Computer Science (Informatik) is one of the most popular bachelor's programmes at the University of Stuttgart. It is a German-taught degree, and unlike the university's Mechanical Engineering programme, it is admission-restricted. That means your grades and the current selection rules matter, and the application deadline for restricted programmes is earlier.
This guide covers the acceptance picture, the fees you will pay as a non-EU student, admission requirements, the German test you need, and what the German post-study permit means for graduates.
Stuttgart Computer Science Acceptance Rate
The University of Stuttgart does not publish an acceptance rate for the Informatik B.Sc., and we did not find an official figure. The more useful signal is the admission status. Recent admission information lists the main Computer Science B.Sc. as admission-restricted (zulassungsbeschränkt, NC). The Informatik B.A. minor, by contrast, is not restricted, so check which degree you are applying for.
Restricted programmes use a selection process based on grades and other criteria, and the rules and cut-offs change from year to year. Confirm the current figures and the process for your intake on the university's programme pages before you plan around any single number.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
Stuttgart is in Baden-Württemberg, which charges EUR 1,500 per semester to most non-EU international students, on top of the semester contribution. EU and EEA students do not pay this tuition. Students who obtained their Abitur in Germany, and certain other groups, are exempt. Check the exemptions on the university's tuition and fees page before you budget.
- Semester contribution: Every student pays a Semesterbeitrag each term. We could not verify the current amount from an official Stuttgart source, so check the university's fees page for the current breakdown.
- Proof of funds: A non-EU student applying for a German study visa must show funds. The 2026 blocked account requirement is EUR 11,904 per year (about EUR 992 per month), per German Federal Foreign Office and DAAD guidance. A blocked account typically costs EUR 70 to EUR 150 to set up.
- Living costs in Stuttgart: Stuttgart is one of Germany's more expensive cities for rent. We could not verify a current city-specific figure, so check current rent estimates before you commit to a flat.
Admission Requirements
For international applicants to the Informatik B.Sc., the core requirements are:
- A higher education entrance qualification recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur, with official transcripts and certified translations
- German language proof at C1 level, as set out in the university's German language requirements
- A qualifying result for the restricted programme, assessed under the current selection rules
- Application through the university's application process by the deadline for restricted programmes
- Proof of funds for the student visa, if you are applying from outside the EU or EEA
English proficiency does not gate this bachelor's degree. The German certificate does.
How to Get Into Stuttgart's Computer Science B.Sc.
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Plan around German first. The programme is German-taught, so a strong IELTS or TOEFL score will not replace the German certificate.
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Book a recognised German certificate early. Accepted routes include TestDaF with level 4 in all four parts, DSH-2 or above, Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or C2, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, and the German DSD II diploma. Build in time for at least one retake.
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Check the selection rules for your intake. Because the programme is restricted, confirm how applicants are selected and what grade result is needed under the current rules.
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Apply by the restricted-programme deadline. These deadlines are earlier than those for admission-free programmes, so set your timeline around them.
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Prepare your blocked account and tuition together. For non-EU students, the EUR 1,500 per semester tuition and the blocked account are both part of the first-year budget.
For context on the wider university, see the University of Stuttgart guide.
English Proficiency and German Language Requirements
The Informatik B.Sc. is taught in German, so IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo are not the tests that gate admission. The university accepts the German certificates listed in its language requirements, including TestDaF level 4 in all four parts, DSH-2 or above, Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or C2, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, and DSD II.
If you want an English-taught computer science degree, look at the university's English-taught master's options instead. Those have their own English requirements, set programme by programme.
Career Outcomes and Post-Study Relevance
Germany's main post-study route is the job-seeker residence permit under Section 20 of the Residence Act. After completing a degree in Germany, you can receive a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for qualified work, provided your livelihood is secured during that time. The permit is not extendable, and during it you may take up employment of any type. Before it expires, you need to move into a qualifying job or another eligible residence title. Apply at the local immigration office before your student status ends, and confirm current rules on make-it-in-germany.com or the BAMF website.
The University of Stuttgart does not publish a computer-science-specific employment rate or starting salary in the sources we reviewed, so we have not quoted one. Stuttgart's technology and automotive employers hire software and data specialists, but many roles are held in German, so your German level will shape your options.
FAQ
Is Stuttgart's Computer Science bachelor's taught in English? No. The main B.Sc. is taught in German, so you need a recognised German certificate. The Informatik B.A. minor is a different programme, so check which degree you are applying for.
What IELTS score do I need for Stuttgart Computer Science? You do not need IELTS for the bachelor's degree. You need German at the level set by the university, such as TestDaF level 4 or Goethe C1.
Is Computer Science at Stuttgart competitive? Yes. The main Computer Science B.Sc. is admission-restricted, so grades and the current selection rules matter. Confirm the criteria for your intake.
Do I pay tuition as a non-EU student? Yes, in most cases. Baden-Württemberg charges EUR 1,500 per semester to non-EU students, on top of the semester contribution. Exemptions apply, including for an Abitur obtained in Germany.
Can I stay in Germany after graduating? Yes. Under Section 20 of the Residence Act, graduates can receive a job-seeker residence permit of up to 18 months. It is not extendable, so plan to move into a qualifying job or another residence title before it expires.