- Founded
- 1948
- Students
- 16,300
- International
- 24%
- Programmes
- 102
- Taught in English
- 32
About Universität des Saarlandes
Saarland University (Universität des Saarlandes) was founded in November 1948 as a bilingual German-French institution, reflecting the cross-border character of the Saarland region. It has grown into a comprehensive research university with around 16,300 students across six faculties, covering natural sciences, engineering, medicine, humanities, law, and social sciences.
The university holds a strong international reputation, particularly in computer science and informatics, nano- and life sciences, and European studies. It hosts two Max Planck institutes, two Leibniz institutes, two Fraunhofer institutes, and Helmholtz research facilities on or near its campus, providing exceptional research infrastructure. Approximately 24% of students are international, one of the highest shares among medium-sized German universities.
The university maintains an extensive network of 550 partner institutions across 52 countries, with especially deep ties to France (41 French partners). It offers 29 international degree programmes, many leading to double or triple degrees in cooperation with European partner universities.
Founded in 1948 as a bilingual German-French university - one of Germany's most internationally oriented institutions
~24% international student share (WS 2025/26), significantly above the German national average of ~17%
India is the largest non-EU sender country with 658 students enrolled
Hosts two Max Planck institutes, two Leibniz institutes, and two Fraunhofer institutes on or near campus
No tuition fees for bachelor's and consecutive master's students of any nationality; semester contribution €412.30 (WS 2026/27) includes a nationwide travel ticket
550 partner universities in 52 countries; 29 international degree programmes with double or triple degree options
Key facts
- Type
- Universitäten
- Founded
- 1948
- Students
- 16,300
- International
- About one quarter international - official Zahlen und Fakten page states roughly 24% of ~16,300 students come from abroad (national average around 17%)
- Faculties
- 6
- Programmes
- 102
Study programmes
102 accredited degrees at Universität des Saarlandes, 32 of them taught in English.
Showing 1–24 of 102 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
Saarland University charges no tuition fees for first-degree (bachelor's) and consecutive master's programmes, regardless of nationality. All enrolled students pay a semester contribution of €412.30 (WS 2026/27), which covers student services, an administrative charge, AStA fees, and a Deutschland-wide student travel ticket (Semesterticket). Non-consecutive or advanced professional programmes may incur separate tuition; consult the university's fee schedule for those cases.
Admission requirements
International applicants from non-EU/EEA countries apply through the uni-assist platform for credential verification. The university accepts students from over 120 countries across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, as well as exchange and preparatory programmes. For German-taught bachelor's programmes: German language proficiency at DSH-2 or equivalent (TestDaF TDN 4 in all parts) is required. Academic credentials are assessed via uni-assist; applicants from countries requiring the APS certificate (India, China, Vietnam) must present a valid APS certificate as part of their application. An international foundation programme (VSI/Studienkolleg pathway) and preparatory German language courses are available for applicants who do not yet meet direct entry requirements. For master's programmes: requirements vary by programme; applicants should consult the specific programme's website for language requirements, GPA thresholds, and deadlines. Application is generally handled through the university's SIM portal or uni-assist depending on the programme.
Application deadlines
Application deadlines vary by programme and are published on individual programme pages. Master's programme deadlines differ per course. Prospective students should check the specific programme website or contact the Admissions Office ([email protected], +49 681 302-5491) for current deadlines. The university lists deadline updates under its application news section.
How international applicants apply
uni-assist VPD required, then application via Saarland University's SIM portal. uni-assist checks documents of international applicants who did not acquire their higher education entrance qualification in Germany and issues preliminary review documentation (VPD) confirming eligibility for direct undergraduate access (or recommending Studienkolleg). After receiving the VPD, applicants must apply to Saarland University via the SIM application portal by the deadline - deadlines are strict, no uploads after expiry; uni-assist requests take four to six weeks, so apply early. The admission decision is taken by Saarland University itself, not uni-assist. A five percent quota on restricted-entry programmes is reserved for non-EU/EEA applicants. Some English-taught programmes (e.g. Computer Science B.Sc., Cybersecurity B.Sc., Franco-German Studies, Droit francais et allemand) have separate procedures. Sources: uni-saarland.de 'Preliminary review documentation from uni-assist', FAQ and restricted-entry pages.
Languages of instruction
Most undergraduate programmes are taught in German. German language proficiency at DSH-2 level (or equivalent: TestDaF TDN 4 in all parts, Goethe-Zertifikat C2, KMK Deutsches Sprachdiplom Stufe II) is required for German-taught programmes. A growing number of master's programmes are taught in English; individual programme pages list the specific language of instruction. The Telc C1 certificate is explicitly not accepted as a German proficiency proof.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Scholarships at Universität des Saarlandes
2 schemes run or administered by the university. Always confirm current amounts and deadlines on the official page.
Deutschlandstipendium at Saarland University
National scholarship programme for students at Saarland University. Open to enrolled bachelor and master students as well as appli...
Amount: EUR 300 per month
Deadline: 1 June - 30 June annually via the StudienStiftungSaar online portal (r...
bachelor, master
SaarlandStipendium (StudienStiftungSaar)
Scholarship of the Saarland regional student foundation offering financial support for one semester or one year together with idea...
Amount: Financial support for one semester or one year (amount set by the foun...
Deadline: Per the foundation's calls via its applicant portal
bachelor, master
Student accommodation
What Universität des Saarlandes publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
From the university
The Welcome Center and the Centre for International Students provide dedicated support for newly arriving international students, covering housing guidance, orientation, and integration into campus and city life. Student housing is available through the Studierendenwerk (student union).
Campuses & locations
Main campus; location of most faculties, central administration, and student services
Faculty of Medicine; university medical centre
Additional campus location
Additional campus location
Living in Saarbrücken
Saarbrücken is the capital of the Saarland state in southwest Germany, situated on the French border. It is a compact, affordable city with a strong Franco-German cultural character. The cost of living is lower than in major German cities, making it attractive for international students. Saarbrücken is well connected by rail to major cities including Frankfurt, Paris (via TGV from nearby Forbach), and Luxembourg.
Student life & support
The Welcome Center and the Centre for International Students provide dedicated support for newly arriving international students, covering housing guidance, orientation, and integration into campus and city life. The International Study Centre Saar (ISZ Saar) offers German language courses at various levels - including intensive courses for Erasmus students and specialist courses for doctoral researchers - as well as a tandem language-exchange programme. Student housing is available through the Studierendenwerk (student union). The university's strong international character (24% international students) means English is widely spoken on campus, though basic German is strongly recommended for daily life in Saarbrücken.
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