Leuphana Universität Lüneburg

About Leuphana Universität Lüneburg

Leuphana Universität Lüneburg is a public research university located in Lüneburg, Lower Saxony, founded in 1946 as a teacher-training college and restructured into its current interdisciplinary form from 2007 onward. As of 2024–25 it enrols approximately 9,348 students across three degree-granting divisions — the College (bachelor's), the Graduate School (master's and doctoral), and the Professional School (continuing education).

The university is organised around five Schools for Research (Education; Culture and Society; Management and Technology; Sustainability; Public Affairs) and three Schools for Teaching and Learning. Its Complementary Studies requirement — where students from all disciplines share a common curriculum — is described by the university as unique in Germany. The central campus building, designed by Daniel Libeskind and opened in 2017, is a widely cited architectural landmark.

Leuphana holds EMAS environmental certification (since 2000), has declared its campus climate-neutral (2014), and operates the only dedicated School for Sustainability in Europe according to its own institutional description. It ranked 401–500 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.

Key facts

Founded: 1946
Students: 9,348
International: ~12% international students
Faculties: 5

9,348 students (2024–25); ~12% international student share

Unique interdisciplinary Leuphana Semester model mandatory for all bachelor's students

Home to the first and only dedicated School for Sustainability in Europe

Central Building designed by Daniel Libeskind, opened 2017

Campus declared climate-neutral in 2014; EMAS certified since 2000

No tuition fees for non-EU students; semester contribution ~€453 (Summer 2026)

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

Leuphana Universität Lüneburg charges no tuition fees for bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes for both EU and non-EU students (Niedersachsen does not impose non-EU surcharges unlike Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria). The semester contribution for Summer 2026 is €452.94, covering the Studentenwerk levy (€138.00), administrative fee (€75.00), and student body contribution (€239.94) which includes a regional semester public-transport ticket (€208.80). Students who significantly exceed the standard study period (Regelstudienzeit plus six tolerance semesters) pay an additional €500 per semester.

Admission requirements

International applicants must hold a recognised university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung). EU/EEA nationals may apply directly; non-EU/EEA nationals must verify their qualification via the uni-assist eligibility checker. Recognised qualifications include the International Baccalaureate (subject to grade conditions), European Baccalaureate, and successful completion of a German Studienkolleg (Feststellungsprüfung). Indian applicants whose prior qualification is a Class XII school-leaving certificate typically require APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) before applying; this also applies to Chinese and Vietnamese applicants — check the current APS requirements at apsindia.in (India), the German Embassy Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou (China), or the APS Hanoi (Vietnam). Language of instruction determines the language requirement: German-taught programmes require DSH or TestDaF; English-taught programmes require proof of English proficiency. The college advises applicants to contact [email protected] for qualification-specific guidance. Applications are submitted via the myCampus online portal, with some nationalities routed through uni-assist.

Application deadlines

Bachelor's (College): 15 July for the winter semester (October start). Summer semester intake availability varies by programme — check individual programme pages. Master's (Graduate School): 15 August for Teacher Education programmes; other master's programmes open applications from 1 February — verify programme-specific deadlines on the Graduate School pages or contact [email protected].

Languages of instruction

The majority of bachelor's programmes are taught in German. The Graduate School offers a growing number of English-taught master's programmes, particularly in sustainability, management, and cultural studies. The International Center provides German as a Foreign Language courses including DSH preparation, and offers courses in nine additional languages (Chinese, English, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Swedish, and Self-Access Centre).

Campuses & locations

Central Campus (Rotes Feld)

Main campus featuring the Daniel Libeskind-designed Central Building (opened 2017); solar panels, organic canteen, bike-friendly infrastructure; approximately 123,791 m² total across three campus sites

Volgershall Campus

Secondary campus in Lüneburg

Living in Niedersachsen

Lüneburg is a mid-sized city of approximately 77,000 inhabitants in Lower Saxony, about 50 km south-east of Hamburg. It is known for its well-preserved medieval Hanseatic old town, salt-trading heritage, and the Lüneburger Heide nature reserve. The city is compact and highly cycle-friendly; the semester ticket included in the student contribution covers regional public transport. Hamburg is reachable in under an hour by train, providing access to a major international airport and broader cultural amenities.

Student life & support

The International Center ([email protected]) supports incoming international students with visa and residence permit guidance, accommodation search assistance, and orientation programmes. On-campus housing is available through the Studentenwerk; early application is advised. German language courses — including intensive formats and DSH exam preparation — are offered through the Self-Access Language Centre (SLZ). The campus features a canteen, café, library, group study rooms, beach volleyball courts, and music rooms. Student-run cultural activities including film screenings, exhibitions, and concerts are coordinated by the AStA student government and the cultural office.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

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Accredited Programmes

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

Master