University of Osnabruck

Osnabrück University, founded in 1974, is a young, vibrant university in north-western Germany that is renowned for its research and teaching in the areas of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, law and business administration/economics. The university provides ideal conditions for over 13,000 students and PhD students to learn and conduct research. Both its structured PhD programmes and modular degree programmes feature high standards of quality; they are accredited, and lead to the conferral of internationally recognised degrees. One feature of Osnabrück University is the extent to which it combines different scientific disciplines in research and teaching. Thinking beyond the borders of individual fields of expertise is fostered in the interdisciplinary institutes of Migration Research, Cognitive Science, Early Modern Intercultural Studies and Environmental Systems Research. Biology at Osnabrück is renowned both at home and abroad for its Collaborative Research Centre Physiology and dynamics of cellular micro-compartments (CRC 944). The European Legal Studies Institute at Osnabrück University is one of Europe's most important research facilities in the field of comparative law and the harmonisation of law. Additional key areas are the prevention of occupational skin diseases and early childhood education and development. In 2011, the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence established a branch office at Osnabrück University. A Fraunhofer research group explores the topics of e-learning and knowledge communication in combination with intelligent methods of data analysis. Osnabrück University is highly committed to pursuing its goal of enhancing international understanding and cooperation. The university attaches great importance to its relationships with international universities. International students and scholars are very welcome at Osnabrück.

Founded in 1974, the University of Osnabrück is a public university located in Osnabrück, Germany. It emerged from the merging of several higher education institutions and has since developed into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of disciplines. The university’s origins can be traced back to teacher training colleges and specialized institutions established in the early 20th century, which laid the foundation for higher education in the region. Over the decades, it expanded its academic offerings and infrastructure, culminating in its official establishment as the University of Osnabrück in 1974. The institution was founded with an emphasis on social sciences, education, and humanities, but has since grown to include natural sciences, economics, law, and computer science. The university is known for its strong focus on interdisciplinary research and innovative teaching methods, aiming to equip students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge. It has continually evolved its curriculum and research activities to meet changing societal needs and technological advancements. Throughout its history, the university has fostered close collaborations with regional industries, international institutions, and community organizations, enhancing its research impact and educational quality. Today, the University of Osnabrück stands as a prominent institution in the German higher education landscape, committed to academic excellence, research innovation, and societal engagement. Its development over nearly five decades reflects its dedication to creating a dynamic learning environment and contributing to regional development through education and research.

Admission requirements and application process at the University of Osnabrück are aimed at ensuring that prospective students meet academic standards and are well-prepared for their studies. For undergraduate programs, applicants must typically hold a recognized secondary school leaving certificate that qualifies them for higher education in their home country. International students are generally required to demonstrate proficiency in the German language, usually through tests such as TestDaF or DSH, unless their program is offered in English, in which case proof of English proficiency like TOEFL or IELTS is necessary. The university assesses each application individually and may require additional documentation such as motivation letters, CVs, or copies of certificates. For master's programs, applicants need to have completed a relevant undergraduate degree or the equivalent from a recognized institution. Specific requirements vary depending on the chosen program and may include prerequisite coursework, interviews, or portfolio submissions.

The application process is primarily conducted online through the university's application portal or through uni-assist, an external service that pre-screens international applications. Applicants must fill out the application form, upload all required documents, and pay any applicable application fees within the specified deadlines. Deadlines differ for winter and summer semesters, with most programs starting in the winter semester, which begins in October. It is advisable for applicants to verify specific admission requirements and deadlines on the official university website, as they may vary by program and applicant nationality. Once received, applications are reviewed by the admissions committee, which assesses academic qualifications, language proficiency, and other relevant criteria. Successful applicants receive an official admission letter, which must be accepted by the given deadline to secure enrollment. The university also recommends that international students check visa requirements and accommodation options early in the application process to ensure a smooth transition to studying at the University of Osnabrück.

