University of Kiel
Kiel, 🇩🇪 Germany
#7 National #618 QS World
#7 National #618 QS World #351 THE #201 ARWU
€1k - €8.9k/yr
About University of Kiel
The University of Kiel, officially known as Christian-Albrechts-Universität 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








Programs Offered at University of Kiel (31)
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
bachelor in biologybachelor biologybachelor's in biologybachelor's biologystudy biology in germany
72 months German Full-time
Business Administration
Business
Business Administration
babachelorbsbscbusiness
72 months German Full-time
Chemistry
STEM
Chemistry
Chemistry
bachelorchemistrygermanyundergraduate
72 months German Full-time
Economics
Economics
Economics
bacheloreconomicsgermangermanykiel
72 months German Full-time
Geography
STEM
Geography
Geography
bachelorgeographygermany
72 months German Full-time
History
History
History
babachelorbachelor'sbsbsc
72 months German Full-time
English Studies
Humanities
Humanities
72 months English Full-time
Law
Law
Law
english-taught program in germanyba lawbachelor in law in germanybsc in lawba in law
120 months German Full-time
Mathematics
STEM
Mathematics
Mathematics
bachelor in mathematicsstudy mathematics in germanymathematics bscuniversity of kiel mathematicsmathematics degree in germany
72 months German Full-time
Bachelor's in Medicine
STEM
Medicine
Medicine
Medicine
babachelorbachelor in medicinebachelor medicinebs
72 months German Full-time
Oceanography
STEM
Oceanography
Oceanography
bachelorgermanyoceanography
72 months German Full-time
Physics
STEM
Physics
Physics
bachelorgermangermanykielphysics
72 months German Full-time
Political Science
Political Science
Political Science
b.scbachelorbachelor's degreebscgermany
72 months German Full-time
Psychology
Psychology
Psychology
bachelorbachelor's degreebehavioral sciencecognitive psychologymental health
72 months German Full-time
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology
bachelorbachelorsgermanysociologyundergraduate
72 months German Full-time
Master Programs (10)
Medical Life Sciences
STEM
Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical Sciences
biomedical sciencesgermanygraduatekiellife
24 months English Full-time
Global Business Management
Business
Business
master in businessstudy business in germanybusiness program in kielmsc businessbusiness at university of kiel
24 months English Full-time
Quantitative Economics
STEM
Economics
Economics
econometricseconomicsgermanygraduatema
24 months English Full-time
Environmental Management
STEM
Environmental Science
Environmental Management
environmental management masterUmweltmanagement KielUniversity of Kiel Germanysustainability managementenvironmental policy
24 months German Full-time
Finance
Finance
Finance
MAMSMScbankingfinance
24 months English Full-time
Applied Geophysics
STEM Unique
Geophysics
Physics
appliedgeophysicsgermanymaster
24 months English Full-time
Marine Geosciences
STEM
Geosciences
Geosciences
geosciences mastermaster geosciences in kielmaster in geosciencesstudy geosciences in germanymaster geosciences
24 months English Full-time
Digital Humanities
Humanities
Humanities
digitalgermanyhumanitiesmaster
24 months German Full-time
Materials Science and Engineering
STEM
Materials Science
Materials Science
andengineeringgermanygraduatemaster
24 months English Full-time
Biological Oceanography
STEM
Oceanography
Oceanography
study oceanographymaster oceanographyenglish master oceanographymaster in oceanographystudy oceanography in germany
24 months English Full-time
PhD Programs (6)
Agricultural Sciences
STEM
Agriculture
Agriculture
agriculturalagriculturedoctoraldoctorategermany
36 months English Full-time
Biological Sciences
STEM
Biology
Biology
biologicalbiological sciencesbiologybiosciencedoctor of philosophy
36 months English Full-time
Computer Science
STEM
Computer Science
Computer Science
computer science careerdoctoral program computer scienceenglish-taught phd germanyphd computer sciencephd computer science program
36 months English Full-time
Geosciences
STEM
Geosciences
Geosciences
PhD in Geosciencesstudy GeosciencesPhD of Geosciencesdoctoral in Geosciencesstudy Geosciences in Germany
36 months English Full-time
Medical Sciences
STEM
Medicine
Medicine
phd in medicinephd of medicinestudy medicine in germanymedicine program in kielmedicine phd germany
36 months English Full-time
Economics and Social Sciences
Social Sciences
Social Sciences
phd in social sciencesphd social sciencesdoctorate social sciencesstudy social sciences in germanyphd social sciences in germany
36 months English Full-time
University of Kiel Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Tuition (per year) €1k - €8.9k/yr
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Frequently Asked Questions About University of Kiel
Common questions from international students considering University of Kiel.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Kiel?
University of Kiel is classified as "Moderate (40-60%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.
How much does University of Kiel cost for international students?
Tuition at University of Kiel ranges from €1k - €8.9k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.
What is University of Kiel ranked globally?
University of Kiel holds the following rankings: QS World #618, Times Higher Education #351, ARWU #201, #7 in Germany. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.
When does University of Kiel start its semesters?
University of Kiel has intakes starting in . Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.
How many English-taught programs does University of Kiel offer?
University of Kiel offers 15+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.
Where is University of Kiel located?
University of Kiel is located in Kiel, Germany 🇩🇪. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.
What are the admission requirements for University of Kiel?
For specific details about University of Kiel, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
What programs does University of Kiel offer?
For specific details about University of Kiel, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
How does University of Kiel compare to other universities?
University of Kiel is a strong choice that compares favorably to peer institutions (QS World #618). Each university has different strengths — we recommend comparing specific programs, location, cost, and graduate outcomes for your field rather than overall rankings alone.
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