Theologische Fakultät Paderborn

About Theologische Fakultät Paderborn

Theologische Fakultät Paderborn is a state-recognised ecclesiastical faculty founded in 1614, making it the oldest institution of higher education in Westphalia. It operates under the sponsorship of the Archbishopric of Paderborn and focuses exclusively on Catholic theology and philosophy, awarding Magister (theology), Licentiate, and doctoral degrees.

The faculty maintains around 15 chairs across theology and philosophy, with research and teaching emphasising contemporary understanding of Christian faith in dialogue with diverse denominations and religious traditions. Affiliated institutes include the Johann-Adam-Möhler Institut für Ökumenik, a leading centre for ecumenical research. Publications include the journals Theologie und Glaube and Catholica.

With approximately 61 enrolled students (winter semester 2024/25), the faculty is an intentionally small, specialist institution offering individual mentoring and close faculty-student relations. It is not a comprehensive university and does not offer programmes outside theology and philosophy.

Key facts

Founded: 1614
Students: 61
International: approx. 5% (winter semester 2024/25)
Faculties: 1

Founded in 1614 — oldest institution of higher learning in Westphalia

Specialist ecclesiastical faculty: Catholic theology and philosophy only

Home of the Johann-Adam-Möhler Institut für Ökumenik, a leading ecumenical research centre

Small cohort (approx. 60 students) enabling close mentoring and individual supervision

No tuition fees; semester contribution approx. €229

Erasmus+ partnerships with partner theology faculties across Europe

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

No tuition fees. Semester contribution for summer semester 2026 is €228.80 (includes a mobility/public-transit component and student organisation fee). Erasmus incoming students pay a reduced semester fee of €186.40, which includes local public transit access.

Admission requirements

Admission requires a recognised university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) or, for doctoral study, a Magister or Master's degree. Applications are submitted in writing to the Rector. Semester deadlines: 1 September for winter semester; 1 March for summer semester. Required documents include certified educational certificates, a tabular CV, a police clearance certificate, a completed student record form, and proof of health insurance. No language certificate threshold is published on the official site; instruction is in German. Erasmus incoming students are admitted by nomination from their home institution (nomination deadlines: 1 May for winter semester, 1 November for summer semester). APS certificate is required for Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants as a condition of the German student visa, regardless of the institution.

Application deadlines

Written application to the Rector: 1 September (winter semester start), 1 March (summer semester start). Erasmus nominations from home university: 1 May (winter semester), 1 November (summer semester).

Languages of instruction

Primarily German. Erasmus incoming students may receive adapted or bilingual instruction; German language courses at introductory to advanced levels available via the University of Paderborn (including pre-semester intensive options).

Campuses & locations

Kamp Campus

Single campus at Kamp 6, 33098 Paderborn, including the Erzbischöfliche Akademische Bibliothek (Episcopal Academic Library)

Living in Nordrhein-Westfalen

Paderborn is a city of approximately 150,000 inhabitants in eastern Nordrhein-Westfalen, known as a university and cathedral city. The city centre features the source springs of the Pader river, the Romanesque-Gothic Paderborn Cathedral, and a compact historic centre. It offers good public transport connections, a range of restaurants and cultural events, and easy access to the Teutoburg Forest for outdoor activities. The cost of living is moderate compared to major German cities.

Student life & support

Given the very small student body, social life at the faculty is closely connected to the Catholic University Community Paderborn (Katholische Hochschulgemeinde), which organises trips abroad, excursions, joint participation in the Katholikentag, and church services. Students benefit from individual attention from professors and a community atmosphere. Access to sports facilities, libraries, and German-language courses is available through the neighbouring University of Paderborn.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master

Magister