Constructor University (formerly Jacobs University Bremen)
Quick Snapshot & Key Statistics
| Official Name | Constructor University Bremen gGmbH (formerly Jacobs University Bremen) |
| Institution Type | Private, State-Recognized English-Language Research University |
| Established | 2001 (Rebranded Constructor University in 2022) |
| Motto | Knowledge for Tomorrow |
| Total Enrolment | ~1,800+ Students (~80%+ International Students from 110+ countries) |
| Academic Focus | Computer Science, Software Engineering, AI, Data Science, Life Sciences, Business & Logistics |
| Location | Campus Ring 1, Bremen-Vegesack, Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), Germany |
| Instruction Language | 100% English across all degree programs |
| Campus Style | American-style residential campus (4 residential colleges: Krupp, Mercator, College III, Nordmetall) |
| Tuition Fees (Undergraduate) | €20,000 / year (B.Sc. / B.A.) + on-campus room & board packages |
| Tuition Fees (Graduate) | €20,000 / year (€10,000 / semester) |
| Post-Study Work Visa | Eligible for Germany's 18-Month Post-Study Work Permit |
About Constructor University
Founded in 2001 as International University Bremen (IUB) and later known as Jacobs University Bremen, the institution was rebranded as Constructor University following major investment by the Constructor Group.
Located in Bremen-Vegesack, Constructor University is one of Germany's few private research institutions modelled after traditional American residential campuses. All degree programs are taught 100% in English. The university specialises in STEM disciplines—including Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, AI, Data Science, and Biochemistry—alongside international business management and logistics.
- American-Style Residential System: First-year undergraduate students live on campus across four residential colleges (Krupp, Mercator, College III, and Nordmetall) with integrated meal plans.
- 100% English Environment: Academic instruction and student services operate completely in English.
- Tech & Software Focus: Integration with the Constructor Knowledge ecosystem, providing research labs, software development projects, and AI research initiatives.
- Need-Blind Financial Aid & Deferred Tuition: Offers merit scholarships (up to €10,000) and tuition deferral schemes where students pay back fees post-graduation.
Campus Location
Unlike large public German universities that scatter departments across an entire city, Constructor University operates on a single, enclosed 34-hectare (84-acre) residential campus in Bremen, Germany.
Everything—academic buildings, research labs, dormitories, dining halls, and sports facilities—is located in one place.
Admission Requirements
Admission at Constructor University is holistic and selective, looking at academic records, motivation, recommendation letters, and extracurricular achievements.
1. Undergraduate (Bachelor's - B.Sc. / B.A.) Requirements
- High School Diploma: Recognised secondary school leaving certificate (e.g., IB Diploma, A-Levels, US High School Diploma, High School Mark Sheets covering grades 9–12).
- Academic Transcripts: Transcripts covering the last 2–3 years of high school (or predicted grades if in final year) translated into English or German.
- Motivation Essay / Personal Statement: 1-page statement highlighting academic goals, choice of major, and fit for Constructor University.
- Recommendation Letter: At least 1 recommendation letter from a high school counsellor or teacher.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV / Resume): Updated achievements, extracurriculars, and leadership roles.
- Standardised Testing (SAT / ACT): Optional for general evaluation. (Note: If your local high school diploma does not grant direct entrance to German universities [Hochschulzugangsberechtigung], SAT/ACT scores may be requested before enrolment or can be taken on campus during orientation).
2. Postgraduate (Master's - M.Sc.) Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree: Completed undergraduate degree (180 ECTS minimum or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline from an accredited university.
- University Transcripts: Official transcripts and degree certificates detailing all completed semester courses and grading scales.
- Statement of Purpose (Motivation Letter): Detailed personal essay outlining career objectives, academic reasons for selecting the M.Sc. program, and research interests.
- Letters of Recommendation: 2 academic or professional recommendation letters from professors or managers.
- CV / Resume: Detailed resume covering academic credentials, internships, technical projects, and work experience.
- GMAT / GRE: Generally, not mandatory unless specifically requested for background evaluation.
3. International Foundation Year (IFY) Pathway
For applicants whose high school credentials do not meet direct university entrance standards or who need to upgrade their academic background:
- High School Certificate (with passing grades).
- English Proficiency: Lower threshold accepted (IELTS 4.5 / TOEFL iBT 45 / Duolingo 65).
- 1-Year Preparatory Foundation Course: Covers core mathematics, scientific principles, academic English, and university study skills before entering year 1 of the Bachelor's degree.
