sehen-erleben/typisch-grafschaft), [Bad Bentheim Tourism](https://www.badbentheim.de/veranstaltungen/highlights/weihnachtsmarkt)).

## Culture & language

Local identity includes Grafschafter Platt, a regional form of Low German, and traditions shared across the Dutch border. Winter customs include midwinter horn blowing and Nikolaus dice games for prizes ([Heimatverein Grafschaft Bentheim](https://heimatverein-grafschaft.de/aufgaben/plattdeutsch/), [Grafschaft Bentheim Tourism](https://www.grafschaft-bentheim-tourismus.de/sehen-erleben/typisch-grafschaft)).

For evenings out, start with Nordhorn's Alte Weberei, whose programme includes concerts, cabaret and comedy, or the café-bar in the Povelturm ([Alte Weberei](https://alteweberei.de/programm/), [Povelturm](https://stadtmuseum-nordhorn.de/povelturm/)). Think in terms of checking individual venues and events when planning your social life here.

Ask individual landlords, employers and offices whether they can help in English; do not plan your move around universal English-language service. As a practical learning target, aim for B1–B2 German for independent everyday life and job hunting, while checking any formal requirements separately. You may also hear Grafschafter Platt, a regional variety of Low German with differences between the northern and southern parts of the district ([Heimatverein Grafschaft Bentheim](https://heimatverein-grafschaft.de/aufgaben/plattdeutsch/)).

## Local food

- **Bentheimer Moppen**: Caraway-flavoured Christmas biscuits associated with Grafschaft Bentheim, especially Schüttorf and its surroundings ([Lower Saxony specialities](https://www.spezialitaeten-aus-niedersachsen.de/bentheimermoppen.html)).
- **Knieperties**: Thin, sweet, crisp waffles included in the district's traditional winter baking ([Grafschaft Bentheim Tourism](https://www.grafschaft-bentheim-tourismus.de/sehen-erleben/typisch-grafschaft)).
- **Schohsollen**: Firm, flat cakes shaped like shoe soles, traditionally baked over a fire in patterned irons ([Grafschaft Bentheim Tourism](https://www.grafschaft-bentheim-tourismus.de/sehen-erleben/typisch-grafschaft)).

## Events

- **Holschenmarkt, Nordhorn** (April; the next published edition is 24–25 April 2027.): A recurring town-centre festival featuring traditional crafts, music and a flea market ([VVV Nordhorn](https://www.vvv-nordhorn.de/event/holschenmarkt)).
- **Bad Bentheimer Weihnachtsmarkt** (Second Advent weekend; 4–6 December in 2026.): The annual Christmas market takes place around the town centre and castle, with craft stalls and musical performances ([Bad Bentheim Tourism](https://www.badbentheim.de/veranstaltungen/highlights/weihnachtsmarkt)).

## Places to see

- **Burg Bentheim** (Castle): The sandstone castle above Bad Bentheim is the district's most conspicuous historic landmark ([Lower Saxony](https://www.niedersachsen.de/startseite/land_leute/kultur_freizeit/reiseland_niedersachsen/urlaubs_regionen/grafschaft_bentheim/grafschaft-bentheim-19687.html)).
- **Vechtesee, Nordhorn** (Lake): A lake near the town centre with a waterside walking circuit, useful for a break outdoors ([Vechtesee](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vechtesee)).
- **NINO-Hochbau museum** (Museum): Explore Nordhorn's textile and fashion history through photographs, clothing and objects from its former mills ([Stadtmuseum Nordhorn](https://stadtmuseum-nordhorn.de/nino-hochbau/)).
- **Povelturm** (Museum): A town-history museum with views over Nordhorn from its upper gallery ([Stadtmuseum Nordhorn](https://stadtmuseum-nordhorn.de/povelturm/)).
- **Schüttorf historic centre** (Old town): Explore the old centre and the manufacturers' villas that recall the town's textile-industry past ([Schüttorf Tourism](https://www.tourismus-schuettorf.de/)).

## FAQ

### Is there a university in Grafschaft Bentheim?

There is no university in Grafschaft Bentheim. Nearby study options include Akademie St. Franziskus in Lingen and institutions in Münster, including the University of Münster and FH Münster.

### Is Grafschaft Bentheim a good place to live as a student?

Consider it if you have a local placement or enjoy cycling and countryside access; the district has an extensive cycling landscape along the Dutch border ([Lower Saxony](https://www.niedersachsen.de/startseite/land_leute/kultur_freizeit/reiseland_niedersachsen/urlaubs_regionen/grafschaft_bentheim/grafschaft-bentheim-19687.html)). For regular classes elsewhere, test the full commute before choosing accommodation.

### How do I get from Nordhorn to Lingen?

VGB lists bus 80 via Lohne and Klausheide, and bus 981 via Lohne, Wietmarschen and other settlements, between Nordhorn and Lingen ([VGB](https://vgb-mob.de/fahrplan/linienfahrplaene/verbindungen-in-das-emsland/)). Check the current timetable for your class times and return journey.

