University of Passau
Passau, Germany
University of Passau
Passau, Germany
Founded
1978
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
11,000+
International Students
1,600+ from 100+ countries
Discover the University of Passau: A Modern Gateway to European Education
Discover the University of Passau: A Modern Gateway to European Education
The University of Passau is a public research university located in the picturesque city of Passau in Lower Bavaria, Germany. Established by a resolution of the Bavarian State Parliament in 1973 and opening its doors to students in 1978, it has rapidly grown into a respected academic institution known for its interdisciplinary approach, international outlook, and strong performance in law, business, economics, computer science, and cultural studies.
The university is organised into five faculties — Law; Business, Economics and Information Systems; Arts and Humanities; Computer Science and Mathematics; and Social and Educational Sciences — offering around 40 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programmes. Five master's programmes can be studied entirely in English, including MSc Artificial Intelligence Engineering, MSc Computer Science, and MSc International Economics and Business.
With cooperative partnerships with over 250 international universities across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia, the University of Passau is renowned for its international orientation. It was one of the first German universities to offer subject-specific language programmes, and its Language Centre provides courses in 13 Asian, European, and Slavic languages from beginner to advanced level.
Key Milestones
- 1622: Origins traced to an Institute for Catholic Studies incorporated into a Gymnasium in Passau
- 1973: University formally established by resolution of the Bavarian State Parliament
- 1978: University opened its doors to students with an initial enrolment of 463 students in its first semester
- 2018: First participation in the Times Higher Education World University Ranking, placing among the top 30 percent worldwide
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
The University of Passau takes a strongly interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching, with programmes focused on three core themes: Europe and Global Transformation, Migration and Sustainable Development, and Digitalisation and Networked Society. Students benefit from small learning groups and a compact campus that encourages cross-faculty collaboration.
Faculty of Law
Nationally recognised for outstanding legal education, the Faculty of Law consistently achieves top rankings in Germany. It is ranked No. 1 in the country for law exam preparation according to CHE Rankings.
- State Examination in Law (Erste Juristische Prüfung)
- LL.B. Legal Tech
- LL.M. German Law for Foreign Graduates
Faculty of Business, Economics and Information Systems
This faculty is ranked among the top 201–250 departments worldwide in the THE Subject Rankings for Business and Economics. It offers innovative programmes combining economics, business administration, and information systems.
- B.Sc. Business Administration and Economics
- B.Sc. Digital Transformation in Business and Society
- M.Sc. International Economics and Business
Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics
Offering cutting-edge programmes in artificial intelligence, computer science, and mathematics, this faculty is at the forefront of digitalisation research and features strong industry connections in Bavaria's high-technology region.
- B.Sc. Computer Science
- M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence Engineering
- M.Sc. Computational Mathematics
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Known for its strong programmes in European studies, cultural analysis, and languages, this faculty regularly achieves top evaluations in CHE Rankings for Romance languages and German studies.
- B.A. European Studies
- B.A. Historical Cultural Studies
- B.A. Language and Text Sciences
Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences
This faculty focuses on governance, public policy, media studies, and educational sciences. It hosts the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme for future leaders in public policy and good governance.
- B.A. Governance and Public Policy
- B.A. Journalism and Strategic Communication
- M.A. Development Studies
Language Centre
The University of Passau was one of the first German universities to offer subject-specific language programmes. The Language Centre provides courses in 13 languages from beginner to advanced level, open to students of all disciplines.
- Subject-Specific Language Programmes for Law and Economics
- Asian and Slavic Language Courses
- German as a Foreign Language Courses
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationGerman Abitur or recognised international equivalent (verified by ZAB)
- German ProficiencyDSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4 for German-taught programmes
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+ for English-taught programmes
- Application PortalApply via uni-assist for international applicants
- Documents RequiredAcademic transcripts, school-leaving certificate, CV, language certificates
Graduate Admission
- Academic QualificationRelevant bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 88+ (varies by programme)
- German ProficiencyRequired for German-taught programmes; not required for English-taught master's
- Additional DocumentsCV, letter of motivation, academic transcripts, bachelor's diploma
- Application PortalApply via uni-assist or the university's online application portal
Application deadline for most programmes starting in October (winter semester). Check specific programme pages for variations.
Application deadline for programmes with a summer semester intake starting in April. Not all programmes accept summer applications.
Deadline to apply for student residence halls operated by the Studierendenwerk for the winter semester.
Deadline to apply for student residence halls operated by the Studierendenwerk for the summer semester.
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities
As a public university in Bavaria, the University of Passau does not charge tuition fees for any students, including international students from non-EU countries. Students only pay a small semester contribution that includes a bus pass for Passau's city bus network.
| Expense Category | EU Students (per semester) | Non-EU Students (per semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | EUR 0 | EUR 0 |
| Semester Contribution | EUR 124 | EUR 124 |
| Health Insurance (approx.) | EUR 900 | EUR 900 |
| Living Expenses (approx.) | EUR 4,500 – 5,500 | EUR 4,500 – 5,500 |
| Total | EUR 5,524 – 6,524 per semester | EUR 5,524 – 6,524 per semester |
Deutschlandstipendium
A national merit-based scholarship available to all students regardless of nationality. It provides a monthly stipend funded equally by the federal government and private donors.
