About Universität Passau
Universität Passau is a mid-sized public research university in southeastern Bavaria, founded in 1978. As of Summer 2026 it enrols 9,952 students across five faculties spanning law, social and educational sciences, humanities, business and information systems, and computer science and mathematics. The university consistently ranks among the top 30% of universities worldwide and receives top CHE Ranking marks particularly in law and information systems.
The university is notable for its strong internationality: 1,838 students (approximately 18% of the student body) come from more than 50 countries. India is one of the top five source countries, alongside Austria, Turkey, Tunisia, and Pakistan. The university maintains partnerships with more than 327 universities worldwide and offers international double-degree programmes with institutions across Europe, India, and the USA.
Passau's academic profile is organised around four strategic research domains: Digital Platforms, Cybersecurity and Data Protection, Resilient Democracies, and AI and Language. Both bachelor's and master's programmes are available, with a growing number taught in English, especially at master's level.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1978
- Students
- 9,952
- International
- ~18% (1,838 international students as of Summer 2026)
- Faculties
- 5
Founded 1978; enrols 9,952 students (Summer 2026), of whom ~18% are international
India is among the top five student-origin countries, with 140 Indian students enrolled
Five faculties; top CHE Ranking results in law and information systems (2026)
Over 327 international partner universities; international double-degree programmes with institutions in India, Europe, and the USA
Growing portfolio of English-taught master's programmes in AI, business, and development studies
Compact single-campus city university at the confluence of three rivers; close to Austria and Czech Republic
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
Universität Passau is a Bavarian public university. Tuition is not charged for standard consecutive bachelor's and master's programmes. All enrolled students pay a mandatory semester contribution of €126.90 per semester (Winter 2026/27 figure), which covers the Studentenwerk fee (€82.00) and a public-transport semester bus pass (€44.90). No additional non-EU surcharge is listed on the official fees page; however, Bavaria introduced fees for non-EU students starting WS 2025/26 for certain programmes — applicants should verify the current fee status for their specific programme directly with the university's Student Registration Office.
Admission requirements
International applicants must hold a recognised university entrance qualification equivalent to the German Abitur (for bachelor's) or a completed bachelor's degree in a relevant field (for master's). German-taught programmes require proof of German language proficiency (typically DSH-2 or TestDaF TDN 4); English-taught programmes require proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL — exact thresholds vary by programme). Applicants from India, China, and Vietnam whose prior qualifications were obtained in those countries must additionally hold a valid APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate before the visa application; this is a German Embassy requirement and is not waived by the university. Individual programme pages and the university's personalised application guide at uni-passau.de/en/apply provide applicant-specific requirements.
Languages of instruction
The majority of bachelor's programmes are taught in German. Two bachelor's programmes are fully English-taught: B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence and B.Sc. Mathematics. At master's level a significant share of programmes is English-taught, including M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence Engineering, M.Sc. Business Administration, and M.A. Development Studies, among others. German-taught master's programmes are also offered. Students are advised to check the language of instruction for each individual programme.
Campuses & locations
Single campus city university located along the Inn river in central Passau
Living in Bayern
Passau is a city of approximately 50,000 residents in southeastern Bavaria, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, close to the Austrian and Czech borders. Its location is often described as midway between Munich, Prague, and Vienna. The city has a characteristic peninsular layout with Baroque architecture that has earned it the informal nickname 'Bavaria's Venice'. The student population of roughly 11,000 gives the city a lively university-town atmosphere within a compact and navigable setting.
Student life & support
The International Office ([email protected]) provides support for incoming degree-seeking and exchange students, including orientation weeks, the iStudi Coach mentoring programme, and a Welcome Centre for newly arriving academics and students. German language instruction is available through German Courses Passau (GCP), the university's own language programme. Student housing is managed in cooperation with the Studentenwerk; prospective students are advised to apply for Studentenwerk dormitory places early. The semester contribution includes a public-transport bus pass covering local travel within the city.
44
Accredited Programmes
17
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
26
Master
1
Other
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