- Founded
- 1419
- Students
- 14,000
- International
- 10.6%
- Programmes
- 164
- Taught in English
- 5
About Universität Rostock
Universität Rostock, founded in 1419, is the oldest university in the Baltic Sea region and one of the oldest in the German-speaking world. It is a comprehensive research university located in the Hanseatic city of Rostock in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, offering more than 170 degree programmes across the natural sciences, engineering, medicine, humanities, economics, and law.
The university has approximately 14,000 enrolled students and around 2,933 staff members. Research is organised around four profile lines: Life, Light and Matter; Maritime Systems; Ageing of Individuals and Society; and Knowledge - Culture - Transformation. The institution holds a Family-Friendly University certificate and participates in the HRK audit for internationalisation.
Founded in 1419 - the oldest university in the Baltic Sea region
More than 170 degree programmes across six major subject areas
Approximately 14,000 enrolled students
No tuition fees for any nationality at this public university in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Four research profile lines including Maritime Systems and Ageing Science
Rostock International House provides dedicated support for incoming international students
Key facts
- Type
- Universitäten
- Founded
- 1419
- Students
- 14,000
- International
- ~10.6%
- Faculties
- 9
- Programmes
- 164
Study programmes
164 accredited degrees at Universität Rostock, 5 of them taught in English.
Showing 97–120 of 164 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
Universität Rostock is a public university in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. There are no tuition fees for undergraduate and consecutive master's programmes for any nationality. A semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) is charged each semester; the exact current amount is not published on the English-language pages and should be confirmed with the Student Service Centre at +49 381 498-1230. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern does not levy additional non-EU student fees (unlike Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria).
Admission requirements
International applicants must first verify that their foreign school-leaving or bachelor's qualification is recognised for German university admission via the anabin database (kmk.org/anabin). Applicants whose qualification does not directly qualify may be required to complete a Studienkolleg (preparatory year ending with the Feststellungsprüfung); the nearest public Studienkollegs are in Hamburg and Wismar. For German-taught programmes, accepted language certificates include TestDaF (minimum TDN 3 per section for B2-level programmes; 16+ points for C1-level programmes), DSH 1-3, Goethe Certificate B2/C1, telc B2/C1, and DSD II. Applicants from India, China (incl. Hong Kong and Macau), and Vietnam must obtain an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate from the German Embassy before applying; this is a consular requirement that must be fulfilled prior to the student visa application. Applications for admission-restricted programmes close on 15 July (winter semester). Enrolment in unrestricted programmes is possible until 30 September. Summer semester deadlines are not explicitly published on the English site; prospective students should confirm with the Student Service Centre.
Application deadlines
Winter semester (October start): applications for admission-restricted programmes by 15 July; enrolment in unrestricted programmes by 30 September. Summer semester deadlines are not published on the English site - contact the Student Service Centre to confirm.
How international applicants apply
uni-assist (full processing): international applicants with a foreign HZB - from EU/EEA and non-EU alike - send their grundstaendig (Bachelor/Staatsexamen) application to uni-assist; applicants entering a higher subject semester apply directly to the university instead. Master applicants whose previous studies were at a foreign university must also apply via UNI-ASSIST by the deadlines. Rostock appears on uni-assist's official member list.
Languages of instruction
The majority of degree programmes are taught in German. An increasing number of master's programmes and some doctoral tracks are available in English. The Language Centre (Sprachenzentrum) offers preparatory and accompanying German courses. For German-taught programmes, applicants must provide proof of German proficiency (TestDaF, DSH, Goethe, telc or DSD II). English-taught programmes require proof of English proficiency; specific score requirements vary by programme.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Scholarships at Universität Rostock
1 scheme run or administered by the university. Always confirm current amounts and deadlines on the official page.
Student accommodation
What Universität Rostock publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
The university's housing page
Deadlines and application forms are published here, and they change every intake.
Open housing pageRoom types mentioned
What that page describes. Availability varies by intake.
From the university
Student accommodation is available through the Studentenwerk; dining is provided via university refectories (Mensen) on campus.
Campuses & locations
Core academic buildings, International Office (Rostock International House) at Kröpeliner Straße 29, and Student Service Centre at Ulmenstraße 69
Close proximity to the Baltic Sea resort district; relevant for Maritime Systems research
Living in Rostock
Rostock is a Hanseatic port city of approximately 210,000 inhabitants on the Baltic Sea coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It is the largest city in the state and a centre of maritime industry and trade. The Kröpeliner-Tor-Vorstadt district near the university is known for its cafés, pubs, and student life. The seaside resort of Warnemünde, with direct Baltic Sea beach access, is reachable in about 20 minutes by tram. The cost of living is notably lower than in Hamburg, Berlin, or Munich.
Student life & support
The Rostock International House (housed in the International Office at Kröpeliner Straße 29) provides centralised support for incoming international degree students, including an orientation week for new arrivals. A Welcome Center supports international researchers and PhD students separately. The university Language Centre offers German courses at various levels. Student accommodation is available through the Studentenwerk; dining is provided via university refectories (Mensen) on campus. The university runs an active programme of sports, cultural events, and student clubs. The Student Service Centre (Ulmenstraße 69, Mon-Thu 09:00-17:00, Fri 09:00-13:00) handles enrolment and administrative queries.
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