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University of Kiel

Kiel, 🇩🇪 Germany
#7 National #618 QS World #351 THE #201 ARWU
University of Kiel campus
€1k - €8.9k/yr

About University of Kiel

The University of Kiel, officially known as Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU), is a public university located in the vibrant city of Kiel, Germany. Founded in 1665, it is Schleswig-Holstein's oldest, largest, and most prestigious university, offering a wide array of study programs and research opportunities for both national and international students.

Academics


The University of Kiel boasts eight faculties, including Theology, Law, Medicine, Arts and Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Business, Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, and Engineering. The university is renowned for its research-led teaching approach, fostering critical thinking and independent research skills among its students. Notable programs include Marine Sciences, Geosciences, and Environmental Change, leveraging Kiel's unique coastal location. The university also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in its four priority research areas: Kiel Marine Science, Kiel Life Science, Societal, Environmental and Cultural Change, and Nano Surface and Interface Science.

International Students


The University of Kiel is committed to supporting its international student body, offering a range of services from pre-arrival information to extensive on-campus support. While many programs are taught in German, there are an increasing number of English-taught master's and doctoral programs available, particularly in the sciences. The university actively promotes cultural integration through various initiatives and student organizations, helping international students connect with the wider university community and German culture. The International Center serves as a central point of contact for international students, providing guidance on admissions, visa procedures, and everyday life in Kiel.

Campus & Location


The University of Kiel's campus is integrated into the city of Kiel, a dynamic port city with a strong maritime character located on the Baltic Sea. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with various institutes and facilities spread across different locations. Kiel offers a high quality of life with numerous cultural attractions, recreational activities, and a lively student scene. The city is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to navigate between the university, student housing, and city center. Nearby attractions include the Kiel Fjord, sandy beaches, and the annual Kiel Week, one of the largest sailing events in the world.

Career Outcomes


The University of Kiel has a strong reputation for producing highly employable graduates, with many finding success in various industries both in Germany and internationally. The university maintains close ties with regional and national industries, research institutions, and businesses, facilitating internships and career opportunities for its students. The Career Service offers comprehensive support, including career counseling, workshops on job application strategies, and networking events with potential employers. While specific employment rates can vary by program, graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, industry, and public service, contributing to Kiel's growing startup culture, particularly in marine and life sciences.

Highlights

  • Founded 1665, Schleswig-Holstein's oldest
  • Eight diverse faculties
  • Renowned for marine sciences research
  • Increasing English master's programs
  • Integrated into vibrant port city

Student Life & Support

Campus Housing

Photos

University of Kiel photo 1University of Kiel photo 2University of Kiel photo 3University of Kiel photo 4University of Kiel photo 5University of Kiel photo 6University of Kiel photo 7University of Kiel photo 8University of Kiel photo 9

Programs Offered at University of Kiel (31)

Offers programs in:

Business & Management Computer Science Engineering Humanities Law Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (15)

Biology

STEM

Biology

Biology
bachelor in biologybachelor biologybachelor's in biologybachelor's biologystudy biology in germany
72 months German Full-time

Business Administration

Business

Business Administration
babachelorbsbscbusiness
72 months German Full-time

Chemistry

STEM

Chemistry

Chemistry
bachelorchemistrygermanyundergraduate
72 months German Full-time

Economics

Economics

Economics
bacheloreconomicsgermangermanykiel
72 months German Full-time

Geography

STEM

Geography

Geography
bachelorgeographygermany
72 months German Full-time

History

History

History
babachelorbachelor'sbsbsc
72 months German Full-time

English Studies

Humanities

Humanities
72 months English Full-time

Law

Law

Law
english-taught program in germanyba lawbachelor in law in germanybsc in lawba in law
120 months German Full-time

Mathematics

STEM

Mathematics

Mathematics
bachelor in mathematicsstudy mathematics in germanymathematics bscuniversity of kiel mathematicsmathematics degree in germany
72 months German Full-time

Bachelor's in Medicine

STEM

Medicine

Medicine

Medicine
babachelorbachelor in medicinebachelor medicinebs
72 months German Full-time

