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Heidelberg University was established in 1386 and is one of oldest university in Germany. The university is located in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and is also known as the officially known as the Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg. Heidelberg University is consistently ranked among the top universities in Germany and Europe.
Heidelberg University acceptance rate is approximately 17%, which means that the university is selective and out of every 100 applications received at the university, only 17 of them are granted admission at the university, increasing competition among students. To increase their chances of admission at Heidelberg, candidates must have a high GPA along with proficiency in the German language.
Currently, Heidelberg University has more than 29,897 students, among which 5,546 international students. Overseas students make up more than 18.6% of the overall student population. Candidates can apply online on the official website of Heidelberg University, and there is no application fee charged by the university. The university has produced many notable alumni, including 12 Nobel Prize winners.
International students from non-EU/EEA countries are required to pay a tuition fee of 1,500 EUR (INR 1,34,727) per semester in addition to the semester contribution. A few exceptions such as entrance qualification from a German university and others allow students to continue their education for free at the university. However, they must submit the respective verifying documents to the International Relations Office within the given deadline.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the humanities, natural sciences, medicine, law, and social sciences. It is particularly renowned for its programs in medicine, law, and philosophy. Heidelberg University has a strong international reputation and is a member of the Coimbra Group, a network of leading European research universities.
Heidelberg University is located in the historic city of Heidelberg, which is known for its beautiful architecture and picturesque setting. It is the oldest university in Germany and one of the oldest universities in the world. The university has a strong international reputation and attracts students and faculty from all over the world.
Winter intake applications for overseas students are now closed. The university accepts students in two intakes: winter and summer; however, overseas students are not admitted in the summer intake. For detailed application deadlines, candidates can visit the official website to check the course-specific information.
Read more: Benefits of studying in Germany
Heidelberg University offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, History, Philosophy, Literature, Linguistics, Law, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health Law, and many more. The university is renowned for its programmes in the fields of Life Sciences & Medicine, Clinical Medicine, Medical Technology, Biology and Biochemistry, and Cell Biology.
Also read: Top Courses for Masters in Germany
Heidelberg University tuition fees vary depending on a student’s nationality and the programme of study. For international students from non-EU/EEA countries, a tuition fee of 1,500 EUR (INR 1,34,727) per semester is required in addition to the semester contribution. This applies to all Bachelor's and consecutive Master's degree programmes offered at the university.
A few exceptions such as entrance qualification from a German university and others will allow the students to continue their education for free at the university. However, if one of the exemption applies to students, they are required to submit the respective verifying documents to the International Relations Office within the given deadline to be exempt from the obligation to pay tuition fees for the duration of their course of study.
Heidelberg is a relatively expensive city to live in, and living expenses in Heidelberg can vary depending on an individual’s lifestyle and spending habits. All students are required to budget their expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, and other necessities. The cost of living in Germany varies from 900 EUR - 1000 EUR (INR 80,773 to INR 89,748) per month. Here's a breakdown of some of the main expenses at Heidelberg University.
Heidelberg University living expenses
Expense list | Costs |
Accommodation | Dorm room: 270 EUR - 400 EUR per month Private apartment: 400 EUR - 800 EUR |
Food and groceries | 120 EUR - 180 EUR per month |
Transportation | 30 EUR - 50 EUR |
Health insurance | 110 EUR per month |
Phone and internet | 30 EUR - 40 EUR per month |
Books and study materials | 250 EUR - 350 EUR per semester |
Heidelberg University acceptance rate is approximately 17%, which shows that numerous students are admitted to the university every year. Applicants looking for admission to Heidelberg University are required to apply online by filling out an application form available on the official website. A step-by-step procedure is mentioned below.
How to apply to Heidelberg University?
Visit the official website of the university.
Select the programme of your choice.
Check the entry requirements for the chosen course.
Fill in the application form online with relevant information.
Attach all the required documents.
There is no application fee, so review all the details and submit the form.
