About the City – What It’s Like to Study in Stuttgart
Welcome to Stuttgart, a city that blends high-tech innovation with laid-back Swabian charm. To study in Stuttgart is to live in a place where Mercedes-Benz and Porsche were born, yet where you can stumble upon hillside vineyards, forest hiking trails, and art galleries all in one afternoon.
Located in southwest Germany, Stuttgart is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg, known for its economic strength and academic excellence. It’s one of Germany’s wealthiest regions, but it doesn’t show off. The vibe? Sophisticated yet down-to-earth. Big enough to have everything, but still compact enough to feel livable.
Stuttgart has over 60,000 students, many of whom come from across the globe to study engineering, business, and urban planning. But there’s more, film schools, design programs, architecture, AI research. It’s a city of thinkers and creators.
Add vibrant student festivals, breweries with €3 beers, and an excellent public transport system? Studying here feels as smooth as a German-made machine.
Why Stuttgart Is a Great Choice for International Students
1. Academic Powerhouse with Global Appeal
Stuttgart is home to several top-tier universities, public and private, with a strong focus on STEM fields, automotive engineering, business, and applied sciences. The University of Stuttgart and Stuttgart Media University are especially popular among international students for their English-taught courses and research opportunities.
2. Career Launchpad
Looking to land a job or internship while you study? Stuttgart is packed with global companies like Daimler, Bosch, Porsche, and IBM. This makes it one of the best cities in Germany for post-graduate employment. The uni-industry connection here is legit.
3. Multicultural Environment
With over 160 nationalities living in Stuttgart and a rapid growth in international students, it’s easy to meet new people, and not just Germans. Cultural integration programs, language courses, and student buddy systems make the transition smoother.
4. Quality of Life? Top-Tier.
The city offers some of Germany’s cleanest air, lowest crime rates, and highest ratings for public services. Live music? Theatre? Underground clubs? Wine festivals? Yes to all.
When you study in Stuttgart, you’re stepping into a city that’s safe, vibrant, and built to fuel ambition.
Top 10 Universities or Colleges in Stuttgart
1. University of Stuttgart (Universität Stuttgart)
A leading public university known for innovation in engineering, computation, architecture, and aerospace. Highly ranked in Europe, offering multiple English-taught master’s programs.
2. Stuttgart Media University (Hochschule der Medien – HdM)
The go-to for digital media, UX/UI, journalism, gaming, and publishing. Top-ranked for creative tech fields.
3. Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences (HFT Stuttgart)
Focused on architecture, urban planning, geoinformatics, and civil engineering. Blends theoretical study with hands-on projects.
4. Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg (DHBW Stuttgart)
Specializes in dual education, students alternate between the university and traineeships with companies. Great for business, IT, and engineering students.
5. State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart
A selective, respected institution offering programs in art, design, architecture, and conservation science.
6. Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Stuttgart
Premier conservatory for music composition, orchestral performance, acting, and opera.
7. Karlshochschule International University (nearby in Karlsruhe)
Fresh, progressive, international. Known for global business programs and cultural studies with an emphasis on sustainability and diversity.
8. SRH Fernhochschule – The Mobile University (Center in Stuttgart)
Flexible learning with accredited programs in management, psych, health sciences. Great for part-time and online learners.
9. Design Akademie Stuttgart
Private institute offering advanced programs in communication and graphic design.
10. FOM Hochschule – Stuttgart Campus
Business-focused institution offering part-time evening classes for working students. Popular with postgrads and professionals.
Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Stuttgart
- The Fizz Stuttgart
- SMARTments Student Stuttgart
- Studierendenwerk Stuttgart – Wohnheim Allmandring
- Uninest Student Residences
- BaseCamp Stuttgart
- Wohnheim Pfaffenwaldring
- Campus Viva Stuttgart
- STUDENTENWOHNEN Vaihingen
- Milestone Stuttgart Campus
- YUGO – Stuttgart Urban Living
Each offers furnished apartments or dorm-style rooms with amenities like Wi-Fi, study lounges, laundry, gyms, and social spaces.
Top 10 Student Areas in Stuttgart (With Nearby Universities & Properties)
1. Vaihingen
- Nearby: University of Stuttgart main campus, HFT
- Housing: Allmandring Wohnheim, The Fizz
Stuttgart’s “university town.” Green, quiet, and close to everything. Great for science and engineering students. Bonus: quick U-Bahn connection.
2. Mitte (City Centre)
- Nearby: HFT, Stuttgart Music University
- Housing: BaseCamp, Uninest
In the heart of it all. Shopping, nightlife, art galleries, and trams right outside your door. Slightly higher rents.
