About Universität zu Lübeck
Universität zu Lübeck is a specialised life-science university in northern Germany, founded in 1964 as the Medical Academy Lübeck. It has developed into a focused research university organised around three sections — Medicine, Computer Science/Engineering, and Natural Sciences — with approximately 6,187 students and 151 professors as of the most recently published figures.
The university's defining characteristic is the close interdisciplinary integration of medicine, computer science, and the natural sciences under the motto "Im Focus das Leben" (Life in Focus). Research clusters include infection and inflammation, brain/hormones/behaviour, biomedical engineering, and intelligent systems. CHE rankings have placed its medicine section and molecular life sciences/informatics among the leading programmes in German-speaking countries.
Universität zu Lübeck offers 35 study programmes across its subject areas, including eight English-taught Master's programmes specifically designed for international applicants. Non-EU students apply via uni-assist and are supported by a dedicated International Office.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1964
- Students
- 6,187
- Faculties
- 3
Founded 1964; one of Germany's most specialised life-science universities with ~6,200 students and 151 professors
Three tightly integrated sections: Medicine, Computer Science/Engineering, and Natural Sciences
35 study programmes including 8 fully English-taught Master's programmes (AI, Biomedical Engineering, IT Security, Infection Biology, Medical Microtechnology, Molecular Life Science, Nutritional Medicine, Robotics and Autonomous Systems)
CHE-ranked among top programmes in German-speaking countries for medicine and molecular life sciences/informatics
Ranked among the top five German universities for university-industry knowledge transfer
No tuition fees for non-EU students (Schleswig-Holstein public university); non-EU applicants apply via uni-assist
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
Schleswig-Holstein does not charge tuition fees for non-EU students at public universities. Students pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) each semester; the exact current amount is not published on the official pages reviewed and should be confirmed directly with the Student Service Centre ([email protected]). The semester contribution typically covers the student union, administrative fees, and a Germany-wide semester transport ticket (Deutschlandticket Semester).
Admission requirements
International (non-EU) applicants must apply through uni-assist. Entry qualifications are assessed against German recognition standards; applicants whose prior institution holds H+ status on the KMK anabin database may apply directly for Master's programmes. For Bachelor's programmes in medicine and most science/engineering fields, a German-language qualification or a recognised equivalent (e.g. Feststellungsprüfung / Studienkolleg) is typically required. Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants are required to hold a valid APS certificate before the visa can be issued; this is a consular requirement, not a university-specific one. Language requirements for English-taught Master's programmes are set per programme — prospective students should confirm with the International Office or individual programme pages. For German-taught programmes, TestDaF or DSH certification at the required level is needed. The International Office (contact: [email protected]) is the primary point of contact for non-EU applicants.
Application deadlines
Non-EU applicants via uni-assist: Summer Semester 2026 — 1 November 2025 to 15 January 2026; Winter Semester 2026/27 — 15 February 2026 to 1 April 2026. Deadlines for EU/German applicants and direct applicants differ; check the university's application portal at uzl.hispro.de for programme-specific cut-offs.
Languages of instruction
German is the primary language of instruction for most Bachelor's and consecutive Master's programmes. Eight Master's programmes are fully taught in English: Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering, IT Security, Infection Biology, Medical Microtechnology, Molecular Life Science, Nutritional Medicine, and Robotics and Autonomous Systems. German-language courses and a language-exchange (Studi-Tandem) programme are available for international students.
Campuses & locations
Single central campus at Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck; adjacent to Carlebachpark with short walking distances between buildings.
Living in Schleswig-Holstein
Lübeck is a UNESCO World Heritage Hanseatic city of approximately 230,000 residents in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany. The medieval brick-gothic Old Town and the landmark Holstentor gate sit at the city centre. Hamburg is reachable in roughly 45 minutes by train. The surrounding region offers 83 nature reserves, the Baltic Sea coast, and inland waterways on the Trave and Wakenitz rivers. Cultural highlights include the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival and the Nordic Film Days Lübeck.
Student life & support
The International Office ([email protected]) provides dedicated support for incoming international students, including orientation, visa guidance, and integration assistance. German language courses are offered on campus, and the Studi-Tandem platform facilitates language exchange partnerships between international and local students. Student accommodation is available through an international guesthouse; further housing resources are coordinated via the Studentenwerk. The university sports department offers approximately 100 course types. Students enrolled at Universität zu Lübeck can attend Lübeck's municipal theatre free of charge, and a reduced-rate Germany Semester Ticket (Deutschlandticket) is included in the semester contribution for public transport.
38
Accredited Programmes
17
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
21
Master
More universities in Schleswig-Holstein
View all in Schleswig-Holstein →Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
Universitäten · 193 programmes
Duale Hochschule Schleswig-Holstein - staatlich anerkannte Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften in Trägerschaft der Wirtschaftsakademie Schleswig-Holstein
Fachhochschulen / HAW · 5 programmes
Europa-Universität Flensburg
Universitäten · 168 programmes
Fachhochschule für Verwaltung und Dienstleistung
Fachhochschulen / HAW · 6 programmes
Fachhochschule Wedel
Fachhochschulen / HAW · 25 programmes
Fachhochschule Westküste, Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Technik
Fachhochschulen / HAW · 20 programmes
Interested in Studying at
Universität zu Lübeck?
Our team can help you with the application process, documentation, and everything you need to get started.