University of Jena (Friedrich Schiller University)
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
Discover Friedrich Schiller University Jena
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 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 a golden era that attracted leading figures of German idealism and early Romanticism, including Fichte, Hegel, Schelling, and Schlegel. Today, FSU Jena organizes its research strengths around three profile lines: Light, Life, and Liberty.
With around 17,000 students from over 110 countries, more than 200 study programmes, and approximately 10,000 employees, the university is a major driver of science and innovation in central Germany. It maintains collaborations with more than 500 partner institutions worldwide and works closely with leading research organizations and high-tech companies in the region.
Key Milestones
- 1558: Founded as a full imperial university, one of the oldest in Germany, rooted in Reformation-era commitment to freedom of belief.
- 1789: Friedrich Schiller joins the faculty, beginning the university's legendary era of German idealism alongside Fichte, Hegel, and Schelling.
- 1934: The university is officially renamed Friedrich Schiller University in honour of its most famous professor of philosophy.
- 2007: The Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) is established within the German Universities Excellence Initiative.
Academic Faculties and Programmes
Academic Faculties and Programmes
Friedrich Schiller University Jena is organized into ten faculties covering the full academic spectrum from natural and life sciences to social sciences and humanities. The university offers more than 200 study programmes, including several English-taught master's programmes designed for international students.
Faculty of Physics and Astronomy
A nationally leading faculty in research funding, with strengths in optics, photonics, and gravitational theory. Home to the Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP), it is central to the university's Light research profile.
- M.Sc. Photonics
- M.Sc. Physics
- B.Sc. Physics
Faculty of Medicine
Connected to the Jena University Hospital, the largest employer in Thuringia, this faculty offers comprehensive medical training and conducts leading research in sepsis, ageing, and immunology.
- State Examination in Medicine
- M.Sc. Molecular Medicine
- M.Sc. Medical Photonics
Faculty of Chemical and Earth Sciences
Covering chemistry, geosciences, and geography, this faculty is recognized for research in materials science, nanotechnology, and environmental chemistry, ranking among the top chemistry departments in Germany.
- M.Sc. Chemistry of Materials
- M.Sc. Biogeosciences
- B.Sc. Chemistry
Faculty of Biological Sciences
A key contributor to the university's Life research profile, this faculty excels in microbiology, biodiversity, and ecology. It is a founding partner of the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv).
- M.Sc. Molecular Life Sciences
- M.Sc. Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity
- B.Sc. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Offering programmes in psychology, education, political science, and sociology, this faculty contributes to the university's Liberty research profile with strengths in cognitive science and social psychology.
- M.A. Political Science
- M.Sc. Psychology
- B.A. Sociology
Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
This faculty combines rigorous academic training with practical industry engagement, offering internationally oriented programmes in business, economics, and management.
- M.Sc. Business Administration
- M.Sc. Economics
- B.Sc. Business Administration
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- Educational QualificationRecognized secondary school leaving certificate equivalent to German Abitur (HZB)
- German ProficiencyDSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4 for German-taught programmes
- Application PortalApply via uni-assist or directly through the university portal
- StudienkollegRequired for applicants whose qualifications do not directly qualify for university admission
- Financial ProofEvidence of EUR 11,904 per year (2026) in a blocked account for visa purposes
Graduate Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeRecognized bachelor's degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution
- Language ProficiencyIELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 80+ for English-taught programmes; DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4 for German-taught programmes
- Transcripts & CVOfficial academic transcripts, curriculum vitae, and motivation letter
- Letters of RecommendationSome programmes require one or two academic references
- Programme-Specific RequirementsVaries by programme; may include research proposals, portfolios, or entrance exams
Application deadline for programmes starting in the summer semester (April). Applies to most degree-seeking international applicants.
Application deadline for programmes starting in the winter semester (October). This is the main intake for most programmes.
Nomination and application deadline for Erasmus+ and bilateral exchange students for the winter semester.
Nomination and application deadline for Erasmus+ and bilateral exchange students for the summer semester.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
Friedrich Schiller University Jena does not charge tuition fees for regular degree programmes, regardless of nationality. Students pay only a mandatory semester contribution that covers student services, a semester public transit ticket, and administrative fees.
| Cost Category | EU/EEA Students (per semester) | Non-EU Students (per semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | EUR 0 | EUR 0 |
| Semester Contribution | ~EUR 250 | ~EUR 250 |
| Health Insurance (approx.) | ~EUR 630 | ~EUR 630 |
| Living Costs (est.) | EUR 4,500 - EUR 5,400 | EUR 4,500 - EUR 5,400 |
| Total | ~EUR 5,380 - EUR 6,280 | ~EUR 5,380 - EUR 6,280 |
DAAD Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships for international students at all academic levels, covering living expenses, travel costs, and insurance.
