- Founded
- 1950
- Students
- 190
- International
- 4%
- Programmes
- 1
About Theologische Fakultät Trier
The Theologische Fakultät Trier is a state-recognised, pontifical ecclesiastical university (kirchliche Hochschule päpstlichen Rechts) established in 1950 by Pope Pius XII and simultaneously recognised by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. It is one of the few independent theological faculties in Germany operating outside the structure of a general university, located at the Bishop's Seminary (Bischöfliches Priesterseminar) in Trier.
The faculty is formally linked to the University of Trier through a cooperation agreement signed in 1970, enabling joint study programmes, shared research institutes, and student access to university facilities including the library and student services. It maintains close institutional ties to the Diocese of Trier.
With approximately 150-190 students, the faculty is a small, specialist institution focused entirely on Catholic theology and related interdisciplinary fields. It offers programmes ranging from the Magister Theologiae and teacher-training degrees to master's programmes in interreligious studies and theology in health and social services. The faculty publishes the academic journal Trierer Theologische Zeitschrift (TThZ) and participates in the Erasmus+ exchange programme with partner universities across Europe.
Pontifical ecclesiastical university (päpstliche Hochschule) with full doctorate and habilitation rights since 1950
One of Germany's few independent Catholic theology faculties outside a general university structure
Admission is open-access (zulassungsfrei) - no numerus clausus for any programme
Tuition-free; no additional non-EU semester fees in Rhineland-Palatinate
Cooperation agreement with University of Trier gives students access to shared programmes and university facilities
Erasmus+ partnerships with St Patrick's Pontifical University Maynooth, Université de Strasbourg, Pontifical University of John Paul II Kraków, and Catholic Private University Linz
Key facts
- Type
- Universitäten
- Founded
- 1950
- Students
- 190
- International
- ~4%
- Faculties
- 1
- Programmes
- 1
Study programmes
1 accredited degree at Theologische Fakultät Trier.
Showing 1–1 of 1 programme
Admissions & fees
What it costs
Tuition-free for all students (no programme-based tuition fees). A standard semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) is payable to the University of Trier, which covers administrative costs and the semester ticket. Rheinland-Pfalz does not charge additional non-EU fees.
Admission requirements
Admission is open (zulassungsfrei - no numerus clausus). The basic requirement is a German Hochschulreife or equivalent university entrance qualification. International applicants must obtain German language certification (DSH or equivalent) administered by the University of Trier; applicants are advised to contact the Dean of Studies (Studiendekan) before enrolling to discuss qualification recognition and language level. APS certificate is required for Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants as a prerequisite for the student visa, though the faculty itself does not administer this process. Enrolment materials must be requested from the faculty office and returned by 20 March (summer semester) or 20 September (winter semester).
Application deadlines
20 March for the summer semester (Sommersemester, starting April); 20 September for the winter semester (Wintersemester, starting October). Applications are submitted directly to the faculty office.
How international applicants apply
Not used / not documented. Application and enrolment are handled directly by the faculty: the enrolment application form is collected from (or sent to) the faculty secretariat together with certified copies of the school-leaving certificate, CV with photo, student-ID form, health insurance proof and Studierendenwerk payment receipt; admission decisions are notified in writing (deadlines 15 Mar for summer / 15 Sep for winter semester). Foreign applicants are pointed to Universitaet Trier's Student Counselling Centre pages; no uni-assist process is mentioned anywhere on the site, and the faculty is not on the uni-assist member list (Universitaet Trier is not either).
Languages of instruction
Almost all courses are taught in German. International students must demonstrate German language proficiency (DSH examination at the University of Trier) before beginning studies. Advanced degree programmes (Magister) additionally require Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Campuses & locations
Main campus; faculty is housed at the Bishop's Seminary, Universitätsring 19, 54296 Trier
Living in Trier
Trier is a city of approximately 110,000 in south-western Rhineland-Palatinate, situated on the Moselle river near the Luxembourg and French borders. It is Germany's oldest city, with a UNESCO World Heritage Roman heritage including the Porta Nigra. The city hosts two higher-education institutions: the University of Trier (approx. 12,000 students) and the Hochschule Trier. Its central European location provides easy access to Luxembourg City, Saarbrücken, and Koblenz by rail.
Student life & support
Students of the Theologische Fakultät Trier have access to the University of Trier's full student infrastructure - library, dining hall (Mensa), sports facilities, and student union (AStA). The faculty runs its own mentorship scheme, a student association (Studentische Vertretung), and an alumni network. Regular academic events include guest lectures, colloquia, and an annual academic celebration. The Erasmus+ programme supports study-abroad semesters and practical placements at partner universities in Ireland, France, Poland, and Austria.
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