- Amount: EUR 300 per month (EUR 3,600 per year)
- Duration: Up to 12 months, renewable upon reapplication
- Eligibility: All enrolled students with strong academic performance and social commitment
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme
A fully funded DAAD scholarship for future leaders from developing and emerging countries pursuing the MA Governance and Public Policy programme at the University of Passau.
- Coverage: Full scholarship including living expenses, travel, and health insurance
- Target Group: Graduates from developing and emerging countries with leadership potential
- Programme: MA Governance and Public Policy (Public Policy and Good Governance)
Campus and Facilities Along the Inn River
Campus and Facilities Along the Inn River
The University of Passau's modern campus stretches along the left bank of the Inn river, just a few minutes' walk from the historic old town. With the exception of the Department of Catholic Theology located in the Old Town, all faculties are situated on a single campus along a single street, fostering exceptional interdisciplinary collaboration.
All faculties are located on a single campus along the Inn river, creating an idyllic and efficient study environment.
The library system holds two million volumes and 3,050 journals, with 1,000 desk spaces open 16 hours a day.
The oldest building on campus, predating the university's founding, and the only structure that breaks with the otherwise modern architectural style.
Housing and Dining
Student Housing
Four state-run student halls are operated by the Studierendenwerk, alongside several independent and commercial residential options in Passau.
- Furnished rooms with internet access from EUR 250 to EUR 400 per month
- Common rooms and social areas in all residences
- Apply by June 15 (winter) or December 15 (summer) for student halls
Dining Options
The university features an award-winning refectory (Mensa) with a seating capacity of 560, plus four additional cafeterias across campus.
- Award-winning refectory with affordable daily meal options
- Four cafeterias offering sandwiches, coffee, and Bavarian beer
- On-campus childcare facility (crèche) for students and staff with toddlers
Student Life at the University of Passau
Student Life at the University of Passau
Student life at the University of Passau is vibrant and diverse, with numerous cultural, political, and recreational organisations. The compact campus and the charming city of Passau create a close-knit community atmosphere where students from over 100 countries come together.
Passau: The City of Three Rivers
Passau: The City of Three Rivers
Living in Passau
Passau is a charming Bavarian city known for its baroque architecture, low crime rate, and affordable cost of living compared to larger German cities. Located at the confluence of three rivers, it offers a high quality of life with easy access to Munich, Vienna, and Prague.
Three-River City
Passau is uniquely situated where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet, creating a stunning natural landscape that defines the city's character.
Affordable Living
Compared to major German cities like Munich, Passau offers significantly lower living costs while maintaining an excellent standard of living.
Central European Location
Near the Austrian and Czech borders, Passau provides easy access to Prague, Munich, and Vienna — ideal for weekend trips and international career networking.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Home to St. Stephen's Cathedral with one of the largest church organs in the world, the Landestheater Niederbayern, and the ScharfrichterHaus political cabaret stage.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Services and Industry Connections
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The International Office provides comprehensive support including visa assistance, accommodation guidance, orientation programmes, and integration into university life.
International students are paired with local students who provide peer support for academic, bureaucratic, and social integration during their studies in Passau.
Free German language courses are available to help international students improve their language skills for daily life and academic integration in Germany.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Passau: Worldwide Rankings
University of Passau: Worldwide Rankings
The University of Passau consistently ranks among the top 30 percent of universities worldwide and has achieved strong results in both international and German national rankings, particularly in law, business and economics, and computer science.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Economics | Times Higher Education | #201–250 |
| Social Sciences | Times Higher Education | #301–400 |
| Computer Science | Times Higher Education | #501–600 |
| Law (National) | CHE Ranking | #1 in Germany for exam preparation |
Features
Features Description of the University of Passau\nPublic Institution: Funded and operated by the state of Bavaria, ensuring accessible education with state support.\nFoundation Year: Officially established in 1973, with historical roots dating back to 1622.\nStudent Body: About 10,679 students enrolled, including a significant portion (over 16%) of international students from more than 100 countries.\nGraduate Programs: Offers a broad range of Master’s and doctoral degrees, many of which are available in English, supporting both local and international students.\nAcademic Staff: Over 1,000 academic staff members, providing strong research and teaching expertise across multiple disciplines.\nResearch Focus: Emphasizes interdisciplinary and international research, fostering innovative academic collaboration.\nLocation & Campus: Situated on the scenic banks of the Inn River, known for having one of Germany’s most beautiful university campuses.
Accommodation
YES
Work While Studying
YES
Co-op/Internship Participation
YES
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
April - July
Location
Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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