In the course of its almost 700 years history, Heidelberg University has established itself as a center of excellent research and teaching. Today, 28,000 students are enrolled in a plethora of programs offered by Heidelberg University courses with 12 faculties. Of the total student population, around 5,400 international students from 130 countries contribute to the institution’s international atmosphere.
The academic year at Heidelberg University is divided into two semesters: Winter and Summer. While international students are welcome to apply for both sessions of Heidelberg University admissions, it has been observed that the number of applications and enrollments is higher in winter compared to the summer session. To secure admission, students must have a minimum academic score of 70% in Class XII (for UG) and 55% in the bachelor’s program (for PG). However, applicants will only be eligible for admission if they fulfill the minimum scores for tests required to study in Germany such as TOEFL and DSH. Admission decisions at Heidelberg University are announced within 3-4 weeks after application deadlines.
Highlights
| Application portal Type | University's official Website |
| Intake Seasons | Winter/Summer |
| Financial Aid Available | Yes |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Academic Calendar | Semester-Based |
| Mode of Payment | Online |
| Work Experience | N/A |
Heidelberg University Admission Deadlines
Admissions at Heidelberg University take place in Winter and Summer seasons. International applicants are advised to apply before given deadlines to be considered for admission:
| Season/Semester | Winter Admission Timeline | Summer Admission Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Students | June 1 to July 15 | December 1 to January 15 |
| Advanced Semester in UG | June 1 to July 15 | December |
| Postgraduate Programs with Admission Restrictions | May 1 to June 15 | October 1 to November 15 |
| Postgraduate Programs with Special case Physics and Physics Fast Track | Till July 15 | Till January 15 |
Note: Deadlines may vary according to courses so applicants are advised to cross-check before applying
Heidelberg University International Admissions
The university comprises 5,336 international students, all currently pursuing a full-time UG or PG level program. The admission process for international applicants is a little bit different from that for German applicants. Applicants are advised to meet the mentioned requirements in order to process the application
Application Portal: University's Official Website
Application Fee: Not required
Admission Requirements: International applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Submit certified copies of the official academic transcripts & graduate certificate
- Certified translation of documents into German or English language is required (as per suitability)
- Certificate of the final exam passed at a German Studienkolleg including the individual score sheet (if applicable)
- German language knowledge proof (uncertified copy)
- Copy of the passport or identity card
- Printout of the compulsory online self-test for study orientation for the admission of UG degree at a university in Baden-Württemberg
Note: For admission to subjects with local restrictions, i.e. university implied restrictions/selection process, all certified documents along with the application for admission must be submitted once. Certified documents are only required once, in other cases, a simple copy of the required document(s) will suffice.
Also Check: Exams Required to Study in Germany
German Language Requirements International Students
The German proficiency examination at the University of Heidelberg is called as the “Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH)”. In order to enroll in the course, applicants or candidates must achieve a minimum score of DSH-2 in this examination.
*Some study programs require a higher level of German proficiency.
- To get admission to Heidelberg, applicants do not need to show a DSH certificate with their application if they have not yet passed such an exam. But in case of admission to a study program, applicants must pass the DSH examination at the University of Heidelberg in order to get admission
- The DSH exam generally takes place at the end of September for winter programs & at the end of March for study programs starting in the Summer session. The Test generally consists of two parts 1. Oral 2. Written
- Also, applicants must make note that the fee of the exam must be paid in cash on the day of the exam. In the case of new admissions, information about the time and place of the DSH examination can be found in the letter of admission.
*Please note that the DSH exam can only be taken by students who have been admitted to the University of Heidelberg (students must be in possession of a letter of admission).
In order to pass/clear the DSH exam at the DSH-2 level, applicants should complete at least 1,000-1,200 hours of German language instruction at a recognized institution (e.g. the Goethe-Institute). The Proof of the same must be included in the application dossier.
English Language Proficiency for International Students
All international applicants who do not come from English-speaking countries must provide evidence of English proficiency in order to enroll in academic courses. Test scores must be within one year of the date of application to the university. To enroll in academic courses a minimum score of one of the following is required:
| Test Name | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL-iBT | 79 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE Academic | 53 |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 180 |
| ELS | 112 |
Visa Process for International Students
In order to Study in Germany, international students need a Student Residence Permit, aka Germany Student Visa. Once offered admission to Heidelberg University, students need to apply for a residence permit with German diplomatic representation in their country. Students will need the following documents to apply for their German Student Residence Permit:
- Letter of admission to Heidelberg
- Proof of sufficient funds (to cover studies and living expenses)
- Valid passport
- Proof of no criminal convictions
If you satisfy all the mentioned requirements then you can expect the visa in 3-4 weeks.
