| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 3 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor’s | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 3 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor’s | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 3 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
The University of Freiburg was established with a strong focus on the humanities but has since grown to include a wide range of disciplines. It has a rich history marked by periods of significant contribution to education, research, and intellectual life in Europe.
The University of Freiburg is consistently ranked among the top universities in Germany and enjoys a high reputation internationally, especially in the fields of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. It is known for fostering interdisciplinary research and offers a dynamic and collaborative research environment that attracts scholars from all over the world.
The university comprises 11 faculties:
1. Theology
2. Law
3. Economics and Behavioral Sciences
4. Medicine
5. Philology
6. Philosophy
7. History
8. Mathematics and Physics
9. Chemistry, Pharmacy, and Earth Sciences
10. Biology
11. Environment and Natural Resources
These faculties offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, with numerous courses taught in English, particularly at the graduate level, to accommodate international students.
The University of Freiburg is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and is part of the German U15 group of major research-intensive and medically oriented universities. It is particularly noted for its research in sustainability, nanotechnology, and life sciences, with state-of-the-art facilities such as the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) and various collaborative research centers funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).
Campus Facilities: The main campus is situated near the city center, with historical buildings and modern facilities intermingled. It offers a vibrant campus life that is closely integrated with the city of Freiburg, known for its scenic beauty and high quality of life.
Student Life: The university promotes a diverse and inclusive campus culture, supported by various student organizations, clubs, and activities. Freiburg's location near the Black Forest also offers unique opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation.
The University of Freiburg is highly international, with numerous partnerships around the globe facilitating academic exchanges, research collaborations, and dual degree programs. It actively encourages international students and scholars to become part of its academic community, providing substantial support through its International Office.
Aligned with the city's reputation as the "Green City," the University of Freiburg has committed itself to sustainability, both in its curriculum and campus management. It is involved in various green initiatives and projects aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability education.
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Theology
Interdisciplinary courses with other faculties
State Examination in Law
Master of Laws (LL.M.) programs
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Economics
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business Administration
Master’s in Psychology
State Examination in Medicine
State Examination in Dentistry
Master’s in Molecular Medicine
Ph.D. programs in various medical sciences
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Modern Languages
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Linguistics
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Literary Studies
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Philosophy
Bachelor’s and Master’s in History
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Art History
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Archaeology
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Cultural Anthropology and European Ethnology
Master’s in Medieval Studies
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Mathematics
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Physics
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Computer Science
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Chemistry
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Pharmacy
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Geosciences
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Biology
Master’s in Bioinformatics
Master’s in Neuroscience
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Environmental Sciences
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Forest and Environmental Management
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
B.Sc. in Biology |
3 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
B.A. in English Philology |
3 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
B.Sc. in Computer Science |
3 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
B.Sc. in Chemistry |
3 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences |
3 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
B.Sc. in Physics |
3 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
B.A. in Archaeology |
3 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
B.A. in Philosophy |
3 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
B.Sc. in Mathematics |
3 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
B.Sc. in Psychology |
3 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences |
2 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
M.Sc. in Renewable Energy Management |
2 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
M.A. in English Studies |
2 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
M.Sc. in Computer Science |
2 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
M.Sc. in Neuroscience |
2 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
M.Sc. in Physics |
2 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
M.Sc. in Chemistry |
2 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
M.Sc. in Economics |
2 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
M.Sc. in Forest Sciences |
2 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
M.Sc. in Bioinformatics |
2 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
PhD in Biology |
3-5 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
PhD in Physics |
3-5 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
PhD in Chemistry |
3-5 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
PhD in Environmental Sciences |
3-5 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
PhD in Computer Science |
3-5 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
PhD in Neuroscience |
3-5 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
PhD in Economics |
3-5 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
PhD in Psychology |
3-5 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
PhD in Microsystem Engineering |
3-5 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
|
PhD in Sustainable Systems Engineering |
3-5 years |
Approx. $1,700 |
Wide Range of Programs: The University of Freiburg offers numerous programs across various disciplines, including humanities, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and social sciences. Many graduate programs are available in English, catering to international students.
