Universität Kassel

Universität Kassel is a public university in Hessen and charges no tuition fees for bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes, regardless of nationality (EU or non-EU). The university does not apply the non-EU surcharge that Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria imposes. All enrolled students pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of €409.27 per semester (WS 2025/26 figure), which covers student services (Studierendenwerk), a Germany-wide public transport semester ticket (€226.80), student council (AStA), bike-sharing, cultural ticket, and administrative costs. Exchange students are exempt from the €50 administrative cost portion, paying €359.27. Eight fee-based postgraduate (non-consecutive) master's programmes exist and charge separate tuition — check individual programme pages for those amounts.

International applicants must hold a school-leaving or university qualification recognised as equivalent to the German Hochschulreife or a bachelor's degree. Admission requirements vary by programme type. For German-taught programmes, proof of German language proficiency is required — typically TestDaF (TDN 4 in all four parts), DSH-2, or equivalent Goethe/telc certificate at C1 level. English-taught master's programmes generally require IELTS (around 6.5 overall) or TOEFL iBT (approximately 90+), depending on the programme. Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants applying to degree programmes must present a valid APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) as part of the visa and enrolment process. Specific admission requirements are published per programme at www.uni-kassel.de/uni/en/study/all-degree-programmes.html. Applicants are advised to contact the International Office or "Information Studium" for programme-specific queries.

Application deadlines are programme-specific and vary between restricted-admission (Numerus Clausus, NC) and open-admission programmes. As a general reference for Hessen public universities: winter semester (October start) applications typically close around 15 July for restricted programmes via hochschulstart.de or the university's own portal; summer semester (April start) applications typically close around 15 January. International applicants are strongly advised to check deadlines directly on the university's application portal or contact "Information Studium" well in advance, as some programmes do not offer summer intake.

The primary language of instruction is German. The university offers a growing number of English-taught master's programmes, particularly in STEM and sustainability-related fields. Prospective students should check individual programme pages for the language of instruction, as the majority of bachelor's programmes are German-taught.