University of Rostock

The University of Rostock was founded in 1419 and is considered the oldest university in the Baltic area. The motto "Traditio et Innovatio" illustrates what makes up our university: studying at a university full of tradition and history, but nevertheless open to change and new ideas. The University of Rostock offers a wide variety of subjects in 10 different departments, very good student services, and high quality research and teaching opportunities. Studying in Rostock is a win for your personal development. Not only will you acquire an understanding of intercultural differences and a proficiency for the German language, but a study abroad will also help you begin creating international contacts and friendships. The University of Rostock always welcomes new guests and would like to welcome you to Rostock!

history = The University of Rostock was founded in 1419, making it one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. Located in the city of Rostock, Germany, it has a rich history of academic excellence and regional development. Throughout the centuries, the university has undergone several changes, expanding its faculties and modernizing its facilities to meet the evolving educational demands. In the early years, the university primarily focused on theology, law, medicine, and philosophy, reflecting the typical structure of medieval universities. During the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, Rostock University contributed significantly to science and the arts, fostering scholars who advanced various fields of knowledge.

In the 19th century, the university experienced growth and reform, aligning with broader German academic reforms. The 20th century brought challenges such as the impacts of World Wars and political changes, but the university maintained its commitment to research and teaching. After German reunification in 1990, Rostock University underwent substantial restructuring, modernizing its curricula and expanding its research capacities. Today, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across multiple faculties including humanities, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and computer science. It continues to uphold its tradition of academic excellence, international collaboration, and contribution to regional and global knowledge development. The university actively participates in scientific research, innovation, and community engagement, maintaining its status as a prominent institution in higher education in Germany and beyond.

Admission to the University of Rostock is based on a set of criteria designed to evaluate the academic qualifications and language proficiency of prospective students. Applicants are required to submit proof of their previous educational achievements, such as high school diplomas or university certificates, along with transcripts detailing their coursework and grades. For international students, the University of Rostock accepts recognized foreign qualifications, and the recognition process may involve checking the equivalence of the foreign diploma with German standards. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the language of instruction, typically German or English, depending on the program. For German-taught programs, a language proficiency certificate such as TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe-Institut certificates is necessary. For English-taught programs, proofs like IELTS or TOEFL scores are usually required. The specific language requirements and minimum scores can vary by program, so applicants should consult the program-specific admission guidelines. The University of Rostock also considers other criteria such as motivation letters, curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, and interviews, particularly for postgraduate and highly competitive programs. International applicants may need to apply through uni-assist, an agency that pre-checks international applications before forwarding them to the university. The application process typically involves submitting an online application form through the university’s portal, paying the application fee, and providing all required documents in the specified formats by the set deadlines. Prospective students should also familiarize themselves with any additional requirements such as entrance examinations, portfolio submissions, or specific prerequisites for specialized programs. Admission decisions are made based on an overall assessment of academic credentials, language ability, and other relevant factors, and applicants are informed about the outcome via official communication channels. It is advisable for applicants to start the application process well in advance of the deadlines to ensure they gather all necessary documents and meet all requirements. The university's admissions office provides guidance and support to prospective students throughout the application process, and detailed information can often be found on the university’s official website under the admissions section.

The University of Rostock is accredited by the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat), which is responsible for the accreditation of prior and ongoing degree programs in Germany. The accreditation ensures that the university meets high standards of quality in teaching, research, and administrative processes. Additionally, individual degree programs within the university are accredited by specialized agencies recognized by the German Accreditation Council, such as ASIIN, ZEvA, and ACQUIN. These accreditation agencies evaluate programs based on rigorous criteria including curriculum design, faculty qualifications, research integration, student support, and learning outcomes. The university maintains accreditation for its various faculties and programs, ensuring that students receive a recognized and high-quality education that meets national and international standards. Furthermore, the University of Rostock participates in international quality assurance processes and is listed in various higher education directories such as the CHE University Ranking. The university continuously undergoes internal and external evaluations to improve and uphold its standards. Its accreditation status signifies its commitment to academic excellence, transparency in processes, and institutional integrity. The accreditation also facilitates student mobility and recognition of degrees across borders, contributing to the university’s reputation as a reputable higher education institution in Germany and beyond. Through ongoing quality assurance measures, the University of Rostock strives to foster innovative research, comprehensive curricula, and a supportive academic environment, which collectively reinforce its accreditation status and affirm its role as a leading academic institution in the region.

With approx. 200,000 inhabitants, Rostock is the biggest town in as well as the economic centre of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Rostock is a vintage Hanseatic and harbour town. It is located close to the beautiful Baltic Sea coastline, which is only half an hour away from the centre of the city by bicycle. There are theatres, museums, and a very lively cultural scene. You may relax at the zoo, the botanical garden, the IGA park, or in some of the many other green spaces. Every year in August, Rostock hosts a big international party at the Hanse-Sail, with sailing boats from all over the world and around one million visitors. The "Kröpeliner-Tor-Vorstadt" is distinguished as a very lively student area, with its popular café and pub scene. In 2001, Rostock became a partner town of Raleigh, North Carolina. Scientists from the Faculty of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering paved the way by establishing a cooperation with North Carolina State University.

nternational students receive information and support by the institutes as well as the Rostock International House (RIH). The institutes inform about subject-specific matters, and RIH helps with everything else like accommodation, visa, language courses, and more. In addition to the personal consulting and care, the following offers are available: Orientation weeks and first semester introduction for international students (welcome, information, introduction to library, language centre, and more) mentoring from students who have been at the university longer tandem programme German student organisations like LEI, student council, ASTA with supporting offers like a pick up service from the train station, cultural offers, excursions, welcome parties, sport events, and more.

University of Rostock offers a unique blend of historical significance and modern academic excellence, making it an ideal choice for students seeking high-quality education in Germany. Founded in 1419, it is one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe, providing a rich academic tradition and a vibrant campus life. The university is located in Rostock, a beautiful Hanseatic city with a maritime atmosphere, offering students a safe and inspiring environment for studies and personal growth. The university's wide range of study programs across disciplines such as natural sciences, engineering, medicine, humanities, social sciences, and arts ensures that students have diverse options tailored to their interests and career goals.

The University of Rostock is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, hosting numerous research institutes and benefiting from close collaborations with industry and regional partners. This facilitates practical experience and enhances employability after graduation. The university also actively promotes internationalization, welcoming students and staff from all over the world, offering numerous exchange programs and joint degrees with partner institutions globally. State-of-the-art facilities, modern laboratories, and comprehensive support services create an optimal learning environment. The university’s commitment to sustainability, digital learning, and societal engagement demonstrates its forward-looking approach. These factors combined make the University of Rostock stand out as a dynamic, historic, and international university, offering students not just education but also a memorable university experience and a pathway to successful careers.