University of Tübingen
Tübingen, Germany
University of Tübingen (Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen)
Tübingen, Germany
Founded
1477
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
28,000+
Nobel Laureates
11
Discover the University of Tübingen: A Legacy of Excellence Since 1477
Discover the University of Tübingen: A Legacy of Excellence Since 1477
Founded in 1477 by Count Eberhard V of Württemberg, the University of Tübingen is one of Europe's oldest and most distinguished universities. As one of Germany's eleven Universities of Excellence, it combines a rich intellectual heritage with cutting-edge research across the humanities, natural sciences, medicine, and theology.
The university has been a cradle of innovative thought throughout its history. DNA was first discovered here in 1868 by Friedrich Miescher, and the institution established Germany's first faculty of natural sciences in 1863 and the country's first university hospital in 1805. Eleven Nobel laureates are associated with the university, particularly in medicine and chemistry.
Today, more than 28,000 students from Germany and around the world are enrolled in over 200 study programs across seven faculties. The university is especially recognized as a center of excellence for artificial intelligence through the Cyber Valley initiative, as well as for its strengths in plant biology, medicine, law, archaeology, philosophy, and religious studies.
Key Milestones
- 1477: Count Eberhard the Bearded founds the university with four faculties: Theology, Law, Medicine, and Philosophy.
- 1863: Establishes the first faculty of natural sciences at any German university.
- 1868: Friedrich Miescher discovers nucleic acid (DNA) at the university's Schloss Hohentübingen laboratory.
- 2012: Selected as one of Germany's eleven Universities of Excellence under the German Excellence Initiative.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
The University of Tübingen is organized into seven faculties offering more than 200 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Its broad academic spectrum spans from ancient cultures and theology to artificial intelligence and molecular medicine, making it one of Germany's most comprehensive research universities.
Faculty of Humanities
One of the top-ranked humanities faculties in Germany, covering the full spectrum from ancient civilizations to modern literature, history, and media studies. It includes Germany's only faculty of rhetoric.
- History
- Philosophy
- English and American Studies
Faculty of Medicine
Home to Germany's first university hospital (founded 1805), the Faculty of Medicine features the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and 17 affiliated teaching hospitals with 1,500 patient beds.
- Medicine (Staatsexamen)
- Molecular Medicine (M.Sc.)
- Biomedical Technologies
Faculty of Science
Located on the modern Morgenstelle campus, this faculty is a leader in research across biology, chemistry, physics, geosciences, and computer science. It is a core partner in the Cyber Valley AI initiative.
- Machine Learning (M.Sc.)
- Biochemistry (M.Sc.)
- Physics
Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences
Tracing its origins to 1817 as Germany's first economics faculty, this faculty combines the School of Business and Economics with the Department of Social Sciences, offering programs in economics, management, political science, and sociology.
- International Economics (M.Sc.)
- Management and Economics
- Political Science
Faculty of Law
Consistently ranked among the top law schools in Germany, the Faculty of Law has produced at least 19 judges of the Federal Constitutional Court and is renowned for its rigorous legal education and research.
- Law (Staatsexamen)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- European and International Law
Faculty of Theology
The university's theological tradition is legendary, encompassing Protestant, Catholic, and Islamic Theology. It has been home to major figures from Philipp Melanchthon to Pope Benedict XVI and Hans Küng.
- Protestant Theology
- Catholic Theology
- Islamic Theology
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- QualificationGerman Abitur equivalent (higher education entrance qualification recognized in Germany)
- German ProficiencyDSH-2, TestDaF 4x4, or Telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (for German-taught programs)
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 80+ (for English-taught programs)
- Application PortalOnline via the ALMA Portal (university application system)
- Application FeeNo application fee
Graduate Admission
- QualificationCompleted bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field
- German ProficiencyDSH-2 or equivalent (for German-taught programs)
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 88+ (for English-taught master's programs)
- Application PortalOnline via the ALMA Portal
- Additional RequirementsProgram-specific prerequisites; some programs require interviews or motivation letters
Application deadline for most programs starting in the winter semester (October) for international applicants.
Application deadline for programs with summer semester intake (April) for international applicants.
Deadlines for international master's programs vary by field of study. Check the specific program website for exact dates.
