Liberal Arts and Sciences

The Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Freiburg offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to cultivate versatile skills and a broad perspective on complex societal issues. This programme provides students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of academic fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and cultural studies, enabling them to develop an individualized study plan tailored to their interests and career aspirations. Throughout the programme, students engage in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication, preparing them to navigate and address the multifaceted challenges of the modern world. The curriculum emphasizes fostering creativity, intercultural competence, and academic independence, encouraging students to synthesize knowledge from diverse disciplines. With a focus on internationalization and social relevance, the programme incorporates collaborative projects, research opportunities, and practical experiences that enhance employability and personal development. Students benefit from a vibrant academic environment supported by experienced faculty dedicated to innovative teaching and meaningful mentorship. The flexible structure allows for mobility across partner universities and mobility programs, enriching students' academic journeys and cultural understanding. Upon graduation, students possess a solid foundation of interdisciplinary knowledge and are well-equipped for diverse career paths in areas such as education, public administration, non-profit organizations, research, and beyond. The Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Freiburg embodies the university’s commitment to academic excellence, social responsibility, and fostering global citizens who are prepared to contribute thoughtfully to society.

The LAS program offers interdisciplinary training that allows for individual emphases. The Core (66 ECTS) includes reflection on knowledge and sciences – the key to interdisciplinary education and training –, a curriculum on Responsibility and Leadership, and general academic skills training. In the Electives (72 ECTS), students can choose from a variety of options and courses as well as undertake study projects of their own. The Major (102 ECTS)constitutes the students’ training in a specific academic field. LAS offers four Majors: (1) Earth and Environmental Sciences, (2) Life Sciences, (3) Governance, (4) Culture and History. LAS teaches students intellectual flexibility across disciplines and enables them to apply the acquired skills to complex academic and practical questions. It prepares them for careers in international environments that demand fast and efficient adaptation to varying and complex challenges on a day to day basis. Finally, students will learn how to self-responsibly and self-confidently continue to advance their intellectual development after graduation, for and beyond their careers.

First semester:

restrictive admissions (local): entrance examination and replacement procedure 
(Proficiency in English, where applicable, level 1: pre-selection by average grade in the German higher education entrance qualification, level 2: selection interview, average grade in the German higher education entrance qualification) 

Germans and EU citizens: 90% of study spaces are granted in a selection procedure and 10% after a waiting period.  Non-EU citizens (without German school-leaving certificate): do not take part in this selection procedure. Study spaces are granted according to a quota of 20% of the available spaces.

Remark: Please check again at the beginning of the application period to make sure that the admission requirements for this degree program have not changed in the meantime.

The financing of the Liberal Arts and Sciences program at the University of Freiburg is primarily based on a combination of public funding, student contributions, and institutional resources. As a public university in Germany, the University of Freiburg benefits from government funding provided by the state of Baden-Württemberg, which covers a significant portion of the operational costs, infrastructure, and academic salaries. This state support ensures that the program remains accessible and affordable for students, reflecting the university’s commitment to promoting higher education as a public good.

Students enrolled in the program typically pay semester fees that include administration costs, student services, and a contribution to the Studentenwerk (student services organization), which offers various support services including housing, counseling, and dining facilities. Tuition fees for undergraduate programs at the University of Freiburg are generally low or non-existent for domestic and EU students due to regulations governing higher education funding in Germany. However, international students may be subject to additional fees, depending on specific university policies and the federal state regulations.

Scholarships and financial aid options are available to support students financially. The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers scholarships for international students, while the university itself provides merit-based and need-based scholarships for both domestic and international students. These financial aid options assist students in covering living expenses, study materials, and other costs associated with their education.

Furthermore, the university actively seeks external funding sources, including research grants, private donors, and partnerships with industry, which can indirectly benefit students via improved resources, research opportunities, and program development. Some students may also secure part-time employment within the university or in the local community to support their studies, aligning with Germany’s regulations on student employment.

Overall, the financing of the Liberal Arts and Sciences program combines state funding, student contributions, scholarships, and external resources to ensure financial sustainability and accessibility for all enrolled students. The university’s policies aim to minimize financial barriers for students while maintaining high academic standards and broad support services.

The Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Freiburg offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to provide students with broad knowledge across multiple disciplines, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness. The program emphasizes the importance of a flexible curriculum, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and academic goals by combining courses from various fields such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary topics. This approach aims to prepare graduates for diverse careers by equipping them with versatile skills, including effective communication, problem-solving, and research methodologies. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized academic advising, which support individual development and encourage active participation and collaborative learning. Courses are delivered in a combination of lectures, seminars, and project work, often incorporating international exchange opportunities, internships, and collaborative projects to enhance practical experience. The program also stresses the importance of acquiring language skills and cultural competencies, often offering language courses and opportunities for studying abroad. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue careers in areas such as education, journalism, public administration, and international organizations, or to continue their education in master's programs. The curriculum is designed to foster intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning, ensuring that students graduate as engaged, responsible, and globally aware citizens. The University of Freiburg's Liberal Arts and Sciences program is recognized for its innovative and student-centered approach, preparing students for the increasingly interconnected and complex world.