3. West Stuttgart
- Nearby: HFT and central universities
- Housing: SMARTments, private housing
Trendier, less touristy than Mitte. Full of indie cafés, bars, and second-hand bookstores. Very popular with creatives.
4. Degerloch
- Nearby: Accessible to all campuses via U-Bahn
- Housing: Studio flats and WG (shared apartments)
Peaceful neighborhood with hill views and forest walks. Favored by postgrads.
5. Bad Cannstatt
- Nearby: FOM, industrial partnerships
- Housing: Affordable shared homes
Very multicultural. Home to the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Stuttgart’s famous spring festival.
6. Zuffenhausen
- Nearby: Porsche HQ and international offices
- Housing: Private studio rentals
Affordable and quieter. Great for internships and part-time gigs in engineering.
7. Feuerbach
- Nearby: TH Stuttgart
- Housing: Mixed residencies
Commercial yet calm. Feels like a mini-town within the city.
8. Birkach
- Nearby: Bus access to Vaihingen
- Housing: Shared flats
Less hectic, mostly residential. Ideal for those who love a local feel.
9. Ost (East Stuttgart)
- Nearby: Short tram ride to the center
- Housing: BaseCamp, Urban apartments
Mix of student flats, bakeries, and light rail lines, great blend of chill and convenience.
10. Möhringen
- Nearby: U-Bahn to HFT and DHBW
- Housing: WG options
Ideal if you want space, good rent, and quick city access without the central buzz.
Cost of Living in Stuttgart – What to Expect as a Student
Studying in Stuttgart isn’t cheap, but it’s not Berlin-expensive either. Costs vary, but smart budgeting goes a long way.
| Category | Monthly Estimate (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared or studio) | €300 – €700 |
| Groceries | €150 – €250 |
| Health Insurance | €120 (mandatory) |
| Transport (semester pass) | €40 – €70 |
| Internet & Utilities | €40 – €80 |
| Entertainment + Extras | €80 – €150 |
➡️ Typical Monthly Spend: €850 – €1,300
Ways to stretch your euros:
- Studentwerk cafeterias: Full meals for under €3
- Semester ticket: Gives you full access to buses, trams, and trains within the city and region
- Public universities: Often charge only €150–€300/semester in admin fees
- Scholarships: DAAD, Erasmus+, and university-specific funds available
Local Transport – How Students Get Around in Stuttgart
Getting from lecture halls to late-night döner stands? Easy.
1. VVS – The Public Transport Authority
Covers U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and trams. The semester ticket covers nearly unlimited rides across the city and is included in many student fees.
2. Bikes & E-Scooters
Rental services like Lime, Tier, and Nextbike are widely available. Great for quick campus trips.
3. Walking
Stuttgart is greener and more spacious than you’d expect. Many students enjoy walking between classes and neighborhoods.
4. Regional Trains
Quick trips to Heidelberg, Freiburg, or France (seriously). Discounted train passes are a student favorite.
5. Airport (STR)
International airport right in-town. Trains and buses will get you there in under 30 minutes.
Summary – Why You Should Study in Stuttgart
To study in Stuttgart is to join a city built for ambitious minds and easy living.
Whether you’re dreaming of tech labs, modern design, or exploring the Black Forest between lectures, Stuttgart balances it all. A rich academic ecosystem meets real-world German industry. The result? A student experience that’s as rewarding as it is exciting.
Affordable for students. Inspiring for thinkers. Safe, clean, and packed with post-degree potential.
Engineering minds. Artistic souls. Global citizens. You’ll find them all here. And maybe, your future self, too.
Top 10 FAQs About Studying in Stuttgart
1. Is Stuttgart a student-friendly city?
Absolutely. It’s vibrant, well-connected, and has strong international student services.
2. Can I study in English in Stuttgart?
Yes. Many engineering, business, and master’s programs are offered in English.
3. Is Stuttgart expensive for students?
Moderate. Expect €850–€1,300/month, depending on rent and lifestyle choices.
4. What are the top universities in Stuttgart for international students?
University of Stuttgart, HFT Stuttgart, and Stuttgart Media University top the list.
5. Are student jobs available?
Yes. Part-time work is legal and common, especially in tech, retail, or hospitality.
6. How do I apply for accommodation?
Through Studierendenwerk, private operators, or university partners. Early application is key.
7. Is public transport free for students?
No, but semester passes are discounted and offer great value.
8. Can I stay in Stuttgart after I graduate?
Yes! Germany has 18-month work-seeker visas for grads to find jobs post-study.
9. Do I need to speak German?
Not for all programs. But learning basic German is highly recommended for day-to-day life.
10. What makes Stuttgart better than Berlin or Munich?
Less chaotic, greener spaces, booming job market, and strong STEM focus without the big-city cost.