Oceanography

STEM

Oceanography

Oceanography
bachelorgermanyoceanography
72 months German Full-time

Physics

STEM

Physics

Physics
bachelorgermangermanykielphysics
72 months German Full-time

Political Science

Political Science

Political Science
b.scbachelorbachelor's degreebscgermany
72 months German Full-time

Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
bachelorbachelor's degreebehavioral sciencecognitive psychologymental health
72 months German Full-time

Sociology

Sociology

Sociology
bachelorbachelorsgermanysociologyundergraduate
72 months German Full-time

Master Programs (10)

Medical Life Sciences

STEM

Biomedical Sciences

Biomedical Sciences
biomedical sciencesgermanygraduatekiellife
24 months English Full-time

Global Business Management

Business

Business
master in businessstudy business in germanybusiness program in kielmsc businessbusiness at university of kiel
24 months English Full-time

Quantitative Economics

STEM

Economics

Economics
econometricseconomicsgermanygraduatema
24 months English Full-time

Environmental Management

STEM

Environmental Science

Environmental Management
environmental management masterUmweltmanagement KielUniversity of Kiel Germanysustainability managementenvironmental policy
24 months German Full-time

Finance

Finance

Finance
MAMSMScbankingfinance
24 months English Full-time

Applied Geophysics

STEM Unique

Geophysics

Physics
appliedgeophysicsgermanymaster
24 months English Full-time

Marine Geosciences

STEM

Geosciences

Geosciences
geosciences mastermaster geosciences in kielmaster in geosciencesstudy geosciences in germanymaster geosciences
24 months English Full-time

Digital Humanities

Humanities

Humanities
digitalgermanyhumanitiesmaster
24 months German Full-time

Materials Science and Engineering

STEM

Materials Science

Materials Science
andengineeringgermanygraduatemaster
24 months English Full-time

Biological Oceanography

STEM

Oceanography

Oceanography
study oceanographymaster oceanographyenglish master oceanographymaster in oceanographystudy oceanography in germany
24 months English Full-time

PhD Programs (6)

Agricultural Sciences

STEM

Agriculture

Agriculture
agriculturalagriculturedoctoraldoctorategermany
36 months English Full-time

Biological Sciences

STEM

Biology

Biology
biologicalbiological sciencesbiologybiosciencedoctor of philosophy
36 months English Full-time

Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
computer science careerdoctoral program computer scienceenglish-taught phd germanyphd computer sciencephd computer science program
36 months English Full-time

Geosciences

STEM

Geosciences

Geosciences
PhD in Geosciencesstudy GeosciencesPhD of Geosciencesdoctoral in Geosciencesstudy Geosciences in Germany
36 months English Full-time

Medical Sciences

STEM

Medicine

Medicine
phd in medicinephd of medicinestudy medicine in germanymedicine program in kielmedicine phd germany
36 months English Full-time

Economics and Social Sciences

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
phd in social sciencesphd social sciencesdoctorate social sciencesstudy social sciences in germanyphd social sciences in germany
36 months English Full-time

University of Kiel Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Tuition (per year) €1k - €8.9k/yr

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Frequently Asked Questions About University of Kiel

Common questions from international students considering University of Kiel.

What is the acceptance rate at University of Kiel?

University of Kiel is classified as "Moderate (40-60%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does University of Kiel cost for international students?

Tuition at University of Kiel ranges from €1k - €8.9k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is University of Kiel ranked globally?

University of Kiel holds the following rankings: QS World #618, Times Higher Education #351, ARWU #201, #7 in Germany. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

When does University of Kiel start its semesters?

University of Kiel has intakes starting in . Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does University of Kiel offer?

University of Kiel offers 15+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is University of Kiel located?

University of Kiel is located in Kiel, Germany 🇩🇪. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What are the admission requirements for University of Kiel?

For specific details about University of Kiel, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

What programs does University of Kiel offer?

For specific details about University of Kiel, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

How does University of Kiel compare to other universities?

University of Kiel is a strong choice that compares favorably to peer institutions (QS World #618). Each university has different strengths — we recommend comparing specific programs, location, cost, and graduate outcomes for your field rather than overall rankings alone.

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