Doctoral applications are generally accepted year-round, depending on supervisor availability and program requirements.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
As a public university in Baden-Württemberg, the University of Tübingen charges no tuition fees for EU/EEA students. Non-EU international students are charged a tuition fee of EUR 1,500 per semester, in addition to a modest semester fee that all students must pay.
| Fee Category | EU/EEA Students (per semester) | Non-EU Students (per semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | EUR 0 | EUR 1,500 |
| Semester Fee (Student Services) | EUR 197.80 | EUR 197.80 |
| Public Transport Contribution | Included in semester fee | Included in semester fee |
| Estimated Living Costs (monthly) | EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 | EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
| Total | EUR 197.80 per semester | EUR 1,697.80 per semester |
Deutschlandstipendium
A merit-based scholarship offered to students with outstanding academic performance, providing monthly financial support funded jointly by the German government and private sponsors.
- Amount: EUR 300 per month
- Duration: At least 2 semesters, renewable
- Eligibility: Open to all students with excellent academic records
DAAD Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a range of scholarships for international students pursuing studies or research at German universities, including the University of Tübingen.
- Amount: Varies by program (up to EUR 1,200/month for master's students)
- Coverage: Living expenses, travel costs, health insurance, and tuition waiver
- Eligibility: International students from eligible countries with strong academic profiles
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The University of Tübingen is not a traditional campus university but rather a city-wide institution deeply integrated into the historic town. University buildings are spread across four main areas, blending centuries-old architecture with modern research facilities in one of Germany's most charming university towns.
The medieval castle houses the university museum with archaeological collections and the historic laboratory where DNA was first discovered.
Built in the 1970s on a hill north of the old town, this campus hosts the natural science faculties, modern laboratories, and a large student refectory.
The traditional heart of the university, home to the main administration, large humanities departments, the central library, and the main refectory.
Housing and Dining
Student Housing
Student housing is managed by the Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim, offering affordable dormitory rooms and shared apartments across the city.
- Multiple residence halls in Waldhäuser Ost and Französisches Viertel
- Average monthly rent around EUR 298
- Online application through Studierendenwerk portal recommended early
Dining and Facilities
The university operates several refectories (Mensen) and cafeterias across its campus areas, offering affordable meals to students and staff.
- Main Mensa on Wilhelmstraße and Morgenstelle refectory
- University library with millions of volumes and digital resources
- Botanical Garden and university sports facilities
Student Life at the University of Tübingen
Student Life at the University of Tübingen
Life in Tübingen is uniquely shaped by the university: roughly one in three residents is a student, making it the city with the youngest average population in Germany. The vibrant student culture, historic old town, and rich calendar of events create an engaging and memorable experience.
Tübingen: A Historic University Town in Southern Germany
Tübingen: A Historic University Town in Southern Germany
Life in Tübingen
Tübingen is a charming university town of approximately 90,000 inhabitants in the state of Baden-Württemberg, about 30 kilometers south of Stuttgart. With its winding medieval alleys, half-timbered houses, and vibrant cultural scene, it was once ranked as having the highest quality of life among all German cities.
Historic Old Town
One of the few completely intact historic Altstädte in Germany, featuring the Rathaus on the central market square, Hölderlinturm, Stiftskirche, and charming guild streets.
Neckar River and Punting
The Neckar River flows through the town center, creating the famous Neckarinsel with its Platanenallee. Traditional Stocherkahn punting is a beloved student tradition.
Proximity to Stuttgart
Located just 30 km south of Stuttgart, Tübingen offers easy access to a major international airport, ICE train connections, and the cultural offerings of a state capital.
Cultural Events
Year-round festivals include outdoor cinema screenings, Christmas markets, a chocolate festival, concerts, and exhibitions that bring the town to life throughout the seasons.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Top Employers of Tübingen Graduates
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The international admissions team provides support throughout the application process, helping with document preparation, visa guidance, and enrollment procedures for a smooth arrival in Germany.
The university's Buddy Program pairs incoming international students with German peers to help with settling in, cultural orientation, and building social connections in Tübingen.
Free career counseling, application workshops, CV reviews, and networking events with employers are available to all students and graduates up to six months after completing their studies.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
The University of Tübingen consistently ranks among the top universities in Germany and Europe. As one of Germany's eleven Universities of Excellence, it is recognized for outstanding research output, particularly in the humanities, life sciences, and neuroscience.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Theology and Religious Studies | QS Subject Rankings | Top 50 globally |
| Life Sciences and Medicine | Shanghai Ranking (ARWU) | Top 75 globally |
| Humanities and Social Sciences | German Research Foundation (DFG) | #4 in Germany |
| Law | Wirtschaftswoche University Ranking | #2 in Germany |
Features
Founded in 1477, the University of Tübingen is one of Germany's oldest public research universities with over 28,600 students and more than 6,100 academic staff. It is a German Excellence University offering more than 200 study programs across a wide range of disciplines.
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.
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
June - July
2 week
Location
Geschwister-Scholl-Platz, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
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