Research Opportunities: As a leading research university, Freiburg provides excellent facilities and opportunities for cutting-edge research, often collaborating with global research institutions and industry partners.
German Language Courses: For students enrolled in German-taught programs or those looking to improve their German language skills, the university offers language courses at various levels. These courses are designed to help international students integrate better both academically and socially.
English-Taught Programs: There are also numerous programs offered entirely in English, particularly at the master’s and doctoral levels, which do not require German language proficiency.
International Office: The International Office at the University of Freiburg offers comprehensive support services for international students, including assistance with visas, residence permits, health insurance, and finding accommodation.
Orientation Programs: The university conducts orientation events specifically designed to help international students acclimate to life in Freiburg and the academic environment at the university.
Cultural Integration: The university encourages international students to participate in various clubs, sports, and cultural activities, enhancing their experience and facilitating integration into the student community.
Housing: While the university does not have its own dormitories, it assists students in finding suitable housing. Many international students find accommodation in student residences managed by the Studierendenwerk Freiburg or through private rentals.
Tuition and Fees: For international students from outside the EU, the University of Freiburg charges tuition fees of approximately €1,500 per semester. However, students from the EU, the EEA, and several other countries are exempt from tuition fees and only need to pay a nominal semester fee, which includes a public transport ticket.
Scholarships and Funding: Various scholarships are available for international students. These can be specific to disciplines or come from external funding bodies like the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).
Quality of Life: Freiburg is known for its high quality of life, green environment, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is also famous for being the ecological capital of Germany.
Location: Positioned close to the borders with France and Switzerland, it offers ample opportunities for international travel and cultural exploration.
Research Programs: First, identify which academic program you are interested in. The University of Freiburg offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields. Check if the program is taught in English or German, as this will determine the language proficiency requirements.
Academic Requirements: For undergraduate programs, you typically need a secondary school diploma equivalent to the German Abitur. For master’s programs, a relevant bachelor's degree is required, and for PhD programs, a relevant master’s degree.
Language Proficiency: For German-taught programs, you’ll need proof of German language proficiency (TestDaF, DSH, or similar). For English-taught programs, you'll likely need to provide results from an English language test like TOEFL or IELTS.
Gather Documents: Commonly required documents include certified copies of your diplomas, transcripts, a CV, letters of motivation, and language certificates. Some programs may also require specific documents such as portfolios, letters of recommendation, or work samples.
Translations: Ensure all documents are translated into English or German by a certified translator if originally in another language.
Application Portal: Depending on the program, applications may need to be submitted through the Uni-Assist portal, which evaluates international school and university certificates for their equivalence to German qualifications.
Direct Application: Some programs might allow direct applications via the university’s own application system.
Admission Decisions: After the submission deadline, the university will review applications. This process can take several weeks, during which your qualifications are assessed, and any additional entry examinations or interviews are scheduled if necessary.
Accept Your Offer: If you are accepted, you will receive an admission offer, which you must formally accept. You will then be required to enroll and possibly pay a semester fee, which includes administrative costs and a semester ticket for public transportation.
Visa Application: Non-EU/EEA students will need to apply for a student visa. Start this process as soon as you receive your admission letter to ensure you have your visa in time for the start of your studies.
Accommodation: Start looking for accommodation early. The university offers support for finding housing, but the process can be competitive, especially at the beginning of the semester.
Orientation Programs: Participate in orientation programs organized by the university to help you settle in, understand academic policies, and integrate into campus life.
The University of Freiburg primarily has two main intake periods:
Winter Semester:
Starts: October
Application Deadline: Typically, the deadline for winter semester applications is around July 15 for international students. Specific deadlines may vary by program, especially for master’s programs and those with limited seats.
Summer Semester:
Starts: April
Application Deadline: For the summer semester, applications usually need to be submitted by January 15. Again, this can vary depending on the program.
For Bachelor’s Programs:
School Leaving Certificate: You need a secondary education qualification equivalent to the German Abitur. International qualifications must be assessed for equivalence, often through the Uni-Assist portal.
Language Proficiency:
German-taught programs: Proof of German language proficiency is required (e.g., TestDaF, DSH).
English-taught programs: Evidence of English proficiency must be provided through tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
For Master’s Programs:
Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited university. The degree should be relevant to the master’s program for which you are applying.
