University of Jena
Jena, Germany
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Jena, Germany
Founded
1558
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
~17,000
Nobel Laureates
6
Discover Friedrich Schiller University Jena: A Historic Center of German Scholarship
Discover Friedrich Schiller University Jena: A Historic Center of German Scholarship
Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU Jena) is a public research university located in Jena, Thuringia, Germany. Established in 1558, it is counted among the ten oldest universities in Germany and is the largest higher education institution and only comprehensive university in the state of Thuringia.
The university is named after the poet and philosopher Friedrich Schiller, who served as a professor here during the late 18th century when Jena became the intellectual center of German Idealism and early Romanticism, attracting thinkers such as Fichte, Hegel, and Schelling. Today, FSU Jena organizes its research around three interdisciplinary focal areas: Light (optics and photonics), Life (microbiology and biodiversity), and Liberty (humanities and social sciences).
With 10 faculties offering more than 200 study programmes and over 2,600 international students from more than 100 countries, FSU Jena combines centuries of academic tradition with modern research excellence. The university collaborates with over 500 international partners and maintains close ties with leading research institutes including the Max Planck and Leibniz Institutes.
Key Milestones
- 1558: University officially founded on February 2 by the sons of Elector John Frederick of Saxony, receiving its charter from Emperor Ferdinand I.
- 1789: Friedrich Schiller joins the faculty as professor of philosophy, ushering in the golden age of German Idealism with Fichte, Hegel, and Schelling.
- 1934: The university is officially renamed Friedrich Schiller University in honor of its most celebrated professor.
- 2007: The Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) is established within the German Universities Excellence Initiative.
Academic Structure and Faculties at Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Academic Structure and Faculties at Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Friedrich Schiller University Jena is organized into 10 faculties covering the full academic spectrum from natural and life sciences, including human medicine, to the social sciences and humanities. The university offers more than 200 study programmes, including several English-taught and internationally renowned master's programmes.
Faculty of Physics and Astronomy
A leading center for the study of optics and photonics, solid state physics, quantum physics, and the theory of gravity. It is the only faculty in Germany with a dedicated chair for gravitational theory.
- Physics (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
- Photonics (M.Sc.)
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
Faculty of Biological Sciences
Focuses on biodiversity, microbial communication, evolution, and ageing research. The faculty is closely linked to the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv).
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
- Ecology and Evolution (M.Sc.)
- Microbiology (M.Sc.)
Faculty of Medicine
Home to the only university medical center in Thuringia, this faculty integrates laboratory research with clinical practice, focusing on infections, inflammation, and ageing.
- Human Medicine (State Examination)
- Dentistry (State Examination)
- Molecular Medicine (M.Sc.)
Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Conducts research into atomic-scale and global processes within future-oriented fields such as materials and energy research, and environmental sciences.
- Chemistry (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
- Geosciences (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
- Environmental Chemistry
Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
Examines major economic issues relevant to society, government, firms, and individuals, with strong links to behavioral economics and entrepreneurship research.
- Business Administration (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
- Economics (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
- Business Informatics (M.Sc.)
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
A center of scholarship for languages, literature, philosophy, the arts, history, and communication, with particular strengths in Enlightenment and Romanticism studies.
- German Studies (B.A./M.A.)
- Philosophy (B.A./M.A.)
- History (B.A./M.A.)
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationHigh school diploma equivalent to the German Abitur; may require Studienkolleg preparatory year
- German ProficiencyDSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4 for German-taught programmes
- English ProficiencyIELTS or TOEFL required for English-taught programmes
- Application PortalVia uni-assist or direct university application depending on programme
- Application FeeNo application fee at the university; uni-assist may charge a processing fee
Graduate Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeRecognized bachelor's degree in a relevant field with strong academic performance
- Language RequirementsGerman (DSH-2/TestDaF) or English (IELTS/TOEFL) depending on programme language
- Supporting DocumentsTranscripts, CV, motivation letter, and letters of recommendation
- Application PortalVia uni-assist or direct online application at the university portal
- Additional RequirementsSome programmes may require interviews, entrance exams, or work experience
Application deadline for international students applying to programmes starting in October.
Application deadline for international students applying to programmes starting in April.
Some programmes may have earlier or different deadlines. Always verify on the university website.
PhD positions are generally available throughout the year depending on supervisor and project availability.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Like many German public universities, Friedrich Schiller University Jena does not charge tuition fees for most programmes, regardless of nationality. Students are only required to pay a modest semester contribution that covers administrative services, student union fees, and public transport.
| Fee Component | German/EU Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | EUR 0 | EUR 0 |
| Semester Contribution | ~EUR 315 per semester | ~EUR 315 per semester |
| Public Transport Ticket (included) | Included in semester fee | Included in semester fee |
| Estimated Living Costs | EUR 750-900 per month | EUR 750-900 per month |
| Total | ~EUR 630 per year (fees only) | ~EUR 630 per year (fees only) |
DAAD Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships for international students at all academic levels, including full degree and research grants.