Academic Programs & Degree Options
Popular Undergraduate Programs (B.Sc. / B.A. — 3 Years / 180 ECTS)
- B.Sc. Computer Science
- B.Sc. Software, Data and Technology
- B.Sc. Robotics and Intelligent Systems
- B.Sc. Biochemistry and Cell Biology
- B.Sc. Industrial Engineering and Management
Popular Postgraduate Programs (M.Sc. — 2 Years / 120 ECTS)
- M.Sc. Data Engineering
- M.Sc. Computer Science and Software Engineering
- M.Sc. Supply Chain Management
- M.Sc. Data Science for Society and Business
Language Requirements
All degree programs at Constructor University are taught 100% in English. German language proficiency is NOT required for admission.
English Language Proficiency Cutoffs
| Exam / Qualification | Undergraduate (B.Sc.) Minimum | Graduate (M.Sc.) Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.5 | Overall 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | Minimum 90 points (Code: 9024) | Minimum 90 points (Code: 9024) |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 points or higher | 110 points or higher |
| PTE Academic | 58 points or higher | 61 points or higher |
| Cambridge English | C1 Advanced (CAE) | C1 Advanced (CAE) / CPE |
Fee Structure & Estimated Costs
1. Direct Academic & Residential Charges
| Fee Category | Undergraduate (Annual) | Graduate (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | €20,000 / year | €20,000 / year (€10,000/semester) |
| On-Campus Housing (Room) | €4,000 – €5,500 / year | Off-campus / Private (~€2,750/semester) |
| Meal Plan (Board) | €4,000 / year (3 meals/day) | Self-catering / Cafeteria pay-per-meal |
| Semester Ticket (Transit Pass) | ~€480 / year | ~€420 / year |
2. Estimated Personal Living Expenses
- German Blocked Account Requirement (Sperrkonto): Non-EU students must provide proof of €11,904 per year for visa processing.
- Health Insurance: ~€130 – €140 per month for statutory German student health insurance.
Let's plan your path to studying at Constructor University
From matching your profile to the right programme to preparing a compelling application, our counsellors guide every step of your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Constructor University is fully state-recognised by the Ministry for Science and Culture of the State of Bremen (Senatorin für Wissenschaft und Häfen) and accredited by the German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat). Degrees follow the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and carry full legal validity worldwide.
In late 2022, Constructor Group became the majority shareholder. The name was updated to Constructor University, bringing expanded funding, new research labs in software engineering, quantum computing, and AI, closer ties to global tech ventures, and expanded scholarship structures.
Yes. All first-year undergraduate students are required to live on campus in one of the four residential colleges (Krupp, Mercator, College III, or Nordmetall). This residential model includes furnished rooms, utilities, high-speed internet, and an integrated full-board meal plan (3 meals/day in college serceries).
Constructor University offers academic merit scholarships of up to €10,000 per year based on high school or Bachelor's GPA (no separate application required). Additionally, students can apply for the Tuition Deferral Program, which defers a portion of tuition costs until after graduation when the student secures full-time employment.
Yes. Non-EU international students can legally work up to 140 full days (or 280 half days) per year. Students work in on-campus roles (lab assistants, library helpers, peer tutors) or secure off-campus Werkstudent positions in Bremen, Hamburg, or Hannover, earning competitive rates (€14 to €20+ per hour).
No. German language proficiency is not required for admission or program completion because 100% of degree programs are taught in English. However, the university offers introductory German language courses to help international students integrate into the local community and job market.
Undergraduate applicants can apply via the Common Application or Constructor University's internal online application portal. The university operates on a rolling admissions policy from October through August. Non-EU applicants requiring a visa should submit applications early (by June/July) to ensure sufficient visa processing time.
The International Foundation Year (IFY) is a 1-year preparatory pathway program designed for international students whose secondary school leaving qualification does not directly meet German university entrance criteria. It combines academic English, mathematics, core STEM/business modules, and university orientation.
Modelled after traditional UK/US universities, each of the four residential colleges hosts a cross-section of students from different nationalities and majors. Each college has its own dining hall, resident mentor team, social lounge, and college tradition, fostering a tight-knit campus community.
The Career Services Centre (CSC) organises annual on-campus career fairs, CV/interview workshops, direct corporate networking sessions with companies including SAP, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, and access to an exclusive alumni mentorship network.
Constructor University maintains exchange agreements with top global partner universities (e.g., Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Wellesley College, and Sciences Po). Undergraduate students can spend their 5th semester studying abroad while transferring academic credits back toward their degree.
Under German law, all enrolled students under the age of 30 must hold official German statutory health insurance such as TK, AOK, or Barmer, costing approximately €130 to €140 per month. Student Services assists international students in registering for health insurance during orientation week.
Explore Other Universities in Germany
Photo credits: Container terminal, Port of Hamburg by Raimond Spekking, CC BY-SA 4.0; Container cranes, Port of Hamburg by Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons. All image credits
