Universität Bielefeld

Nordrhein-Westfalen does not charge tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students (unlike Baden-Württemberg, which charges €1,500 per semester for non-EU students). Students at Universität Bielefeld pay only the semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag), which covers the NRW public transport semester ticket (Semesterticket) and contributions to the Studierendenwerk Bielefeld (student services organisation) and the AStA student union. The exact semester contribution amount should be confirmed on the university's enrolment and fees pages at the time of application, as it is revised each semester.

International applicants must hold a recognised higher education entrance qualification. The university assesses foreign qualifications against the anabin database maintained by the KMK; applicants from countries whose qualifications require individual assessment are directed to uni-assist for document verification. Applicants from India, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), and Vietnam whose prior qualification was obtained in those countries must obtain an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate before applying — this is a requirement of the German visa process and is checked at enrollment. German-taught programmes require a recognised German language certificate (TestDaF, DSH, Goethe C1, or equivalent); English-taught programmes specify their own language requirements (typically IELTS 6.5 or equivalent). Specific admission requirements vary by programme and are published in the respective programme regulations (Prüfungsordnung).

Applications open from 1–15 June 2026 for winter semester 2026/27 (as noted on the university homepage at time of research). Exact deadlines for winter semester (beginning October) and summer semester (beginning April) vary by programme — restricted-admission programmes (NC-Fächer) and unrestricted-admission programmes have different closing dates. International applicants applying via uni-assist typically face earlier deadlines than domestic applicants. Confirm current deadlines on the university's Termine und Fristen page or through the respective programme's application portal.

Most undergraduate and many graduate programmes are taught in German. The university also offers English-taught and multilingual master's programmes, Double Degree programmes, and International Track degree programmes. Prospective students should verify the language of instruction for their specific programme in the electronic course catalogue (eKVV), which provides a dedicated filter for courses taught in English.