### Is Grafschaft Bentheim expensive for students?

A reliable current student-rent benchmark was not verified, so a precise monthly budget or saving compared with Münster would be misleading. Compare actual rental offers and commuting costs together ([GEWO](https://www.gewo-nordhorn.de/immobilien/), [ImmoScout24](https://www.immobilienscout24.de/Suche/de/niedersachsen/grafschaft-bentheim-kreis/nordhorn/wohnung-mieten)).

### What jobs can students find in Grafschaft Bentheim?

Emsland Group advertises student holiday-work routes in production, laboratories and administration ([Emsland Group](https://www.emsland-group.de/karriere/studenten-absolventen/)). Neuenhauser offers practical semesters and thesis placements in Neuenhaus; availability and eligibility must be checked directly ([Neuenhauser](https://www.werde-neuenhauser.de/werde-neuenhauser/schueler-studenten/praxissemester-ba-ma-thesis/)).

### Can I use the Deutschlandticket in Grafschaft Bentheim?

Yes: RB56 accepts the Deutschlandticket, and the ticket covers participating local buses and regional trains ([Bentheimer Eisenbahn](https://www.be-mobil.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/be_zug_fahrplan_2025_2026.pdf), [Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket)). Ordinary ICE journeys from Bad Bentheim require a separate ticket.

## Sources

- [Lower Saxony: Grafschaft Bentheim](https://www.niedersachsen.de/startseite/land_leute/kultur_freizeit/reiseland_niedersachsen/urlaubs_regionen/grafschaft_bentheim/grafschaft-bentheim-19687.html)
- [Schüttorf Tourism](https://www.tourismus-schuettorf.de/)
- [District guide to apprenticeships and dual study](https://zukunft.grafschaft-bentheim.de/de/deine-heimat-deine-zukunft/ich-bin-mit-der-schule-fertig.php)
- [GEWO property search](https://www.gewo-nordhorn.de/immobilien/)
- [ImmoScout24: Nordhorn rentals](https://www.immobilienscout24.de/Suche/de/niedersachsen/grafschaft-bentheim-kreis/nordhorn/wohnung-mieten)
- [VGB: connections to Emsland](https://vgb-mob.de/fahrplan/linienfahrplaene/verbindungen-in-das-emsland/)
- [Bentheimer Eisenbahn journey information](https://www.be-mobil.de/)
- [RB56 timetable 2025/2026](https://www.be-mobil.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/be_zug_fahrplan_2025_2026.pdf)
- [DB: Bad Bentheim departure timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_248.pdf)
- [eurobahn regional timetables](https://www.eurobahn.de/download-center/)
- [DB: Deutschlandticket price and validity](https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket)
- [FMO airport access](https://www.fmo.de/anreise/)
- [Rome2Rio: airports near Nordhorn](https://www.rome2rio.com/de/s/Nearby-Airports/Nordhorn)
- [Neuenhauser careers](https://www.werde-neuenhauser.de/)
- [Neuenhauser student placements](https://www.werde-neuenhauser.de/werde-neuenhauser/schueler-studenten/praxissemester-ba-ma-thesis/)
- [Emsland Group student opportunities](https://www.emsland-group.de/karriere/studenten-absolventen/)
- [EUREGIO-KLINIK careers](https://www.euregio-klinik.de/jobs-und-karriere)
- [Grafschaft Bentheim traditions](https://www.grafschaft-bentheim-tourismus.de/sehen-erleben/typisch-grafschaft)
- [Heimatverein: Grafschafter Platt](https://heimatverein-grafschaft.de/aufgaben/plattdeutsch/)
- [Alte Weberei programme](https://alteweberei.de/programm/)
- [Bentheimer Moppen](https://www.spezialitaeten-aus-niedersachsen.de/bentheimermoppen.html)
- [VVV Nordhorn: Holschenmarkt](https://www.vvv-nordhorn.de/event/holschenmarkt)
- [Bad Bentheim Christmas market](https://www.badbentheim.de/veranstaltungen/highlights/weihnachtsmarkt)
- [Stadtmuseum Nordhorn: Povelturm](https://stadtmuseum-nordhorn.de/povelturm/)
- [Stadtmuseum Nordhorn: NINO-Hochbau](https://stadtmuseum-nordhorn.de/nino-hochbau/)
- [Wikipedia: Vechtesee](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vechtesee)
- [Commons: Vechtesee Nordhorn](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vechtesee_Nordhorn.jpg)
- [Commons: Burg Bentheim Prinzessinengarten](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Burg_Bentheim_-_Prinzessinengarten_-_01.jpg)
- [Commons: Nordhorn town centre](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Innenstadt.04.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/lower-saxony/grafschaft-bentheim-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).