About Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg
Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg is a public research university in the city of Oldenburg in Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), Germany. Founded by resolution of the Lower Saxony State Parliament in 1973, with teaching beginning in April 1974, it is one of Germany's younger universities. It is named after the journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Carl von Ossietzky.
The university is organised into six schools (faculties) spanning educational and social sciences; computing science, business administration, economics and law; linguistics and cultural studies; humanities and social sciences; mathematics and natural sciences; and medicine and health sciences. It works with more than 300 international cooperation partners and universities worldwide.
Research strengths include marine and environmental sciences, hearing research and neurosensory science, renewable energy, and medicine. The university hosts dedicated research infrastructure such as the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity, Max Planck research groups and Fraunhofer working groups.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1973
- Students
- 15,000
- International
- around 1,600 enrolled international students
- Faculties
- 6
Six schools covering humanities, sciences, economics, law, computing science and medicine
No tuition fees for most programmes, including for non-EU international students in Lower Saxony
Recognised research strengths in marine/environmental science, hearing research and renewable energy
Hosts the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity, Max Planck groups and Fraunhofer working groups
More than 300 international cooperation partners and universities worldwide
Around 1,600 enrolled international students supported by a dedicated International Office
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
Most degree programmes charge no tuition fees, and this applies equally to international students, including non-EU citizens studying in Lower Saxony. All students pay a semester contribution of EUR 457.90 (as of winter semester 2026/2027), which includes the Germany-wide semester ticket for public transport plus contributions to the Studierendenwerk, the student body and administration. Additional one-off costs can include the uni-assist application fee (EUR 75), a DSH language exam (EUR 80) and the residence permit for non-EU students (EUR 110).
Admission requirements
International applicants holding a school-leaving qualification or first university degree from outside Germany apply online through uni-assist e.V., which checks the equivalence of foreign certificates to German qualifications (processing takes roughly 4-5 weeks). Each degree programme sets its own specific entry and language requirements; German-taught programmes require proof of German (e.g. DSH/TestDaF) and some applicants must complete a preparatory German course first. Applicants who need a visa are advised to apply about three months before the deadline. (Note: applicants whose prior qualification is from India, China or Vietnam additionally require an APS certificate for the German student visa - confirm current rules with the APS office.)
Application deadlines
For open-admission Master's programmes, applications are recommended before 15 July for the winter semester and before 15 January for the summer semester. Enrolment deadlines are around 1 October (winter) and 1 April (summer). Deadlines for individual Bachelor's and Master's programmes vary, so applicants should check the specific programme page.
Languages of instruction
Most degree programmes are taught in German, so applicants typically need to prove German proficiency (e.g. DSH/TestDaF), and some applicants must attend a preparatory German language course before starting. A selection of international and English-taught programmes is also offered; language requirements vary by programme.
Campuses & locations
Main campus in Oldenburg; hosts the Student Service Centre and the International Office. University address: Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg.
Living in Niedersachsen
Oldenburg is a mid-sized city in north-western Germany (Lower Saxony), located between Bremen and the North Sea. It is known as a green, cycle-friendly university town with a compact, walkable centre, and offers a comparatively moderate cost of living for students compared with larger German cities.
Student life & support
The International Office, located on the third floor of the Student Service Centre on the Haarentor campus, supports around 1,600 enrolled international students with advice and a tutor team that helps with general questions and life in Oldenburg. It runs social activities such as a Study Café, student breakfasts, game nights, weekend excursions and an International Summer Fest, and administers scholarships including the Jakob Mann and Oscar Romero scholarships. Living costs are estimated at roughly EUR 1,000 per month (accommodation EUR 200-450, health insurance around EUR 140, food EUR 250-350).
172
Accredited Programmes
130
Master
42
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
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