University of Oldenburg

The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg was founded in 1973, making it one of Germany‘s young universities. Its goal is to find answers to the major challenges society faces in the 21st century – through interdisciplinary, cuttingedge research.

The pathways on the Oldenburg campus are short: the University‘s academic staff and administrative staff work closely together, using an interdisciplinary approach. Many are integrated into special research areas, research groups and European clusters of excellence.

The University cooperates closely with more than 200 other universities worldwide and is also affiliated with non-university institutes in the areas of research, education, culture and business.

The University of Oldenburg is preparing 16,000 students for professional life. It offers a broad range of disciplines, from language studies, cultural studies and the humanities to educational sciences, art and musicology, the economic and social sciences, mathematics, computer science, the natural sciences and the new medicine and health science programmes established in 2012.

Founded in 1997, the University of Oldenburg is a relatively young institution located in the northwestern part of Germany. It was established to serve the educational and research needs of the region, particularly focusing on interdisciplinary approaches and innovative teaching methods. The university's creation was driven by regional development initiatives and an emphasis on expanding higher education opportunities outside of traditional university cities. Since its inception, the University of Oldenburg has grown steadily, expanding its academic programs, research activities, and campus facilities. Initially, it offered a limited number of disciplines, but over the years, it has developed into a comprehensive university with a broad spectrum of faculties, including Education and Social Sciences, Humanities, Economics and Social Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, and Chemistry. The university emphasizes research in areas such as environmental sciences, educational sciences, and information technology. It maintains a strong commitment to internationalization, fostering partnerships with institutions worldwide and encouraging student and faculty exchanges. The University of Oldenburg also plays a significant role in regional development, collaborating with local industries, government agencies, and community organizations to promote sustainable growth and innovation. Throughout its history, it has received recognition for its teaching quality and research contributions, establishing itself as an important center for higher education in Germany. The university continues to evolve with a focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and social responsibility, aiming to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.

Requirements for Admission and Application Process at the University of Oldenburg (Germany):

The University of Oldenburg welcomes applicants from diverse educational backgrounds and offers various enrollment pathways for prospective students. To ensure a successful application, applicants must fulfill specific admission requirements tailored to their chosen program of study.

For undergraduate programs, applicants generally need to have completed secondary education that qualifies as university entrance qualification, such as the German Abitur or an equivalent international qualification. International students are advised to verify the comparability of their certificates via the University of Oldenburg’s Recognition Office. Additionally, proficiency in the German language is required for programs taught in German, typically demonstrated through standardized tests such as TestDaF or DSH. For programs offered in English, proof of English language proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores, is necessary.

For master's programs, applicants are expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree or its equivalent. Specific prerequisites may include certain coursework, grades, or professional experience depending on the program. As with undergraduate programs, language proficiency proofs are required corresponding to the language of instruction.

Application procedures are primarily handled online through the university’s designated application portal. Prospective students should carefully review the specific admission requirements and deadlines for each program, which are available on the university’s official website. Required documents generally include educational certificates, language proficiency certificates, a motivation letter, and sometimes letters of recommendation. Non-EU international applicants might also need to provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses during their studies.

The selection process can involve the review of academic records, language test results, and application documents. Some programs may conduct interviews or entrance exams. It is recommended that applicants submit their applications well in advance of deadlines to account for processing times and possible visa procedures.

International students are advised to consult the university’s International Office for guidance on visa applications, accommodation, and integration support. Admission decisions are communicated via the application portal or email, and once accepted, students must complete enrollment procedures by paying the semester fees and submitting any remaining documentation.

In summary, prospective students must thoroughly review specific program requirements, prepare necessary documents, ensure language proficiency, and adhere to application deadlines. The University of Oldenburg emphasizes transparency and support throughout the application process to facilitate successful admission for all candidates.

University of Oldenburg holds accreditation certifications officially recognized by the German authorities. The university's quality assurance system ensures that academic programs meet national and international standards, complying with the guidelines set by the German Council of Science and Humanities and other accreditation agencies. The programs are regularly evaluated through internal and external review processes to maintain high academic quality and relevance. The university's accreditation status confirms that it adheres to rigorous educational standards, supports continuous improvement, and fosters academic excellence across all departments. As part of its commitment to quality, the University of Oldenburg participates in national accreditation procedures for its study programs, which are carried out by recognized accreditation agencies such as ASIIN, ZEvA, and FIBAA. These agencies assess the curriculum, faculty qualifications, infrastructure, and student support services to ensure they meet accreditation criteria. The university also emphasizes research quality and institutional management as integral components of its accreditation processes. The accreditation status is periodically reviewed and renewed to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving academic standards. This rigorous accreditation framework underpins the university's reputation as a high-quality institution for education and research. University of Oldenburg's accreditation certifies that graduates are well-prepared for international careers and contributes to its recognition as a reputable center of higher education in Germany.

Your time at the University of Oldenburg is about more than working and studying. Discover the many cultural and recreational activities offered by the University and the City of Oldenburg or get involved in other ways. Use the vouchers (Kultour und Sport) in your welcome folder to try something new and get to know what's on offer. 

Theatres, museums, libraries, art associations – there is much on offer from both public and private cultural organisations and initiatives from the City and University of Oldenburg. Culture for viewing, listening or taking part. 

Oldenburg is a good place to live. Our small city with more than 169,000 inhabitants is located in the northwest of Germany between the North Sea, Hamburg and the Dutch border. The North Sea shapes the climate: in summer it is not too hot, in winter not too cold.

The University of Oldenburg offers various opportunities for international and German students to get to know each other. You are very much welcome as a participant or a volunteer. 

Our Intercultural Meet-Up provides an informal setting for international students and German students to meet at regular events such as Game Nights or the International Dinner.

Our Buddy programme matches a local student with an international student.

Our "Uni-Lotsen" (Integration Pilot Service for Foreign Students) support international students, e.g. they help with proof-reading your academic papers and offer an "International Coffee Hour" on a regular basis.

You would like to improve your German language skills with a native speaker? Join our sprachtandem project and help a native German speaker with your language, and your German partner practices German with you. Sprachtandem

The Language Café is an informal way to practice a foreign language. 

Want to study as effectively as possible? Are you interested in leveraging additional learning and working strategies?

The Study and Career Counselling Service (ZSKB) and the Psychological Counselling Service (PBS) offer a wide range of interdisciplinary workshops and information events designed to help you drive your personal development as well as move forward with your studies.

University of Oldenburg offers a unique combination of interdisciplinary approaches, innovative research, and a supportive academic community that makes it an excellent choice for students seeking a comprehensive higher education experience. The university is renowned for its focus on environmental sciences, educational sciences, and economics, providing students with access to specialized programs designed to address current societal challenges. Its strong emphasis on sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration encourages students to develop holistic solutions and think critically about global issues. The campus boasts modern facilities, extensive libraries, and state-of-the-art laboratories, creating an ideal environment for learning and research. Furthermore, the University of Oldenburg fosters international cooperation, offering various exchange programs and partnerships with universities worldwide, which enrich students' academic and cultural perspectives. The university also provides numerous support services, including career counseling, internships, and student mentoring, to ensure students are well-prepared for their professional lives. The relatively smaller student body promotes a close-knit community where students receive personalized attention from faculty members, facilitating academic success and personal development. Its location in Oldenburg enables a balanced university life with access to urban amenities, cultural events, and opportunities for outdoor activities in a scenic setting. Overall, the University of Oldenburg’s commitment to quality education, research excellence, and student well-being makes it an attractive option for prospective students aiming for a stimulating and future-oriented academic environment.