- Founded
- 1971
- Students
- 18,000
- International
- 19.5%
- Programmes
- 153
- Taught in English
- 35
About Universität Bremen
Universität Bremen is a public research university founded in 1971, enrolling approximately 18,000 students across 12 faculties. It offers more than 100 bachelor's, master's, and state examination degree programmes spanning natural sciences, engineering, law, business, social sciences, and humanities. The university operates a compact, integrated campus where research, teaching, and student life share the same site.
The university holds two Clusters of Excellence active from January 2026 - "The Ocean Floor" (marine sciences, led by MARUM) and "The Martian Mindset" (cognitive science/AI) - and five interdisciplinary research priority areas. It is a member of the YUFE (Young Universities for the Future of Europe) alliance of nine European universities and cooperates closely with the University of Oldenburg through the Northwest Alliance.
Universität Bremen describes its teaching model as research-based learning, integrating current research findings directly into undergraduate and postgraduate coursework. It was designated a University of Excellence from 2012 to 2019 and ranks among Europe's top 50 universities founded less than 50 years ago.
Founded 1971; one of Germany's mid-sized public research universities with ~18,000 students across 12 faculties
Two Clusters of Excellence from January 2026: "The Ocean Floor" (marine sciences/MARUM) and "The Martian Mindset" (cognitive science/AI)
No tuition fees for any student regardless of nationality; semester contribution ~€425 covers a Germany-wide public transport ticket
Non-EU bachelor's applicants require a VPD from uni-assist; Indian applicants additionally require an APS certificate for the student visa
Member of the YUFE (Young Universities for the Future of Europe) nine-university alliance
Research-based learning model: undergraduates engage with active research from early in their studies
Key facts
- Type
- Universitäten
- Founded
- 1971
- Students
- 18,000
- International
- 19.5% international students (3,642 students from abroad; English Facts & Figures page)
- Faculties
- 12
- Programmes
- 153
Study programmes
153 accredited degrees at Universität Bremen, 35 of them taught in English.
Showing 25–48 of 153 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
Universität Bremen charges no tuition fees for bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes for any student regardless of nationality - the state of Bremen does not levy non-EU tuition surcharges. All enrolled students pay a semester contribution of approximately €425.40 per semester (WS 2025/26 figure), which covers student services (€130), AStA student union fee (€21), Germany-wide public transport semester ticket (€208.80), culture ticket (€2.60), and an administrative fee (€63). Students on leave of absence without the transport ticket pay approximately €216.60.
Admission requirements
Non-EU international applicants (Bildungsausländer:innen) for bachelor's and law programmes must obtain a Vorprüfungsdokumentation (VPD) through uni-assist before applying directly to the university. The VPD deadline is approximately 6 weeks before the university's own deadline (recommended: 6 June for winter semester, 1 December for summer semester). Master's applicants apply directly to the university without a VPD. Entry qualifications are assessed against the anabin database; applicants whose school-leaving certificate is not directly recognised may need to complete preparatory studies (Studienkolleg equivalent). Indian applicants whose prior qualification is from India must hold an APS certificate before applying for a student visa; the APS is issued by the German Embassy in New Delhi and is a consulate requirement, not a university gate in itself, but without it the visa will be refused. German language proficiency at C1 level is required for German-taught programmes (TestDaF TDN 4 in all four parts, DSH-2 or above, Goethe C1, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, or DSD II). English-taught programmes specify their own language requirements per programme.
Application deadlines
Winter semester (October start): 15 July for direct applicants; VPD via uni-assist recommended by 6 June. Summer semester (April start): 15 January for direct applicants; VPD via uni-assist recommended by 1 December. Master's programme deadlines vary by programme - check the university's master's portal for programme-specific dates. Preparatory studies applications have no fixed deadline (enrol by 31 December for winter, 30 June for summer).
How international applicants apply
uni-assist VPD required for non-EU undergraduate applicants, then application via the university's own MOIN portal. Non-EU applicants without German qualifications who apply for a bachelor's or first law/state examination degree usually need a Vorpruefungsdokumentation (VPD) from uni-assist (processing at least four weeks; valid one year), then apply with it via moin.uni-bremen.de - application and processing at the University of Bremen is free. Exceptions: graduates of a German Studienkolleg with Feststellungsprüfung certificate and holders of a German recognition notice apply directly via the online portal without VPD. Master's applicants apply directly to the University of Bremen (no VPD route described). EU citizens apply directly like German applicants. Sources: uni-bremen.de Applications from non-EU citizens / Applications from Abroad pages.
Languages of instruction
Most bachelor's and master's programmes are taught in German; C1-level German proficiency (TestDaF 16 points with minimum 3 per part, DSH-2/3, Goethe C1, or telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule) is required for German-taught programmes. A number of English-taught master's programmes are available - applicants should use the university's online course finder to identify language of instruction per programme.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Student accommodation
What Universität Bremen publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
Rooms are allocated by
Studierendenwerk Bremen
Not by the university. Apply to them directly, and expect a waiting list.
The university's housing page
Deadlines and application forms are published here, and they change every intake.
Open housing pageFrom the university
The Studierendenwerk Bremen manages student housing in the city; students are advised to apply for dormitory places early as demand is high.
Campuses & locations
Single integrated campus in the Bibliothekstraße area of Bremen, combining teaching, research, and student services in a compact layout
Living in Bremen
Bremen is a federal city-state in north-west Germany with a population of approximately 570,000, situated on the Weser river about 60 km inland from the North Sea. It is a compact, affordable, and historically rich city - best known for its medieval market square (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Schnoor quarter, and its role as a major port and trading hub. The university campus is well connected to the city centre by tram and bus, and the Germany-wide semester ticket included in the student contribution covers public transport across the entire country.
Student life & support
The Studierendenwerk Bremen manages student housing in the city; students are advised to apply for dormitory places early as demand is high. The International Office (room 0325, SFG building; consultation hours Tuesday 13:00-15:00 and Thursday 10:00-12:00) provides visa guidance, integration support, and coordinates the Kompass Study Buddy Programme, which pairs new international students with established students. The Languages Centre (SZHB) offers German language courses at all levels for degree-seeking students. The HIST Bremen programme and the Newcomer Service specifically support exchange and international degree students during orientation. The university also offers preparatory study tracks (SOLO, PALS, and the :prime programme) for students who need to reach C1 German before beginning their degree.
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