- Coverage: Living allowance, travel costs, health insurance
- Eligibility: International students with strong academic records
- Application: Apply via the DAAD scholarship database, typically one year in advance
FSU Jena Doctoral Scholarships
The university offers several scholarship types for doctoral candidates including start-up, completion, and re-entry scholarships with monthly stipends to support research projects.
- Monthly Stipend: EUR 2,000 per month
- Duration: 6 months to 2 years depending on type
- Additional Support: Family allowances may be available for eligible candidates
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Unlike many traditional campus universities, Friedrich Schiller University Jena is deeply integrated into the city of Jena, with faculty buildings, libraries, and research centres spread throughout the town. This urban campus model means that students experience university life intertwined with the vibrant daily life of the city.
The historic main building on Fürstengraben serves as the administrative heart of the university and hosts ceremonial events.
The oldest and largest academic library in Thuringia, offering around 2,000 workspaces and extensive digital and analogue collections.
A dedicated research hub for life sciences and biotechnology, hosting multiple research institutes and start-up companies alongside university facilities.
Housing and Dining
Student Housing
Studentenwerk Thüringen manages several affordable student dormitories throughout Jena. Private apartments and shared flats (WGs) are also widely available at relatively low rents compared to other German cities.
- Multiple student residence halls across the city
- Affordable private housing and shared flat options
- International Office assistance with housing search
Dining and Student Services
The university operates several Mensa (dining halls) and cafeterias offering subsidized meals for students. The semester contribution includes discounted meal access at all Studentenwerk dining facilities.
- Multiple Mensa locations with affordable daily menus
- Cafeterias in major faculty buildings
- Semester ticket for free local public transportation
Student Life at FSU Jena
Student Life at FSU Jena
Student life in Jena is shaped by the city's youthful energy — roughly one in three inhabitants is a student or university employee. The university offers a vibrant social scene with numerous clubs, cultural events, and one of the most extensive university sports programmes in the region.
Jena — City of Light, Science, and Innovation
Jena — City of Light, Science, and Innovation
Life in Jena
Jena is the second largest city in Thuringia with a population of approximately 110,000 inhabitants. Known as a centre of education and research, it combines a rich cultural heritage — from Schiller and Goethe to the birthplace of German Romanticism — with a thriving modern high-tech economy built around optics, photonics, and biotechnology.
Affordable Student City
Living costs in Jena are relatively low compared to other German cities, with estimated monthly expenses of EUR 750 to EUR 900 covering rent, food, and daily necessities.
Innovation and Start-up Hub
Jena has been ranked among Germany's top ten start-up metropolises. Between 2012 and 2016, more high-tech companies were founded here per capita than anywhere else in Germany.
Culture and Nature
From the annual Kulturarena open-air festival to the scenic Saale valley hiking trails, Jena offers a rich blend of cultural events, parks, and outdoor recreation within short distances.
Central German Location
Jena is part of the Thuringian metropolitan area alongside Erfurt and Weimar, with excellent rail connections and proximity to major German cities including Leipzig and Berlin.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Major Regional and Partner Employers
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The International Office supports more than 2,400 international students with visa guidance, orientation programmes, buddy matching, and emergency financial assistance throughout their studies.
The university's Language Centre offers German courses at all levels before and during the semester, as well as DSH preparation courses for students who need to meet German proficiency requirements.
The Career Service provides workshops on resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies, along with regular career fairs and networking events connecting students with regional and international employers.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
Friedrich Schiller University Jena ranks among the top 11 percent of universities worldwide and is consistently listed in the major global university ranking systems. The university has shown particular strength in the Industry category, reflecting its growing importance as a driver of innovation and applied research.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | EduRank | #21 in Germany |
| Chemistry | EduRank | #25 in Germany |
| Optics | US News | #50 Worldwide |
| Medicine | EduRank | #32 in Germany |
Features
Friedrich Schiller University Jena is one of Germany's oldest universities, with a rich history dating back to 1558. It offers over 200 study programs across 10 faculties, covering disciplines from natural and life sciences to social sciences and humanities. The university is renowned for its interdisciplinary research clusters in "Light, Life, Liberty," focusing on optics, life sciences, and societal development. With a strong emphasis on international collaboration, FSU Jena maintains partnerships with institutions worldwide and is a member of the Coimbra Group. The university's commitment to excellence is reflected in its high student satisfaction ratings and its role as a central hub in the vibrant city of Jena.
Accommodation
Yes, Friedrich Schiller University Jena offers accommodation services for students, including international and postgraduate researchers.\n\nOff-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
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
April - July
December - January
Location
Fürstengraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
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