University of Kiel
Kiel, ๐ฉ๐ช Germany
#7 National #618 QS World
#7 National #618 QS World #351 THE #201 ARWU
โฌ1k - โฌ8.9k/yr
About University of Kiel
The University of Kiel, officially known as Christian-Albrechts-Universitรคt zu Kiel (CAU), is a public university located in the vibrant city of Kiel, Germany. Founded in 1665, it is Schleswig-Holstein's oldest, largest, and most prestigious university, offering a wide array of study programs and research opportunities for both national and international students.
The University of Kiel boasts eight faculties, including Theology, Law, Medicine, Arts and Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Business, Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, and Engineering. The university is renowned for its research-led teaching approach, fostering critical thinking and independent research skills among its students. Notable programs include Marine Sciences, Geosciences, and Environmental Change, leveraging Kiel's unique coastal location. The university also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in its four priority research areas: Kiel Marine Science, Kiel Life Science, Societal, Environmental and Cultural Change, and Nano Surface and Interface Science.
The University of Kiel is committed to supporting its international student body, offering a range of services from pre-arrival information to extensive on-campus support. While many programs are taught in German, there are an increasing number of English-taught master's and doctoral programs available, particularly in the sciences. The university actively promotes cultural integration through various initiatives and student organizations, helping international students connect with the wider university community and German culture. The International Center serves as a central point of contact for international students, providing guidance on admissions, visa procedures, and everyday life in Kiel.
The University of Kiel's campus is integrated into the city of Kiel, a dynamic port city with a strong maritime character located on the Baltic Sea. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with various institutes and facilities spread across different locations. Kiel offers a high quality of life with numerous cultural attractions, recreational activities, and a lively student scene. The city is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to navigate between the university, student housing, and city center. Nearby attractions include the Kiel Fjord, sandy beaches, and the annual Kiel Week, one of the largest sailing events in the world.
The University of Kiel has a strong reputation for producing highly employable graduates, with many finding success in various industries both in Germany and internationally. The university maintains close ties with regional and national industries, research institutions, and businesses, facilitating internships and career opportunities for its students. The Career Service offers comprehensive support, including career counseling, workshops on job application strategies, and networking events with potential employers. While specific employment rates can vary by program, graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, industry, and public service, contributing to Kiel's growing startup culture, particularly in marine and life sciences.
Academics
The University of Kiel boasts eight faculties, including Theology, Law, Medicine, Arts and Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Business, Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, and Engineering. The university is renowned for its research-led teaching approach, fostering critical thinking and independent research skills among its students. Notable programs include Marine Sciences, Geosciences, and Environmental Change, leveraging Kiel's unique coastal location. The university also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in its four priority research areas: Kiel Marine Science, Kiel Life Science, Societal, Environmental and Cultural Change, and Nano Surface and Interface Science.
International Students
The University of Kiel is committed to supporting its international student body, offering a range of services from pre-arrival information to extensive on-campus support. While many programs are taught in German, there are an increasing number of English-taught master's and doctoral programs available, particularly in the sciences. The university actively promotes cultural integration through various initiatives and student organizations, helping international students connect with the wider university community and German culture. The International Center serves as a central point of contact for international students, providing guidance on admissions, visa procedures, and everyday life in Kiel.
Campus & Location
The University of Kiel's campus is integrated into the city of Kiel, a dynamic port city with a strong maritime character located on the Baltic Sea. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with various institutes and facilities spread across different locations. Kiel offers a high quality of life with numerous cultural attractions, recreational activities, and a lively student scene. The city is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to navigate between the university, student housing, and city center. Nearby attractions include the Kiel Fjord, sandy beaches, and the annual Kiel Week, one of the largest sailing events in the world.
Career Outcomes
The University of Kiel has a strong reputation for producing highly employable graduates, with many finding success in various industries both in Germany and internationally. The university maintains close ties with regional and national industries, research institutions, and businesses, facilitating internships and career opportunities for its students. The Career Service offers comprehensive support, including career counseling, workshops on job application strategies, and networking events with potential employers. While specific employment rates can vary by program, graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, industry, and public service, contributing to Kiel's growing startup culture, particularly in marine and life sciences.
Highlights
- Founded 1665, Schleswig-Holstein's oldest
- Eight diverse faculties
- Renowned for marine sciences research
- Increasing English master's programs
- Integrated into vibrant port city
Student Life & Support
Campus Housing
Photos








Offers programs in:
Business & Management Computer Science Engineering Humanities Law Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences
Bachelor Programs (15)
Biology
STEM
Biology
Biology
72 months German Full-time
Business Administration
Business
Business Administration
72 months German Full-time
Chemistry
STEM
Chemistry
Chemistry
72 months German Full-time
Economics
Economics
Economics
72 months German Full-time
Geography
STEM
Geography
Geography
72 months German Full-time
History
History
History
72 months German Full-time
English Studies
Humanities
General Humanities
72 months English Full-time
Law
Law
General Law
120 months German Full-time
Mathematics
STEM
Mathematics
72 months German Full-time
Medicine
STEM
Medicine
Medicine
72 months German Full-time
Oceanography
STEM
Oceanography
Earth Sciences
72 months German Full-time
Physics
STEM
Physics
Physics
72 months German Full-time
Political Science
Political Science
Political Science
72 months German Full-time
Psychology
Psychology
Psychology
72 months German Full-time
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology
72 months German Full-time
Master Programs (10)
Medical Life Sciences
STEM
Biomedical Sciences
Medical Sciences
24 months English Full-time
Global Business Management
Business
Business Administration
24 months English Full-time
Quantitative Economics
STEM
Economics
Economics
24 months English Full-time
Environmental Management
STEM
Environmental Science
Environmental Science
24 months German Full-time
Finance
Finance
Finance & Banking
24 months English Full-time
Applied Geophysics
STEM Unique
Geophysics
Earth Sciences
24 months English Full-time
Marine Geosciences
STEM
Geosciences
24 months English Full-time
Digital Humanities
Humanities
General Humanities
24 months German Full-time
Materials Science and Engineering
STEM
Materials Science
Materials Engineering
24 months English Full-time
Biological Oceanography
STEM
Oceanography
Earth Sciences
24 months English Full-time
PhD Programs (6)
Agricultural Sciences
STEM
Agriculture
Anthropology
36 months English Full-time
Biological Sciences
STEM
Biology
Biology
36 months English Full-time
Computer Science
STEM
Computer Science
General Computer Science
36 months English Full-time
Geosciences
STEM
Geosciences
36 months English Full-time
Medical Sciences
STEM
Medicine
Medicine
36 months English Full-time
Economics and Social Sciences
Social Sciences
Sociology
36 months English Full-time
Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Tuition (per year) โฌ1k - โฌ8.9k/yr
Ready to apply to University of Kiel?
Abroadly helps you manage applications, track deadlines, and get matched to programs.
More Universities in Kiel
View all →Need help applying?
AI-powered tools to manage applications, track deadlines, and get matched.