Krefeld

North Rhine-Westphalia 1 universities

If you're dreaming of study in Germany but are wary of big city crowds and high costs, Krefeld could be a real discovery for you! Located in the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia), just northwest of Düsseldorf, on the left bank of the Rhine River, this charming city stands out with its calm atmosphere and student-friendly vibe. Historically known as the “City of Velvet and Silk,” Krefeld carries the elegance of the past while offering a modern student life. Krefeld particularly shines with Hochschule Niederrhein (Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences), making it a great choice if you're looking for practice-oriented education. Here, you can get a quality education and easily access all the opportunities of the Rhein-Ruhr region, one of Germany's most dynamic metropolitan areas. Krefeld promises you both a peaceful life and a dynamic student experience.

Quick Facts

Population: 231,406 (estimated end of 2024)
State: Nordrhein-Westfalen
Number of Universities: 1 (public)
Largest University: Hochschule Niederrhein
Nickname: City of Velvet and Silk
Location: Northwest of Düsseldorf, on the Rhine River
Metropolitan Region: Rhein-Ruhr, Rheinland

Studying in Krefeld: Hochschule Niederrhein

The heart of Krefeld's academic life is undoubtedly Hochschule Niederrhein. This university is one of Germany's leading institutions, especially in the field of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). If you're a student who values practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge and wants to jump straight into a career after graduation, this place is a perfect fit for you. The university offers a wide range of programs, from engineering to business, textile and fashion design to social sciences. Our database shows a total of 6 programs in Krefeld, indicating a focused and quality education opportunity for you.

Hochschule Niederrhein's campuses are equipped with modern facilities and embrace a student-centered approach to education. One of the biggest advantages of studying in a calmer city like Krefeld is that you can focus better on your studies and stay away from the distractions that big cities bring. Plus, thanks to the university's strong ties with industry, you could have an advantage when it comes to internships and job opportunities. While studying here, you'll develop yourself academically and lay solid foundations for your future career.

Estimated Monthly Cost of Living

Rent (shared)

300-450 EUR

WG (Wohngemeinschaft) room (shared apartment)

Food

200-300 EUR

Groceries and occasional eating out

Transportation (Semesterticket)

0-50 EUR

Often included in the Semesterbeitrag (semester contribution)

Health Insurance

120-130 EUR

Student rate

Other Expenses

100-200 EUR

Internet, phone, personal spending

Average total 720-1130 EUR / mo

Life in Krefeld and the City's Vibe

Krefeld is an ideal place if you're looking for a more peaceful and intimate life, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. The city gained fame for its silk and velvet production in the 18th and 19th centuries, which is why it's still known as the "City of Velvet and Silk." This historical legacy is evident in the city's architecture and cultural fabric. Krefeld offers you a calm daily life, while also providing rich options for cultural events and social opportunities.

You can shop in the city center, sit in cafes, and spend time with friends. With plenty of parks and green spaces, Krefeld is also perfect for those who love spending time in nature. Especially in spring and summer, the parks become wonderful places for picnics or walks. One of the best things about Krefeld is that it has maintained its unique identity despite its proximity to major metropolitan areas. Here, you'll feel like part of a community and find a place in Germany you can call home.

Places to Visit and Student Hangouts

Burg Linn

Landmark

This impressive medieval castle and its surrounding museum shed light on Krefeld's history. With its beautiful gardens, it's also a peaceful escape.

Krefelder Zoo

Park

Home to various animal species, Krefeld Zoo is a great place to unwind, especially on weekends or between classes.

Haus Lange & Haus Esters

Museum

These modern villas, designed by the famous architect Mies van der Rohe, now host art exhibitions. A must-see for those interested in architecture and art.

Botanischer Garten Krefeld

Park

This botanical garden, home to a wide variety of plant species, is an ideal spot for nature walks and peaceful moments.

Krefeld Innenstadt (City Center)

Square

The city center, full of shopping streets, cafes, and restaurants, is a meeting and socializing hub for students.

Stadtwald

Park

Stadtwald, one of the city's largest forested areas, offers great opportunities for running, walking, and cycling.

Student Life and Culture

Being a student in Krefeld offers you a more intimate and focused environment, away from the chaos of big cities. Thanks to Hochschule Niederrhein's student clubs and events, meeting new people and expanding your social circle is quite easy. You shouldn't expect a wild nightlife across the city, but there are charming bars, cafes, and restaurants where you can go with friends. One of the biggest advantages of studying in Nordrhein-Westfalen is that you can travel for free throughout the entire state with your Semesterticket (semester ticket).

This means you can easily head to more lively cities like Düsseldorf, Cologne, or Essen on weekends and take advantage of their cultural and entertainment options. Krefeld is also a bike-friendly city. Thanks to its flat terrain and extensive bike paths, you can handle a large part of your transportation by bike, getting exercise and contributing to the environment. Student dorms and shared apartments (WG's) are also more affordable than in other big cities, so you can feel comfortable about your cost of living. Krefeld promises you both a calm study environment and a dynamic student experience in the heart of Germany.

Calm and peaceful student environment
Easy access to Düsseldorf and Cologne
Affordable cost of living and rent prices
Strong cycling culture, practical inner-city transportation
Free travel throughout Nordrhein-Westfalen state with your Semesterticket

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cost of living expensive in Krefeld? ▼

No, Krefeld is quite an affordable city compared to other major student cities in Germany. Especially rent and daily living expenses are at more reasonable levels.

What are the job opportunities like in Krefeld? ▼

Thanks to Hochschule Niederrhein's strong ties with industry, you could have an advantage in finding internships and student jobs (Werkstudent). Job opportunities exist in Krefeld and its surroundings, especially in fields like logistics, textiles, and mechanical engineering. For part-time jobs, you can also look into the retail and service sectors.

Is transportation easy from Krefeld to other major cities? ▼

Absolutely! Krefeld has an excellent location thanks to its proximity to the A57 and A44 autobahns. Plus, with your student Semesterticket, you can easily reach cities like Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Essen by train for free. It's also quite close to the Dutch border.

Which programs are popular at Hochschule Niederrhein? ▼

The university has strong programs, especially in fields like engineering (mechanical, electrical, industrial), business, textile and fashion design, social sciences, and informatics. Since it focuses on applied sciences, graduates also have high employment rates.

How can I spend my free time in Krefeld? ▼

In Krefeld, you can walk in parks, ride a bike, visit museums (Burg Linn, Haus Lange/Esters), or go to the zoo. You can meet friends at cafes in the city center or use your Semesterticket to organize day trips to nearby major cities.

Are you dreaming of study in Germany in Krefeld? The AlmanyaUni team is ready to support you on your educational journey in Germany! You can contact us for application processes, visa procedures, and more.