Nautical Science and Maritime Transport (Nautik und Seeverkehr) University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer

Nautical studies is an academic programme leading to the qualification for Nautical Watch Officer’s Certificate of Competence. All aspects of navigating and operating a ship as well as business around the ship and maritime transportation are included. There is a variety of elective subjects to deepen knowledge and competences in special fields such as shiphandling, quality management and green shipping.

The study programme includes six semesters of studying at the maritime campus in Leer. An additional two semesters of training at sea are integrated in the curriculum. Students need to apply and contract for training at sea with ship operators fulfilling the requirements of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).

Two semesters of training at sea in fulfilment of STCW requirements

For all applicants: 15 March for the summer semester (March to August).

As the lectures begin at the beginning of March, we strongly recommend applying in advance. If you need a visa, please apply at least two to three months before the deadline.

• Fitness for sea services (medical competence – according to STCW)
• Recommended: Basic Safety Training (IMO White List) (courses in English are not available in Leer)

Applicants originating from China, India, or Vietnam additionally have to hand in the original certificate of the academic assessment office issued by the German embassy (“Akademische Prüfstelle”). Your application cannot be processed without this certificate. You may find further information here:

• Akademische Prüfstelle des Kulturreferates der Deutschen Botschaft Peking (APS) / academic assessment office at the German Embassy Peking/Beijing: https://www.aps.org.cn/
• Academic Evaluation Center Science Section of the German Embassy New Delhi: https://aps-india.de/
• Akademische Prüfstelle des Kulturreferates der Deutschen Botschaft Hanoi (APS) / academic assessment office at the German Embassy Hanoi: http://www.hanoi.diplo.de/

The current semester fee for studying at the Faculty of Maritime Sciences is 299.80 EUR for one semester. Further information can be found at https://www.hs-emden-leer.de/en/university-of-applied-sciences/organization/departments-a-z/admission-and-examination-office/reregistration-and-fees.

Compared to other cities in Germany, the living expenses in Leer are rather low. Rent is approximately 250 to 350 EUR per month. Further information can be found at https://www.hs-emden-leer.de/en/institutions/international-office/international-students/living-expenses/.

Further information concerning funding opportunities can be found at https://www.hs-emden-leer.de/en/university-of-applied-sciences/organization/departments-a-z/international-office/international-students/scholarships.

The University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer awards scholarships to female students to promote young female academics: fem:talent-Stipendium – Hochschule Emden/Leer (hs-emden-leer.de).

Intensive guidance and counselling is provided by the Career Office.

Rooms for rent within walking distance from the department

The University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer was newly founded in 2009 in the process of splitting the merged university "Fachhochschule Oldenburg/Ostfriesland/Wilhelmshaven". They had been merged in January 2000. Originally, the University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer was founded in 1973 as "Fachhochschule Ostfriesland". The Faculty of Maritime Sciences was one of the founding departments with its roots in the middle of the 19th century, founded in 1854 as "Städtische Navigationsschule Leer". Today, the university has four faculties: Maritime Sciences, Social Work and Health, Technology, Business Studies.

At the moment, the University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer has 32 Bachelor's and 14 Master's study courses. Some of these courses can be studied on a part-time basis. Others are offered as online and professional courses. Four of the study courses are offered in cooperation with the Carl von Ossietzky University in Oldenburg.

The University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer has 3,563 students (winter semester 2025/26) and 474 employees, including 113 professors.

The university consists of two locations. The main location is in Emden and the Faculty of Maritime Studies is in Leer. In Leer, approx. 300 students are studying in two Bachelor's programmes, Nautical Science and Maritime Engineering and Management as well as in the joint Master's programme in Maritime Operations (MSc). In Leer, 32 people are employed, and 11 of them are professors.

With its varied and up-to-date programme, University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer positions itself primarily as a university of applied science in the region and for the region. Bachelor's and Master's degrees in engineering and natural sciences, nautical science, business administration, social work, and health science aim to cover current and future needs for academics in the region. Excellent teaching and study programmes with an international profile are seen here as essential elements in the education of young scientists for a globalised knowledge-based society.

Research, technology transfer, and continuing education – particularly in our established areas of specialisation – serve to provide stimuli for new businesses and new directions in existing business and society.

University location benefits:

• Shipyards
• shipping companies
• 35,000 inhabitants
• close to the North Sea and the Dutch border
• low cost of living