# Study in Saarbrücken, Saarland

> Saarbrücken has 7 universities and colleges offering 331 degree courses (131 Bachelor's, 139 Master's), and 26% of them are taught in English or bilingually. A student flat costs about €505 a month (30 m² flat incl. utilities (WG room ≈ €455), MLP Studentenwohnreport 2026). Tuition for non-EU students: €0 — Saarland charges no tuition at public universities for EU or non-EU students; you pay only the semester contribution.

Saarbrücken is the capital of Saarland, a small state with a big French influence — the border is a few kilometres away and the Saarbahn tram runs into France. Saarland University is internationally known for computer science, with Max Planck institutes, DFKI and the CISPA Helmholtz Center on campus, and htw saar covers engineering and business. Rents are comparatively low and the pace is relaxed.

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## Cost of living

- Rent: ≈ €505 (30 m² flat incl. utilities (WG room ≈ €455), MLP Studentenwohnreport 2026)
- Tuition for non-EU students: €0 — Saarland charges no tuition at public universities for EU or non-EU students; you pay only the semester contribution.
- Saarland University's campus is in the forest east of the centre — buses run frequently, but a room in St. Johann or near the campus saves time.
- Learning some French pays off: many Saarlanders speak it and cross-border jobs often require it.
- Shop and eat across the border in Sarreguemines or Metz for a weekend change of scene.

## Industries & employers

- **CISPA, DFKI & Max Planck** (Research): Cybersecurity, AI and informatics institutes on Saarland University's campus.
- **ZF** (Automotive): One of ZF's largest transmission plants is in Saarbrücken.
- **Bosch** (Automotive): Large plant in Homburg, about 30 km east.
- **Saarstahl** (Steel): Steelmaker based in Völklingen, just west of the city.

## Culture & people

Saarlanders are known for their love of food and sociability — 'Hauptsach gudd gess' (the main thing is to eat well). The old town around St. Johanner Markt is full of bars and bistros with a French touch.

The region's coal and steel past is everywhere, from the UNESCO-listed Völklingen Ironworks to old mining towns, while the Saar loop and forests offer easy escapes.

## Events & festivals

- **Max Ophüls Prize Film Festival** (January): Germany's leading festival for young filmmakers.
- **Altstadtfest** (Summer): The old town's summer street festival around St. Johanner Markt.
- **Christkindlmarkt** (Late Nov – Dec): Christmas market on St. Johanner Markt.

## Places to see

- **Saarbrücken Castle** (Castle): Baroque-and-modern palace above the Saar.
- **St. Johanner Markt** (City): The old town's main square, the centre of nightlife.
- **Völklingen Ironworks** (UNESCO): A preserved ironworks turned cultural venue, 15 minutes away.
- **Ludwigskirche** (Church): One of Germany's finest Protestant Baroque churches.

## Getting around

The Saarbahn tram-train and buses cover the city, and the Saarbahn continues to Sarreguemines in France. ICE and TGV trains reach Paris in under two hours and Frankfurt in about two. Saarbrücken has a small airport; Frankfurt and Luxembourg airports are the main international options. Check your semester contribution for the included ticket.

## FAQ

### Which universities are in Saarbrücken?

Saarland University, htw saar (University of Applied Sciences), the University of Music Saar and the Saar Academy of Fine Arts, among 7 institutions in our catalogue.

### Is Saarbrücken good for computer science?

Yes. Saarland University is one of Europe's leading computer-science locations, with two Max Planck institutes, DFKI and the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security on campus.

### Is Saarbrücken cheap for students?

It is one of the more affordable western German cities: a 30 m² student flat costs about €505 a month and a shared-flat room about €455 (MLP Studentenwohnreport 2026).

### Can I study in English in Saarbrücken?

Yes. 26% of the courses in our Saarbrücken catalogue are taught in English or bilingually, especially computer-science Master's programmes at Saarland University.

## Sources

- [MLP Studentenwohnreport 2026 (IW / MLP)](https://www.iwkoeln.de/studien/michael-voigtlaender-christian-oberst-philipp-deschermeier-mlp-studentenwohnreport-2026.html)
- [Saarland University](https://www.uni-saarland.de/)

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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/saarland/saarbrucken. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).