Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule Sankt Georgen Frankfurt am Main

Hessen, Germany

About Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule Sankt Georgen Frankfur

The Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule Sankt Georgen is a small, state-recognised private university in Frankfurt am Main, operated under the sponsorship of the Jesuit order. Founded on 25 October 1926, it offers academically rigorous programmes in Catholic theology and philosophy at bachelor's, master's (Magister), licentiate, and doctoral level.

The institution functions simultaneously as an international study and research community and as a formation centre for the wider Church — it is affiliated with an interdiocesanal seminary and a Jesuit community on the same campus. Eight specialised research institutes are embedded in the school, covering areas such as world church and mission (Institut für Weltkirche und Mission), philosophy (Institut für Philosophie), Christian–Islamic dialogue (CIBEDO), and business and social ethics (Oswald von Nell-Breuning-Institut).

With roughly 226 enrolled students (WS 2024/25 preliminary figures) and a staff–student ratio of approximately 14 students per professor, Sankt Georgen is intentionally small. About 19.5 % of the student body are international students. The working language is German; a limited number of programmes and events are offered in English.

Key facts

Founded: 1926
Students: 226
International: approx. 19.5% (WS 2022 data)

Jesuit-run specialised university with nearly a century of Catholic philosophy and theology formation (founded 1926)

Eight embedded research institutes including CIBEDO (Christian-Islamic dialogue) and the Nell-Breuning social-ethics institute

Very low staff–student ratio (~14 students per professor) enabling close academic supervision

Approximately 19.5% international students, positioning it as a genuinely international theological study community

Semester ticket included in fees covering Rhine-Main public transport network

Affiliated interdiocesanal seminary and Jesuit community on the same Frankfurt campus

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

No tuition fees in the German public sense. Students pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) covering administrative and student body fees. For WS 2026/27: Magister/advanced programmes approx. €386/semester (includes €226.80 Deutschlandsemesterticket for Rhine-Main public transport); Bachelor programmes approx. €159.20/semester (no semester ticket included). No separate non-EU surcharge is listed. Monthly living costs estimated by the institution at approx. €1,200 (rent, food, health insurance, materials).

Admission requirements

International applicants must hold a university entrance qualification recognised in Germany (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung). Fachhochschulreife does NOT qualify for the theology Magister programme — full Abitur or equivalent is required. Catholic Church membership is generally expected; exceptions require rector approval. German language proficiency at C1 level is mandatory: DSH 2 or TestDaF TDN 4 (all four sections). Certified copies of all academic documents with official translations into German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese are required. For the Magister in Theology, proficiency in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew is compulsory (can partly be completed during studies). APS certificate is not mentioned in the institution's own admission guidance; given the highly specialised, church-run nature of the institution, applicants from India/China/Vietnam should contact the admissions office to confirm whether APS is required by their visa consulate. Enrolment requires an in-person visit during official enrolment windows (typically February, April, July, October). Online pre-application at georgius.sankt-georgen.de/imma/.

Application deadlines

Enrolment windows occur four times per year: February, April, July, and October. Exact re-registration deadlines are published each semester; fees must be received at least two banking days before the enrolment date. International applicants are advised to apply as early as possible.

Languages of instruction

Primarily German. C1 German (DSH 2 or TestDaF TDN 4 in all four sections) required for admission. Some postgraduate courses and research activities in English.

Campuses & locations

Offenbacher Landstraße Campus

Single campus at Offenbacher Landstr. 224, 60599 Frankfurt am Main. Includes library, seminary church, Byzantine chapel, dining hall, and park.

Living in Hessen

Frankfurt am Main is Germany's financial capital and a major European transport hub, home to the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, and Frankfurt Airport (FRA) — one of Europe's busiest. The city has a sizeable international community and a lively cultural scene (Museumsufer, opera, Städel museum). Public transport is excellent; the Rhine-Main semester ticket included in the Semesterbeitrag covers trains and buses across the wider region. Cost of living is above the German average, particularly for accommodation.

Student life & support

Campus life is closely interwoven with the affiliated Jesuit community and seminary. Weekly liturgy, spiritual direction, and pastoral formation events are available. The AStA (student union) assists with housing searches; seminary rooms are available for priesthood candidates only. A library, music programme, and cultural spaces are on campus. The institution holds an annual open information day in late January. Given the small student body, community life is intimate and theology-focused rather than a typical large-university experience.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

Magister