Specific Requirements: Depending on the master's program, additional requirements such as a specific GPA, entrance examinations, or relevant professional experience might be required.
Language Proficiency:
Requirements are similar to bachelor’s programs, tailored to the language of instruction of the master’s program.
For Doctoral Programs:
Master’s Degree: A relevant master's degree is required, usually from a recognized university.
Research Proposal: Often, a detailed research proposal and acceptance by a doctoral supervisor at the university are required.
Additional Requirements: Some doctoral programs might require specific language proficiency, depending on the research focus and communication needs within the department or research group.
Ranking Source |
Rank |
|---|---|
|
QS World Rankings |
Within top 175 |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Within top 100 globally |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Coverage |
Application Period |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deutschlandstipendium |
Outstanding academic achievements, community engagement |
€300 per month |
typically annually |
|
Baden-Württemberg Scholarship |
International students, based on academic excellence |
usually partial to full tuition |
N/A |
|
DAAD Scholarships |
International students for masters or PhD programs |
Tuition, monthly stipend, insurance, travel |
N/A |
|
Erasmus+ |
Students participating in the Erasmus+ program |
Mobility grant, covers living and travel expenses |
Before mobility period |
|
Freiburg University Scholarships |
International students at the master’s and doctoral level |
Partial to full tuition, sometimes includes stipend |
N/A |
Facility Type |
Description |
Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Campus Facilities |
Modern libraries, laboratories, sports facilities, and multiple cafeterias. The campus integrates historic and contemporary architecture, providing a vibrant environment for study and research. |
N/A |
|
On-Campus Housing |
Limited on-campus housing available; primarily for international students and freshmen. |
$300 - $500 |
|
Off-Campus Housing |
A wide range of off-campus options available, including shared apartments, studio apartments, and family housing. Freiburg’s student services organization, Studierendenwerk Freiburg, assists in housing. |
$400 - $800 |
|
Temporary Housing |
Short-term options such as hostels or temporary rentals available for students who are still seeking permanent accommodation. |
$50 - $100 per night |
The university offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and medicine. It is known for fostering a rigorous academic environment with a strong emphasis on research. Students often participate in research projects, even at the undergraduate level.
International Community: With a significant number of international students, the university boasts a diverse and inclusive atmosphere. This provides a rich cultural exchange and a broad perspective on global issues.
Green City: Freiburg is known as an eco-friendly city, which reflects in the university’s initiatives and the students' lifestyle. Cycling is a popular mode of transport, and there are numerous green spaces on and around campus.
Student Groups and Organizations: There are numerous student groups and clubs, including those for sports, music, theatre, and various academic interests. These organizations offer students the chance to develop new skills, network, and find community.
Housing: Most students live in student dormitories provided by the university or rent private apartments. Housing can be competitive, so it’s advisable to start the search early.
Cost of Living: Freiburg is relatively affordable compared to other major German cities like Munich or Frankfurt, but students should still plan their budgets carefully.
Transport: The city has an excellent public transport system, and a semester ticket for public transportation is often included in the university fees, allowing students to travel around the city and region at a low cost.
City Life: Freiburg is a historic city with a beautiful old town, medieval architecture, and vibrant markets. It is also close to the Black Forest, offering plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
Events and Traditions: The university and city host various annual events, including festivals, cultural nights, and Christmas markets. The university itself often has lectures, workshops, and seminars by guest speakers from around the world.
Language of Instruction: While many graduate programs are offered in English, undergraduate courses are predominantly in German. Thus, proficiency in German is generally necessary, though there are opportunities to learn and improve your German through university courses.
Academic Support: The university offers various tutoring and academic support services. There are also opportunities for mentorship from peers and faculty.
Career Services: The Career Center at the university provides counseling, workshops, and networking opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.
The Career Service at the University of Freiburg offers a variety of resources to help students prepare for their professional lives. These include:
Career Counseling: Personalized advice sessions where students can discuss their career aspirations, review their CVs, and develop job-search strategies.
Workshops and Seminars: These sessions cover topics such as job application processes in Germany, interview preparation, career planning, and specific industry insights.
