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People sitting on steps on the bank of a river in Siegen.
©Harlekin-Graphics – stock.adobe.com

Studying in Siegen

Siegen offers you 19 degree programmes in English at 2 higher education institutions.

Are you ready for some hills? Siegen sits on seven hills and one of these is called the education hill since one of the university's sites is on top of it. Students enjoy Siegen’s old city with its narrow and sometimes steep streets, snug houses and its many pubs and cafés. Siegen’s surroundings invite for a hike or a swim in summer times with its water reservoirs, forests and – of course – hills.

But not all of the city’s students gather on education hill. The largest higher education institution in Siegen, the University of Siegen, has expanded in recent years and now also has sites beyond the campus on the hill. The “Unteres Schloss“ campus is a very special location as you attend your lectures and seminars in an old castle. The second higher education institution in Siegen is the University of Applied Sciences of Economics and Management (FOM) whose students mostly work full- or part-time. Lectures are held in the city’s technology centre (Technologiezentrum).

It is worth looking for student accommodation early, as demand is high. The various campuses and lecture halls are not all located in the city centre though, so you won’t have to worry about limiting your search to that area. The city’s public transportation system suits this quite well: all districts and areas are easily reached.

Many students eat lunch in the canteens in the city but you can also try your hand at some traditional Siegen recipes. We recommend baking the Riewekooche, a local, potato-based bread, in preparation for your exam periods. This way, you’ll have an easy bite to eat whilst you study.

Life in Siegen

103,000 residents

  • High-speed train connections

    Bonn train station in 68 km distance

  • International airport

    Cologne/Bonn airport in 63 km distance

  • Coast

    North Sea in 270 km distance

  • Mountain range

    Rothaar Mountains in 15 km distance

  • Other countries

    Belgium in 130 km distance

  • Attractions within 100 km

    • Druid's rock, a basalt cone in 12 km distance

    • Hohenhain Tunnel (former rail tunnel) in 14 km distance

    • Obernau reservoir and dam in 10 km distance

    • Wisent-Wildnis at Rothaarsteig (wildlife conservation project) in 30 km distance

2 higher education institutions in Siegen

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Subject groups of degree programmes in Siegen

There is a wide range of degree programmes in Siegen. Here you can see the main subject groups. Currently, degree programmes in Siegen are mainly offered in the subject group Teaching Degrees, followed by Language and Cultural Studies and Humanities and Social Sciences. Find out more information here about the subject groups and degree programmes offered in Germany.
  • 0

    Agricultural and Forest Sciences

  • 33

    Humanities and Social Sciences

  • 23

    Mathematics, Natural Sciences

  • 1

    Art, Music, Design

  • 50

    Language and Cultural Studies

  • 5

    Medicine, Health Sciences

  • 23

    Economic Sciences, Law

  • 25

    Engineering Sciences

  • 135

    Teaching Degrees

View of an urban square from above, wooded hills in the background
©Tobias Arhelger – stock.adobe.com

The central Kornmarkt and hills will form the backdrop to your time in Siegen.

If you don’t want to walk up the steep pedestrian zone between Unterstadt and Oberstadt, simply take the “Hübbelbummler” bus.

Here in Siegen, you can experience the cosy, small-town feel without getting bored. You might not find as many bars and clubs as you would in larger cities, but that doesn’t at all mean that there’s nowhere to go. Nearly 15% of Siegen’s population are students, that’s roughly 15,000 students in a total population of around 100,000. That’s why you can expect many house and campus parties. Alternatively, you and your friends can relax into the evening at the many local bars and pubs of the Oberstadt area. Perhaps you’ll even enjoy a local beer?

You’ll quickly get to the city’s picturesque old town from this Oberstadt area. From the timbered houses to the unique architecture that features embellished façades, you’ll have a great view to give your thoughts free rein on a leisurely stroll. If you prefer the bustle of the city, the town centre provides the right ambience, with its cinema, theatres, and shopping options.

The warmer days particularly bring many students to the Sieg river and the Schlosspark (park on the castle grounds). They are popular picnic spots, and some people even bring musical instruments. Outside of the city, you’ll find yourself admiring the idyllic forest and hilly landscapes along the Sieg. Here, the hiking trails will lead you to many great destinations in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district – the most densely-wooded district in Germany! If you’re happy to venture uphill, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking view of the Siegerland from the summits of the surrounding peaks. The sunsets are especially beautiful from here, and you can even see as far as the Rothaargebirge mountain range or the Drachenfels (towards Bonn). These sights, although far, provide an impressive vista and let you break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A young woman walks through the city
A young woman walks through the cityJan von Allwörden / DAAD

You can find more information at study-in-germany.de

For more information on living and studying in Siegen, visit the city portraits at study-in-germany.de