TU Clausthal is a public technical university, founded originally in 1775 as “Clausthaler montanistische Lehrstätte” (a mining training institute) and in 1968 officially designated a Technical University. It’s a “profile university”: not huge, but with focused strengths. The thematic pillars in the core are: circular economy, resource- and sustainable materials, renewable energy, and digital transformation.

On the scale side: approximately 3,500-4,000 students. Around 85 professorships, and in total over 1,100 employees (including administrative and scientific employees).

Faculties, Programs & Specialities

There are three faculties encompassing approx. 34 institutes. These institutes cover technical, natural science, computer science, and economics fields.

Key subject areas include Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Materials Science, Energy & Resources, Natural and Material Sciences, Informatics / Computer Science, Economics / Business. The older tradition from mining/energy shows up in research and in academic programmes.

They offer both Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, about 30 of them.

Language of Instruction & Entry Requirements

Most degree programmes are taught in German, though there are some courses or parts of courses in English.

All incoming students (German & international) need sufficient language skills. For German‐taught programmes, you need to demonstrate good German ability. If there’s English‐taught content, then proficiency in English (e.g. at least B2 level) is required.

TU Clausthal has a Language Center (as part of its International Center, IZC) offering German as a Foreign Language (from A1 up to C1), plus various foreign languages and English courses. Many language courses are free for students.

Facilities, Student Support & Internationalisation

International Center Clausthal (IZC) is the hub for support to international students — from pre‐arrival advice, exchange programmes like Erasmus, information on visa formalities, etc.

Smaller institution size gives more personal contact: closer ties to professors, more opportunity for direct supervision, generally more supportive “campus feel.” International students find many student associations, tandem programmes (pairing with German students) to help integration.

Services include: language workshops; German language courses; other foreign languages; certificate options; exam preparation. Also, for engineering & lab work there are well-equipped institutes (e.g. Institute of Geo-Engineering, Materials Science etc.) with laboratories and production or prototyping capabilities.

Location & Lifestyle

It's situated in a green, hill zone: Clausthal-Zellerfeld in the Harz Mountains (Lower Saxony). Very lovely, quiet, with plenty of natural areas, just ideal if you like nature and don't care about being a little out of the major city commotion.

Because it’s more remote/smaller town, living costs (especially rent) tend to be lower than big cities; student life is more intimate. The university being smaller helps reduce administrative friction, makes access to professors and facilities more direct.

What Makes TU Clausthal a Good Choice

If you want engineering, material science, renewable energy, resource efficiency etc., especially with sustainability/“green tech” flavour, this is a university deeply invested in those domains.

For international students, its high share (roughly 30-50%) of foreign students means you won’t be alone; many peers, relevant support, and multicultural atmosphere.

The personal atmosphere, smaller size, and practical, lab and industry-linked work (prototypes, workshops etc.) are big pluses. If you prefer “getting lost in a huge university” less, then this is a good match.

Good language support (both German and English), so even if you’re not fluent in German yet, there are paths to improve.