- Founded
- 1614
- Students
- 61
- International
- 5%
- Programmes
- 12
- Taught in English
- 10
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.
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
Key facts
- Type
- Universitäten
- Founded
- 1614
- Students
- 61
- International
- approx. 5% (winter semester 2024/25)
- Faculties
- 1
- Programmes
- 12
Study programmes
12 accredited degrees at Theologische Fakultät Paderborn, 10 of them taught in English.
Showing 1–12 of 12 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
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).
How international applicants apply
Restricted church-vocational / direct application - uni-assist and hochschulstart are NOT used. The written application for matriculation (Antrag auf Anmeldung zur Immatrikulation) is addressed to the Rektor of the faculty within the deadlines he sets - as a rule 1 September for the winter semester and 1 March for the summer semester. The state-recognised Catholic faculty (founded 1614, maintained by the Erzbischoeflicher Stuhl zu Paderborn) teaches canonically governed Magister Theologiae and Licentiate programmes plus doctorates; twelve full and two adjunct chairs; Erasmus+ incoming/exchange students follow the faculty's own Erasmus track. Contact: [email protected], Kamp 6, 33098 Paderborn.
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).
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Campuses & locations
Single campus at Kamp 6, 33098 Paderborn, including the Erzbischöfliche Akademische Bibliothek (Episcopal Academic Library)
Living in Paderborn
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.
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