About Universität Greifswald
Universität Greifswald (University of Greifswald) was founded in 1456, making it one of the oldest universities in Germany and the Baltic Sea region. The university is a full, state-funded public research university in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, organised across five faculties: Medicine, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Law and Economics, and Theology.
For the winter semester 2024/25, a total of 9,868 students were enrolled, of whom 878 were international students from more than 100 countries. The university maintains exchange partnerships with more than 200 universities worldwide and offers 131 degree courses including several English-taught master's programmes.
Research at Greifswald is structured around three interdisciplinary domains addressing environmental, health, and societal challenges. The university collaborates closely with four major non-university research institutions: the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP), the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), and the Helmholtz Institute for One Health (HIOH).
Key facts
- Founded
- 1456
- Students
- 9,868
- International
- 878 international students (~8.9% of total, WS 2024/25)
- Faculties
- 5
Founded in 1456 — one of the oldest universities in Germany and the oldest former Swedish university
No tuition fees for any students, including non-EU nationals; semester contribution ~€110–135
9,868 students enrolled (WS 2024/25), giving an exceptionally low student-to-city-population ratio and small seminar groups
Six English-taught master's programmes in STEM and humanities (Data Science, Earth Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, Biodiversity, Baltic History)
Collaborates with four major non-university research institutes including Max Planck and Leibniz institutions
Located on the Baltic Sea coast — direct access to islands Rügen and Usedom; Berlin reachable in under two hours
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
No tuition fees are charged — Mecklenburg-Vorpommern does not levy tuition fees for any students, including non-EU nationals. Students pay a semester contribution of €135 on first enrolment and €110 per semester on re-registration. This contribution covers a student-body fee (€11), a student-services fee (€93), and an administrative enrolment or re-registration fee. The semester contribution is not tuition; it entitles students to subsidised Mensa (canteen) meals and Studentenwerk services.
Admission requirements
International applicants must hold a school-leaving certificate or prior degree recognised as equivalent to German university-entrance qualifications. Applicants from India, China (including HK and Macau), and Vietnam are required to obtain an APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) before applying. German-taught programmes require proof of German language proficiency (DSH-2 or equivalent TestDaF TDN 4); English-taught master's programmes specify their own language requirements individually. Applicants without numerus clausus restrictions apply directly; locally restricted programmes (including medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry) have stricter admission criteria and earlier deadlines. International students who do not hold recognised German credentials must apply through the International Office. The university's Language Centre offers a DSH preparation course.
Application deadlines
Winter semester (starts 1 October): locally restricted programmes — 15 July; medicine/pharmacy/dentistry (standard) — 15 July; unrestricted programmes — late September (e.g. 26 September 2025 for WS 2025/26). Summer semester (starts 1 April): locally restricted programmes — 15 January; unrestricted programmes — late March (e.g. 27 March 2026 for SS 2026). International students without German credentials should contact the International Office as separate deadlines may apply.
Languages of instruction
Most bachelor's programmes and all state-examination programmes (law, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, teaching) are taught in German and require strong German proficiency. The university offers several English-taught master's programmes: M.Sc. Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution; M.Sc. Data Science; M.Sc. Earth Sciences & Global Change; M.A. History and Culture of the Baltic Sea Region; M.Sc. Mathematics; and M.Sc. Physics. A DSH German language preparatory course is available on campus for international students who need to meet the German language entry requirement.
Campuses & locations
City centre campus, main administrative hub
Science and natural sciences area
Medicine and life sciences area
Biomedical and research institute area
Living in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Greifswald is a small university city of approximately 60,000 inhabitants on the Baltic Sea coast of north-eastern Germany, in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The city borders two Baltic Sea islands, Rügen and Usedom, providing beach and water-sports access. Berlin is reachable by train in under two hours. The historic city centre features Hanseatic brick-Gothic architecture and is compact and bicycle-friendly, with a distinctly student-shaped character given the university's size relative to the city population.
Student life & support
The Welcome Centre at the International Office (Domstraße 8) supports newly arriving international students with registration, housing, and legal and social questions. The International Guesthouse (IBZ) provides short-term accommodation for incoming students and researchers. The Studentenwerk Greifswald manages several halls of residence (Wohnheime) at affordable rents. The Language Centre offers German and other language courses; a DSH preparatory course is available for students who need to meet German-language entry requirements. Monthly International Stammtisch evenings and International Brunches are organised by the International Office to help international students build community. The university sport programme covers beach volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and a wide range of other activities.
47
Accredited Programmes
14
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
32
Master
1
Other
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