Documents required for admission to Heidelberg
Official academic transcript
Educational degree certificate
Resume / CV (if required)
German language proficiency certificate
Applicants applying to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at Heidelberg University must apply before the below-mentioned dates:
Bachelor´s programmes and state examinations
Subject | Winter Semester | Summer Semester |
Undergraduate courses without admission restriction and entrance examination | June 1 to September 30 | December 1 to March 31 |
Undergraduate degrees with admission restriction or with entrance examination | June 1 to July 15 | December 1 to January 15 |
Master’s Programmes with Access Restrictions
Degree programme | Winter semester | Summer semester |
Biomedical Engineering | February 1 to March 15 | - |
Earth Sciences | April 1 to September 30 | - |
Conference Interpreting | To be announced | - |
Translational Medical Research | February 1 to March 15 | - |
All other access-restricted-only consecutive Master’s degree programmes | April 1 to September 30 | October 1 to March 31 |
Master’s Programmes with Access and Admission Restrictions
Subject | Winter semester |
Biochemistry | February 1 to March 15 |
International Law (in Santiago de Chile) | Friday, the 3rd week of January |
International Master’s degree programme in Art History and Museology | April 1 to May 15 |
Matter to Life | September 1 to December 1 of the previous year |
Molecular Biosciences | February 1 to March 15 |
Molecular Systems Science and Engineering | February 1 to March 15 |
Molecular Biotechnology | February 1 to March 15 |
Psychology (KPP and PFA) | April 1 to May 15 |
Health Services Research and Implementation Science in Health Systems | April 1 to May 15 |
Heidelberg University offers a variety of scholarships for both German and international students. Scholarships awarded to students include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and programme-based scholarships. A few of these scholarships provided to international students are mentioned in the table below.
Heidelberg University scholarships
Scholarships | Scholarships awarded to |
Amirana Scholarship | Future and current international students from non-EU countries and non-industrial nations for studying Medicine and Dentistry at Heidelberg University |
Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM | Qualified students and graduates from ACP countries, Least Developed Countries and other traditionally underrepresented countries who have been nominated for an exchange programme at Heidelberg University |
Baden-Württemberg Stipendium | Students affected by the war in Ukraine |
HAUS Scholarship | Students from the United States (PDF) |
Motivational scholarships within the framework of the “BetreuungsInitiative Deutsche Auslands- und Partnerschulen (BIDS)” | Foreign graduates of German schools abroad in the first year of study (Ger) |
Robert and Christine Danziger Scholarship | Up-and-coming students from Africa (primarily from Ghana or other parts of West and Central Africa) in one of the the following Master’s degree programmes: Political Science, Sociology, Geography with a focus on Human Geography or Geoinformatics) |
STIBET completion grants from the DAAD | Foreign students in the final year of study (Contact) |
Scholarships from the Robert E. Schmidt Foundation | Students from the Romance countries to attend summer/winter schools at Heidelberg University (Ger) |
Completion grants specially funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts | Foreign students in the final year of study (Contact) |
In addition to the scholarships listed above, there are numerous other scholarships available from external organizations. For more information, students can visit the official website of Heidelberg University, or contact the Financial Aid Office.
Also read: Scholarships in Germany
Candidates must meet language requirements for their selected course at Heidelberg University. Applicants for all degree programmes at the university are required to have very good German language skills. Proof of the required German language skills must be submitted before enrolling in an academic programme at Heidelberg. International applicants do not need a German language certificate if:
Their native language is German
They have already obtained a German-language university degree at a German university.
Heidelberg University is a highly-ranked university with a strong reputation for excellence. It is a good choice for students who are looking for a world-class education and who are interested in studying in Germany. Heidelberg University has more than 29,897 students, among which 5,546 international students are contributing to 18.6% of the total student body.
All overseas students can contact the university on the following details:
Address: Heidelberg University, Grabengasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
Contact: +49 6221 54-0
Yes, getting into Heidelberg University can be considered difficult for students as the competition among applications is quite high. Heidelberg University acceptance rate is 17% which means that out of every 100 candidates, only 17 of them get accepted at the university making Heidelberg selective for admission.