About Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)
Europa-Universität Viadrina (European University Viadrina) is a public research university located in Frankfurt (Oder), Brandenburg, at the German-Polish border. Re-founded in 1991 following German reunification — the original Viadrina operated from 1506 to 1811 — it has since 2008 held the legal status of a foundation university (Stiftungsuniversität). It comprises three faculties covering Law, Business Administration and Economics, and Social and Cultural Sciences, alongside the European New School of Digital Studies.
With approximately 3,933 students (as of April 2025), of whom 1,612 (around 41 per cent) are international students from over 100 countries, Viadrina ranks among the most internationally diverse universities in Germany. It offers 35 degree programmes including 11 bachelor's and 15 master's programmes, plus 25 international double-degree options. Research strengths include Central and Eastern European studies, digitalisation, law, and European integration.
The university places strong emphasis on cross-border cooperation: its joint campus Collegium Polonicum is located across the Oder River in Słubice, Poland. Teaching is delivered in small, dialogue-oriented groups and the multilingual environment encompasses German, English, Polish, and several other European languages as working languages.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1991
- Students
- 3,933
- International
- approx. 41% (1,612 international students as of April 2025)
- Faculties
- 3
One of Germany's most international universities: ~41% international students from over 100 countries
Unique cross-border campus — Collegium Polonicum in Słubice, Poland, operated jointly with Adam Mickiewicz University Poznań
25 international double-degree programmes with partner universities worldwide
Foundation university (Stiftungsuniversität) status since 2008, granting greater institutional autonomy
Strong Central and Eastern European research focus, including dedicated Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies programme
No tuition fees for all students; low cost of living in Frankfurt (Oder) compared with other German university cities
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
No tuition fees for any students (domestic or international), with very limited exceptions. A mandatory semester contribution applies to all enrolled students: approximately €396–€403 per semester (Winter Semester 2026/27 rates), covering student union fee (~€100), student body contribution (~€19), registration fee (€51), Germany Semester Ticket (~€227), and student ID for first-year students (€6). Brandenburg state does not charge additional non-EU tuition fees.
Admission requirements
International applicants with foreign university entrance qualifications (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) apply via uni-assist e.V. for most bachelor's and selected master's programmes. Eligibility is assessed against anabin and DAAD databases. Language certificates are required depending on the programme's teaching language (German or English). Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants who require an APS certificate must obtain one before applying; the university itself does not specify this on its pages, but German consulate/visa requirements apply. Applications and enrolment are processed through the viaCampus portal. Documents not in German or English require certified translation.
Application deadlines
Bachelor's programmes — Winter Semester: 1 June to 15 July; Summer Semester: 1 December to 15 January. Master's programmes — Winter Semester: generally 1 June to 15 September; Summer Semester: generally 1 December to 15 March. Exchange/Erasmus students — Winter Semester: 15 July (EU), 31 May recommended (non-EU); Summer Semester: 15 January (EU), 30 November recommended (non-EU). Exact dates vary by programme; confirm via the viaCampus portal.
Languages of instruction
German and English are both languages of instruction. The Viadrina Language Centre offers courses from beginner to specialist level; language training is an integral part of all degree programmes. Polish and other European languages are widely used on campus.
Campuses & locations
Primary campus across several buildings in Frankfurt (Oder), including the Main Building (Große Scharrnstraße 59), Auditorium Maximum (Logenstraße 4), and Gräfin-Dönhoff-Building (Europaplatz 1)
Joint cross-border campus in Słubice, Poland (ul. Kościuszki 1), operated together with Adam Mickiewicz University Poznań
Living in Hessen
Frankfurt (Oder) is a small city in the state of Brandenburg, eastern Germany, directly on the Polish border with the twin city of Słubice across the Oder River. It offers affordable living costs relative to larger German cities, with accessible student housing on both sides of the river. The city is well connected by train to Berlin (approx. 1 hour). Its location makes it a natural hub for Central and Eastern European academic and cultural exchange.
Student life & support
The Viadrina campus is compact and internationally oriented, with students from over 100 countries creating a multilingual environment. The university runs a Viadrina Founders Center supporting entrepreneurship, a Career Center for professional development, and a Center for Knowledge and Technology Transfer. The Collegium Polonicum across the border in Słubice extends student facilities into Poland. The Germany Semester Ticket included in the semester contribution provides free regional public transport. Living costs in Frankfurt (Oder) are among the lowest of any German university city; new arrivals are advised to have approximately €500 available in cash or accessible accounts for initial expenses.
26
Accredited Programmes
18
Master
8
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
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