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Paderborn University

Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia · Public University · Est. 1972

DE Rank #50 QS World #801 Star rating 4/6 State-recognised; programmes accredited under the Akkreditierungsrat system Admissions open
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Type
Public University
Founded
1972
Students
20,000
International
3,000

Overview

Paderborn is "the university for the information society" — computer science, electrical engineering and mechatronics dominate, with a large research campus and strong industry links.

Ranking figures are indicative and provided for general guidance — always verify current positions with the official QS rankings and the university.

Programs at Paderborn

13 programs across 1 study levels.

Master's Degree

Master's Degree Mechanical Engineering

Additive Manufacturing

Paderborn University

⏱ 4 semesters 🎓 Full Time 💰 No tuition fees
Master's Degree International Relations

BeNeLux Studies

Paderborn University

⏱ 4 semesters 🎓 Full Time 💰 No tuition fees

Tuition fees & costs

Indicative annual tuition

No tuition fees

Tuition-free

Semester contribution

€310/semester

Semesterbeitrag — often includes a transport ticket

Indicative living cost

€10,500–€15,000/yr

On-campus accommodation

Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees — only the semester contribution. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester, and private universities set their own fees. Figures are indicative; confirm with the university before applying.

Guides for applying to German universities

All guides →
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Admission requirements

A secondary-school leaving certificate recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur (checked against the anabin database, usually via uni-assist). Applicants whose qualification is not directly equivalent complete a Studienkolleg year and the Feststellungsprüfung, or sit the TestAS. Master’s applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree with a good grade average; some subjects are restricted by a Numerus Clausus (NC) or an aptitude assessment (Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren).

Language: German-taught degrees: DSH-2, TestDaF 4x4, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or Goethe-Zertifikat C2. English-taught degrees: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 88+ (programme-dependent); many international master’s programmes are taught fully in English and require no German at entry.

How to apply

  1. 1Check your qualification for equivalence in the anabin database and confirm the programme’s intake and deadline (usually 15 July for October, 15 January for April).
  2. 2Confirm you meet the entry requirements: A secondary-school leaving certificate recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur (checked against the anabin database, usually via uni-assist). Applicants whose qualification is not directly equivalent complete a Studienkolleg year and the Feststellungsprüfung, or sit the TestAS. Master’s applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree with a good grade average; some subjects are restricted by a Numerus Clausus (NC) or an aptitude assessment (Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren).
  3. 3Apply through uni-assist (most international applicants), hochschulstart.de for nationally restricted subjects such as medicine, or directly with the university where it accepts direct applications.
  4. 4Submit certified transcripts and translations, your language certificate (DSH / TestDaF / telc for German-taught, IELTS / TOEFL for English-taught) and — if your country requires it — the APS certificate, then pay the processing fee.
  5. 5On receiving your letter of admission (Zulassungsbescheid), open a blocked account and take out health insurance, then apply for the national student visa (Visa D) at the German mission in your country.

For international students

Non-EU students apply for a German national student visa (Visa D) at the German mission in their country, then convert it into a residence permit for study purposes at the local Ausländerbehörde. Proof of funds is normally a blocked account (Sperrkonto) — currently about €11,904 for one year — plus statutory health insurance. Graduates may stay for up to 18 months on a job-seeking residence permit.

Read the student visa & residence permit guide →

Frequently asked questions

What are the admission requirements for Paderborn University?

A secondary-school leaving certificate recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur (checked against the anabin database, usually via uni-assist). Applicants whose qualification is not directly equivalent complete a Studienkolleg year and the Feststellungsprüfung, or sit the Tes...

How much is tuition at Paderborn University?

There are no tuition fees — you pay only the semester contribution of €310/semester, plus living costs. Figures are indicative — confirm with the university.

How is Paderborn University ranked?

Germany national rank #50 · QS World #801.

What are the English requirements?

German-taught degrees: DSH-2, TestDaF 4x4, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or Goethe-Zertifikat C2. English-taught degrees: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 88+ (programme-dependent); many international master’s programmes are taught fu...

Last updated 21 Aug 2026. Information is provided for guidance — verify with official sources before applying.