StudyInFocus
Kiel University
UniversityPublicAwards doctoratestuition-free for international students

Kiel University

Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
Kiel University (CAU) was founded back in 1665. It is Schleswig-Holstein's oldest, largest and best-known university, with over 26,000 students and around 3,000 members of staff. It is also the only fully-fledged university in the state. Seven Nobel prize winners have worked here. The CAU has been successfully taking part in the Excellence Initiative since 2006.
Data from the university's official pages

Facts about the university

Ownership Public, Schleswig-Holstein
City Kiel
Founded 1665
Students ≈ 24,222
Programmes 8 programmes · 2 bachelor's, 6 master's, 5 in English
Tuition fee
€0 per semester for international students what it consists of
Tuition fee of the federal state (Schleswig-Holstein), international students€0
Semester contribution€179
Some programmes charge their own fee — see the programme page.
Semester contribution €179 per semester
Application Via uni-assist; bachelor's until 15.07; master's until 15.07
Campuses Campus der CAU
Studienkolleg Studienkolleg Hamburg

About the university

Kiel University (also referred to as the CAU) uses research, teaching and the transfer of science to address the great challenges of our time in health, environmental and cultural change, nutrition and energy. In doing so, it ensures peace and preserves livelihoods for future generations. The CAU uses responsible actions to make sure that scientific discoveries are transferred into all sectors of our society by interdisciplinary thought – regardless of short-lived trends – where they are incorporated into political, economic and social decisions aimed at securing peace and prosperity.

When it was founded back in 1665, the CAU set itself the motto “Pax Optima Rerum: peace is the most valuable asset.” This maxim is as applicable today as it was over 350 years ago. The university wants to follow this key idea and contribute towards creating a peaceful, fair world in which everyone lives freely and comfortably. A world in which treating the environment with respect also enables future generations to enjoy the same benefits.

The CAU’s mission is:

Research and teaching that contributes towards peace, prosperity and maintaining a pluralistic, free society, and which addresses the challenges we are facing. They are based on strong disciplines. They require interdisciplinary collaboration. And they deal with transdisciplinary issues. We find solutions to today’s pressing problems and implement these together with stakeholders from society, industry and politics.

Faculties

8 faculties · showing the 6 largest

The faculty determines the campus, the language of its programmes and the admission committee that evaluates your grades. Requirements can differ between faculties of the same university.

All faculties →

Studienkolleg

If your school certificate does not give direct admission, you first go to a Studienkolleg and pass the Feststellungsprüfung — it is recognised by every university. The colleges listed here are this university's partners.

How to apply

The general procedure is the same for all programmes of the university; the required grade, language and additional requirements are on the page of each programme.

  1. 1
    Check your school-leaving certificate
    Direct admission, admission after a year at a university at home, or Studienkolleg first — it depends on your country and certificate.
  2. 2
    Application via uni-assist
    Bachelor's until 15.07, master's until 15.07. Deadlines differ between programmes — check the programme page.
  3. 3
    Admission, visa, moving
    Plan 2–3 months for the visa and the blocked account — start them in parallel with the application.

What it costs to study

Tuition fee€0 per semester for international students
Tuition fee of the federal state (Schleswig-Holstein), international students€0
Semester contribution€179

Some programmes charge their own fee — see the programme page.

A programme is tied to a campus — when looking for housing, go by the campus, not by the university's main address.

Studying in Kiel: housing, transport, costs →

If you don't meet the requirements yet

Two typical stops: a school certificate without direct admission and German below the required level. Both can be solved within a year, but plan them before you apply, not after a rejection.

Video

The video is hosted on YouTube. When you play it, data is sent to Google.

Video: Kiel University on YouTube

Questions about Kiel University

How much does it cost to study at Kiel University?
The federal state charges no tuition fee, including for international students. Every student pays the semester contribution of €179. Some programmes charge their own fee — see the programme page.
Are there programmes in English?
Yes: 5 programmes are taught in English.
When do I need to apply?
Most bachelor's programmes: until 15.07 for the winter semester; master's programmes: until 15.07. If you apply via uni-assist, send the documents 4–6 weeks earlier.
Do I need a Studienkolleg?
It depends on your certificate, not on the university. The Feststellungsprüfung of any Studienkolleg is recognised by all universities; Kiel University works with Studienkolleg Hamburg.

Found an inaccuracy? Let us know →

University chosen — next come the programme and the deadlines

Requirements and deadlines differ within one university. We will pick 3–5 programmes for your certificate and language and plan everything back from the deadline.

Free review
Free service review
Find what fits