About Universität Erfurt
The University of Erfurt is a small, humanities- and social-science-focused public university located in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia. It was refounded in 1994 and has developed an explicit profile in cultural and social studies, with research concentrated on three themes: education and behaviour; religion, society and world relations; and knowledge, spaces and media.
As of October 2025, the university enrols approximately 5,606 students across 52 degree programmes, making it one of the smaller German public universities. Its academic community includes 483 doctoral candidates and 105 professors. Alongside its four faculties, it hosts the Max-Weber-Kolleg — a combined Institute for Advanced Study and Graduate School — and two professional schools: the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy and the Erfurt School of Education.
The university occupies a single main campus at Nordhäuser Str. 63 in Erfurt and emphasises short distances between departments and direct academic communication as an institutional strength.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1994
- Students
- 5,606
- International
- 528 international students (2024)
- Faculties
- 4
Approximately 5,606 students (Oct 2025) — one of Germany's smaller public universities, offering direct faculty access
Refounded 1994 with an explicit cultural and social science profile across four faculties
Hosts the Max-Weber-Kolleg, a combined Institute for Advanced Study and Graduate School with international fellows
Houses the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, a professional school modelled on American public policy schools
No tuition fees for EU and non-EU students in standard bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes (Thuringia state)
Single consolidated campus in Erfurt city centre with short interdisciplinary distances
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
As a public university in Thuringia, the University of Erfurt charges no tuition fees for undergraduate and consecutive master's programmes for both EU and non-EU students. A semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) covering administrative costs and the semester ticket for public transport is due each semester; the exact current amount should be confirmed on the university's fees page as it is updated each academic year.
Admission requirements
Degree-seeking international applicants must hold a qualification recognised for university admission in Germany (check anabin for institution status). German-taught programmes require a recognised German language certificate (typically DSH or TestDaF TDN 4); requirements for individual programmes should be verified on the programme page. Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants whose highest qualification was awarded in those countries must obtain an APS certificate before applying. Application and enrolment is handled via the university's online portal; specific deadlines by programme are published on the university's application pages. Prospective students are advised to contact the International Office ([email protected]) for guidance on their individual pathway.
Languages of instruction
The majority of degree programmes are taught in German. The Willy Brandt School of Public Policy and the Max-Weber-Kolleg conduct significant activity in English and host international fellows; prospective students should verify language requirements for individual programmes directly with the relevant school. The Language Centre offers German courses for incoming students.
Campuses & locations
Nordhäuser Str. 63, 99089 Erfurt — single consolidated campus housing all four faculties and central administration
Living in Thüringen
Erfurt is the capital and largest city of the federal state of Thuringia in central Germany, with approximately 216,000 residents. It is historically significant as a medieval trading city and home to one of Germany's oldest universities (original medieval foundation, later refounded 1994). The city is known for its well-preserved old town, the Krämerbrücke (medieval shopkeepers' bridge), and Erfurt Cathedral. It is well connected by rail to Leipzig, Weimar, and Frankfurt, with a cost of living that is generally lower than in western German cities.
Student life & support
The International Office (located in the Administration Building, Alfred-Weber-Platz 1) provides dedicated support for incoming students during office hours Monday to Thursday, 13:30–15:00, and by appointment. A structured Buddy Programme pairs international students with local peers to assist with arrival and settling in. The Language Centre offers German courses and facilitates a Tandem Programme for peer language exchange. A community space called Café International and a Swap Shop are available for social integration. Housing assistance is provided through the university's counselling services; students typically seek accommodation through the Studentenwerk Thüringen. An international Moodle-based community forum covers practical topics including residence permits, banking, and employment.
22
Accredited Programmes
21
Master
1
Magister
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