The University of Osnabrück holds accreditation from recognized national and international quality assurance agencies, ensuring that its academic programs meet high standards of excellence and relevance. The university's accreditation status confirms its commitment to maintaining rigorous academic quality, promoting research, and providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for professional careers and individual development. The accreditation process involves thorough evaluations of the university's curricula, faculty qualifications, infrastructure, research activities, and student support services. The German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) endorses the university's programs, and many faculties have received program-specific accreditation from designated bodies such as ACQUIN (Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation) and other specialized agencies, verifying the quality and transparency of their degree offerings. Furthermore, the university actively participates in national quality assurance procedures and international accreditation initiatives to enhance its educational standards and global competitiveness. The accreditation status of the University of Osnabrück is regularly reviewed and renewed to reflect ongoing improvements and adaptations to the evolving higher education landscape. This accreditation not only assures students and faculty of the university's credibility but also enhances its reputation within Germany and internationally. The university emphasizes continuous quality development, integrating feedback from accreditation evaluations into strategic planning and operational processes. By maintaining high accreditation standards, the University of Osnabrück demonstrates its dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility, making it a trusted institution for higher education learners.

Osnabrück is situated between the Teutoburg Forest and the Wiehengebirge in the midst of countryside featuring a low mountain range and large deciduous forests. With a population of about 170,000, the old bishop's seat and modern university city is a focal point of north-western Germany. Over 20,000 students contribute considerably to the image of the city. Many cultural activities, student bars, dining halls, cafés, cinemas and trendy spots enrich life in this 1,200-year-old cathedral city. There are many ways to spend your free time at the university, in the city or in the attractive countryside surrounding Osnabrück. The university sponsors a large number of activities for students, from a diverse sports programme to a number of music ensembles, such as the big band and the university choir. It also sponsors a wide range of events. There is a student-run film club, which offers an interesting programme every semester. Osnabrück boasts 20 cinemas, the "Lagerhalle" communication centre, the "Haus der Jugend", various museums, a large state-sponsored theatre, the Emma Theatre, art exhibitions, concerts, the planetarium and the Osnabrück Zoo. You can find further information in the events calendar of JOIN OS (http://www.join-os.de) or of the city of Osnabrück ("Veranstaltungskalender der Stadt Osnabrück") and in the online magazine OS-interaktiv, which offers an up-to-date and extensive calendar of events and activities.

The International Office offers diverse services for international students, e.g. the international cultural programme "JOIN-OS" offering day trips, theatre visits, Christmas dinner, etc. The intercultural mentoring programme at Osnabrück University ("imos") provides new international students with social and subject-specific support by a fellow student and an academic staff member.

University of Osnabrück offers a unique blend of interdisciplinary research, strong student support, and internationalization. The university emphasizes individual academic development through personalized tutoring and small class sizes that promote close interaction between students and faculty. Its department of Education and Social Sciences is renowned for innovative approaches and high-quality research output. The university provides numerous opportunities for international mobility, including exchange programs with partner institutions worldwide, fostering a global learning environment. It also has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility, integrating these themes into various study programs and campus activities. The campus itself provides modern facilities, extensive library resources, and a vibrant student life with numerous clubs and organizations. The university’s commitment to applied research benefits students by offering practical insights and close collaborations with local industries and communities. Its international master's programs are designed to attract students from around the world, offering multilingual instruction and diverse cultural perspectives. The university also offers flexible study options, including part-time and online courses, suitable for a wide range of students. Its strategic location in Lower Saxony provides access to various cultural and economic centers in Germany and Europe, enhancing the overall student experience. Additionally, the university invests in digital infrastructure and innovative teaching methods to prepare students for future career challenges. Overall, the University of Osnabrück is distinguished by its comprehensive academic offerings, emphasis on sustainability, international orientation, and commitment to student success, making it an attractive choice for students seeking a quality education in a supportive environment.