- Coverage: Monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance
- Eligibility: International students with strong academic records
- Application: Apply via the DAAD portal; deadlines vary by programme
Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)
A merit-based scholarship funded jointly by the federal government and private sponsors, awarded to high-achieving students regardless of nationality.
- Amount: EUR 300 per month
- Duration: Minimum two semesters, renewable
- Criteria: Academic excellence and social engagement
Campus and Facilities at Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Campus and Facilities at Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Friedrich Schiller University Jena features a modern urban campus in the heart of the city, including the new Inselplatz Campus built on the site of the former Zeiss main factory. The campus blends historic buildings such as the Main University Building at Fürstengraben with state-of-the-art lecture halls, laboratories, and one of Germany's most innovative university libraries.
The modern campus center featuring lecture halls, seminar rooms, and the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science.
The oldest and largest academic library in Thuringia with outstanding historical inventories and approximately 2,000 workspaces.
The historic Universitätshauptgebäude at Fürstengraben 1, housing the university administration and Student Service Centre.
Housing and Student Services
Student Housing
The Studierendenwerk Thüringen operates several student residences in Jena offering affordable rooms. A deposit of EUR 300 is required, and application deadlines are January 15 and July 15.
- Multiple residence halls across the city
- Single rooms and shared apartments available
- Rent ranges from approximately EUR 200-350 per month
Sports and Recreation
The University Sports Department offers one of the most diverse programmes in the region, with around 350 instructors, over 700 courses per semester, and more than 26,000 allocated course places per year.
- Over 700 sports programmes per semester
- Snow and water sports camps
- Annual tournaments and health promotion events
Student Life at Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Student Life at Friedrich Schiller University Jena
With approximately a quarter of Jena's population being students, the city has a distinctly youthful and vibrant atmosphere. Friedrich Schiller University offers a rich campus life with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and sports activities that foster an international and inclusive community.
Jena: Germany's City of Light and Innovation
Jena: Germany's City of Light and Innovation
Life in Jena
Jena is the second largest city in Thuringia with approximately 110,000 inhabitants. Known as the City of Light for its pioneering role in the European optical industry, Jena combines a rich intellectual heritage with a thriving high-tech economy. The city is affordable compared to major German cities like Munich and Berlin, and is renowned for its safety, friendliness, and vibrant student community.
Innovation Hub
Home to Carl Zeiss, Schott AG, Jenoptik, and numerous biotech startups, Jena is one of Germany's most innovative and dynamic cities with strong ties between industry and academia.
Cultural Heritage
Jena was a focal point of German Romanticism and the Enlightenment. Attractions include the Zeiss Planetarium (the world's oldest operating planetarium), the Optical Museum, and the Phyletisches Museum.
Natural Beauty
Nestled between limestone slopes along the Saale River, Jena offers excellent outdoor recreation including the SaaleHorizontale hiking trail and the Saale Cycle Path.
Central Location
Jena is well connected by rail to Erfurt, Weimar, Leipzig, and Berlin. The nearby cities of Erfurt and Weimar form a metropolitan area of approximately 500,000 inhabitants.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Notable Employers and Industry Partners in the Region
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
Non-EU students need a student visa and must demonstrate sufficient financial resources (EUR 11,904 per year as of 2026) via a blocked bank account.
The university provides a dedicated Welcome and Service Desk for newly arrived international students, doctoral candidates, and postdocs, offering orientation, housing support, and administrative guidance.
The Foreign Language Centre offers courses in English, French, German as a Foreign Language, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Korean, and more.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Friedrich Schiller University Jena: Worldwide University Rankings
Friedrich Schiller University Jena: Worldwide University Rankings
Friedrich Schiller University Jena consistently ranks among the top universities in Germany and worldwide. The university is listed in all major international ranking systems and has shown notable improvement in innovation and industry engagement metrics in recent years.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | EduRank | #263 worldwide, #21 in Germany |
| Chemistry | EduRank | #295 worldwide, #25 in Germany |
| Optics | US News | #50 worldwide |
| Biology | EduRank | #381 worldwide, #31 in Germany |
Features
Friedrich Schiller University Jena is one of Germany’s oldest public universities, known for strong programs in natural sciences, humanities, and medicine. It has a vibrant international community and excellent research facilities. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary study and offers a broad range of graduate programs.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
Fürstengraben 1\n07743 Jena\nGermany
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