Heidelberg University Undergraduate Admissions
The University of Heidelberg offers more than 55 undergraduate courses to all applicants. The basic admission process for all the courses is the same. University offers supreme courses like Computer sciences, Chemistry, Sports Science, etc.
Where to Apply: Click here
Application Fee: Free
Admission Requirements: Requirements may vary according to programs but if you are applying for the first semester then keep in mind there are certain courses with a central procurement procedure.
- German Language Test
- Uncertified copies of original High school Certificate translated in German and English.
- Purpose Stating the reason for apply for the course.
- Recommendation Letter to study in Germany
Heidelberg University Graduate Admissions
At the graduate level, international students have a plethora of programs to choose from- with 12 faculties University of Heidelberg offers 80+ graduate courses. Presently, all graduate programs at taught partly or entirely in English and follow a 4-semester course structure.
How to Apply: University website
Application Fee: Free
Given below is a list of popular graduate programs offered at Heidelberg University along with their admission requirements:
| Requirements | Master of Science in Biochemistry | Master of Science in Economics | Master of Science in Physics (Fast-Track) | Masters of Science in Psychology | Biomedical Engineering |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | March 15 (Winter) | June 15 (Winter) |
July 15 (Winter); |
Not specified | April 15 (Winter) |
| Language of instruction | German & English | English | English OR German | German & English | English |
| Academic Transcripts | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Academic Qualification | 3 year Bachelor’s in Biochemistry or equivalent subject with minor in Biochemistry | 3 year BA or BSc. in Economics or equivalent subject with minor in Economics | 4 year Bachelor’s in Physics | Bachelor’s in Psychology or related subject | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering |
| Resume/CV | Required | Required | Not Required | Required | Required |
| SOP | Required | Not Required | Required | Not Required | Required |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5; TOEFL-iBT: 90; TOEFL-PBT: 570; TOEFL-CBT: 230 |
IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL-iBT: 90; TOEFL-PBT: 570; TOEFL-CBT: 230 |
IELTS: 6.5; TOEFL-PBT: 580; TOEFL-CBT: 237 |
IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL-iBT: 90; TOEFL-PBT: 570; TOEFL-CBT: 230 |
TOEFL-PBT: 580; TOEFL-CBT: 237 |
| German Proficiency |
TestDaF 4; |
Not Mandatory | TestDaF 4; DSH Level 2 |
TestDaF 4; DSH Level 2 |
Not Mandatory |
*All transcripts from previous universities attended must be submitted to Heidelberg University.
Admission at the University of Heidelberg seems to be selective as an acceptance rate is just 27%. Also, International applicants must make note that the University offers some courses to applicants without any Tuition fee. However, this is liable to change and hence students are advised to cross-check with the university before applying.
Heidelberg University FAQs
Ques. Are International students eligible to apply for admission for both semesters?
Ans. Yes, admission applications are invited from international students for both winter and summer semesters.
Ques. What is the admission deadline for undergraduate programs at Heidelberg University?
Ans. Heidelberg University admissions deadline for international students entering various undergraduate programs is July 15 (Winter semester) and January 15 (Summer semester)
Ques. How will I receive an admission decision from Heidelberg University?
Ans. International students can access their admission decision on their Heidelberg application account. Admission notifications are declared by March 15 and April 15 for first-year UG and transfer students. The decision notification timeline varies for a master's program.
Ques. What is the cost of attendance for international students?
Ans. International students have to incur an overall cost of 14,618 EUR (16,541 USD). This includes the tuition fees of 3,000 EUR (3394 USD), the semester fee of 338 EUR (383 USD), and living expenses of 11,000 EUR (12447 USD).
Ques. What is the admission process for undergraduates at Heidelberg University?
Ans. For applying to undergraduate programs, the applicants are required to present their high school transcripts with a personal statement mentioning the area of interest and motivation for studying in Heidelberg University along with German language proof with Level DSH-2. The transcripts should be translated into English and German.
Ques. Does Heidelberg University offer scholarships for International Students?
Ans. The Heidelberg University offers Germany Scholarship by Deutschlandstipendium scholarship program for students of all nations. The Scholarship provides 300 Euros per month and 3,600 per year to the students achieving higher grades in their academics.
Ques. Are there any application fees required for admission to the Free University of Berlin?
Ans. Students are not required to submit any application fees for admission to Heidelberg University. The students are only required to submit the tuition fees after completing the admission process.
Ques. Is Heidelberg University a recognized University?
Ans. The Heidelberg University is recognized by the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg (Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts of Baden-Württemberg)
Ques. What level of language proficiency required in Free University?
Ans. The Free University requires German proficiency proof for the language requirements.
For German Proficiency proof, students are required to prove German language skills in accordance with the German higher examination. The German level should be equivalent to DSH level 2 and higher for some courses (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)