Networking Events: The university organizes career fairs and networking events where students can meet employers and alumni. These events are great opportunities for students to make connections and gather information about potential employers.
Internship Assistance: The Career Service helps students find internship opportunities which are often crucial for gaining practical experience and improving employability in certain fields.
Internships are highly encouraged and, in some faculties, required as part of the curriculum. These practical experiences are critical in providing students with real-world exposure to their field of study. For international students, internships also offer a valuable peek into the German work culture.
The University of Freiburg has strong ties with various industries and research institutes, especially in fields like engineering, environmental science, biotechnology, and medicine. These connections can facilitate easier transitions from university to the workforce, especially in research and development roles.
The university has a vast network of alumni who play an active role in mentoring current students and offering guidance on career opportunities. Alumni events and talks give current students a chance to learn from those who have gone before them.
Research Positions: Given the university’s emphasis on research, many graduates, especially from master's and doctoral programs, go on to work in academic or government research roles.
Private Sector: Graduates from fields like business, engineering, and IT often find placements in multinational corporations or startups, particularly those located in or near major German industrial hubs.
Public Sector and NGOs: Due to the university’s strong focus on sustainability and social sciences, many graduates also work in the public sector or with non-governmental organizations.
While the university offers numerous courses and programs in English, particularly at the graduate level, knowledge of German can be crucial for job placements within Germany. The Career Service offers courses and workshops to improve professional German language skills.
In Germany, university admissions can often depend more on qualifications and specific requirements rather than a holistic review process typical of U.S. universities. Here are a few factors influencing admissions at the University of Freiburg:
Numerus Clausus (NC): Many undergraduate programs at German universities, including the University of Freiburg, have a "Numerus Clausus" (NC), which is a threshold for admission based on the grade of the German secondary school leaving certificate (Abitur) or its foreign equivalent. This essentially means that for these courses, if your grades meet or exceed the required threshold, you are typically eligible for admission. The NC varies each year depending on the number of applicants and available spots.
Course-Specific Requirements: Some courses might have additional requirements such as language proficiency tests (e.g., TestDaF for German or TOEFL for English), entrance examinations, or specific pre-university educational credentials.
Master’s and Doctoral Programs: These programs may have more selective admissions processes involving review of previous academic performance, research proposals, and letters of recommendation.
The competitiveness of admission can vary significantly between different fields of study:
Highly Competitive Programs: Subjects like Medicine, Psychology, and Biology often have higher demands and lower acceptance rates.
Less Competitive Programs: Other subjects might not be as competitive due to a higher capacity or less demand.
For international students, admissions procedures can be even more complex due to the need for credential evaluations and possibly required preparatory courses (Studienkolleg) if their secondary school certificate is not recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur. International students must also usually demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction (German for most undergraduate programs).
The main campus of the University of Freiburg is situated in the city center and houses most of the humanities and social sciences departments. This includes the iconic Kollegiengebäude I (KG I), which is one of the primary lecture hall buildings located right in the heart of the city. This area of the campus is well-integrated with the urban environment, giving students easy access to city amenities and a lively urban atmosphere.
The natural sciences and engineering faculties are mainly located on the outskirts of the city:
Institutes of Natural Sciences are primarily situated on the campus in the north of Freiburg, known as the Institutesviertel.
Faculty of Engineering is located further from the city center, in a newer campus area in the northwest part of Freiburg, near the airfield. This part of the university includes cutting-edge facilities and laboratories for engineering studies and research.
The University Medical Center, one of the largest and most respected medical facilities in Germany, is located in the eastern part of Freiburg. It is closely connected with the university's medical school, providing medical students with direct access to extensive clinical experience and research facilities.
Freiburg is well-known for its sustainable urban transport policies, and the university campuses are easily accessible by public transportation. The city’s extensive tram and bus network efficiently connects the different university campuses with each other and the city center. Students typically receive a semester ticket that allows unlimited use of public transport in the region, which facilitates convenient and environmentally friendly commutes.
The various campuses and the city's integrated layout provide students with numerous opportunities for both academic and recreational activities. Freiburg itself offers a high quality of life, with plenty of cultural events, green spaces, and outdoor activities available due to its proximity to the Black Forest.
