University of Kiel is the oldest, largest and best-known university of Schleswig-Holstein in Germany. Over 3,700 international students are enrolled in the university. The university offers more than 190 degree programs across 8 academic faculties. More than 27,000 students are currently enrolled at University of Kiel programs.

As a public German university, University of Kiel doesn’t charge any tuition fees. However, unlike other universities, it doesn't offer any scholarships to international students. Those seeking funding to study at University of Kiel, need to explore external funding options like DAAD Scholarships, Heinrich Boll Scholarship, etc.

University of Kiel Rankings

  • US News and World Report for 2022
    • #262 in Best Global Universities,
    • #113 Best Global Universities in Europe,
    • #20 in Best Global Universities in Germany
  • #521-530 in QS World University Rankings for 2023
  • #301-500 (2019) in Graduate Employability Rankings

University of Kiel Programs

The University of Kiel has 8 faculties which collectively offer 190-degree programs for students to choose from. In addition to offering study programs in nearly 80 subject areas, the university also organizes summer schools for international students to get better acquainted with university lifestyle and academic demands.

While there are various UG and PG programs offered by the University of Kiel, international students can opt for many courses taught in English at the University of Kiel. Popular graduate programs offered in English are:

Subject Programs Offered
Life Science/ Medicine Molecular Biology and Evolution, Medical Life Science, Applied Life Science, Applied Scientific Dental Education and Research & Hospital Management
Economics Quantitative Economics, Quantitative Finance, & Environment and Resource Economics
Mathematical Finance Engineering Material science and engineering, Material Science and Business Administration
Marine and Geosciences Biological Oceanography, Climate Physics: Meteorology and Physical Oceanography & Marine Geosciences
Environmental Studies Environment Management(Double Degree), Applied Ecology, Sustainability, Society and the Environment, Environmental and Resource Economics
Language and Cultural Studies English and American Literatures, Cultures, and Media
Agriculture/ Nutrition Sciences AgriGenomics, Dairy Science

Interested applicants can find program-related information on their respective departmental websites.

University of Kiel Campus & Accommodation

  • Kiel comprises Centre for Teacher Education, Computing centre and has numerous e- learning services.
  • University of Kiel is home to a graduate centre, international centre, and key skills centre. Kiel Library has a special library for the institute of English studies and workshops.
  • All international students must directly contact the Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein for accommodation.
  • Currently, the rent for these dormitories ranges from EUR 190 to EUR 230. Doctoral students are not eligible for Studentenwerk housing but may avail accommodation in private residence halls or apartments.

University of Kiel Admissions

Applicants may apply for University of Kiel admissions in either winter or summer semester. Application deadline varies according to the type of subject and program being opted. Latest deadlines for different applicants is tabulated below:

Intake Semesters Application deadline
Summer Semesters Jan 31
Winter Semesters July 31

Applicants must ensure the deadlines and important guidelines are confirmed via respective departmental websites of the programs they are interested in.

Admission Requirements:

  • Higher Education Entrance Qualification; Bachelor’s Degree (required for graduate programs)
  • Apply online via Uni-assist
  • CV, Letter of Motivation, Thesis Summary (masters & doctoral programs)
  • Proof of German Language Proficiency: DSH 2; TestDaF Level 4; telc German C1 University [The European Language Certificate]; German Language Diploma [DSD 2]; German Language Test 2 [Munich Institute of Languages and Interpreters]; Goethe Certificate C2
  • Valid ID Passport
  • Proof of Health Insurance
  • Proof of adequate financial means (Ability to spend at least € 670 per month)

Applications should be sent directly to the respective department for certain International Master Programs. Applicants must note that just by completing the mandatory online application will not be sufficient. After applying online, the application documents need to be mailed to Uni-ASSIST.

University of Kiel Tuition & Other Costs

The University of Kiel does not charge its students a tuition fee for the duration of their study. However, a social fee of 259 EUR must be paid each semester.

Other monthly expenses have been tabulated below:

Expense Amount in EUR
Rent € 200
Groceries, clothing, & other needs € 360
Books & Study Material € 50
Health Insurance € 90
Total € 700

University of Kiel Scholarships

The CAU only awards scholarships to international students who are a part of the international exchange programs. Hence it is advised not to apply or request for scholarships before the studies commence. However,

  • Candidates should look for scholarship sponsors from their home country and come to attend the University only after demonstrating their ability to spend at least € 670 per month.
  • International students (non-EU/EEA countries) can take up paid jobs for either 120 full days or 240 half-days in a year.

Financial Aid is available for international students studying in Germany. However, Technical University of Dresden doesn't provide any sort of financial assistance to the students. Students can apply for external scholarships by The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) which is an organization for students and academics and is represented in 58 countries.

International students from India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia can also apply for scholarships in their home country.

To get a better overview of scholarships and financial funding to be able to study in Germany, students can consult DAAD for financial aid and information related to scholarships in Germany.

University of Kiel Alumni

University of Kiel has helped shape many famous professionals who have revolutionized the impact of their study in the real world.

Few notable alumni members of University of Kiel are:

  • Juliane Koepcke, a German Peruvian mammalogist.
  • Hjalmar Schacht,a German economist
  • Jürgen Ludwig Drews, German Schlager singer
  • Franz Uri Boas, German-born American anthropologist
  • Klaus Emil Julius Fuchs, German theoretical physicist
  • Uwe Barschel, German politician of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)

University of Kiel is known for its academic excellence through high-quality education and excellent research facilities available for students. With a high satisfaction rate, high employment rate, global exposure programs, and getting a chance to study with very diverse nationalities, the university provides students exclusive amenities to become highly qualified professionals.