Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau

University of Freiburg

Public University Freiburg im Breisgau · Baden-Württemberg

1457

Founded

24.135

Student count

Public University

Type

NC-free programs ↗

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg is a long-established public university in Freiburg im Breisgau at the edge of the Black Forest. PH Freiburg is a separate institution. This page explains how to apply, when language certificates are due, fees and deadlines based on the official pages.

Short answer: all applicants apply through the university's own online portal. For admission-free programmes you can apply with DSH 1, TestDaF 3 or proof of attending a C1 course and hand in the C1 certificate by enrolment; restricted programmes require the certificate with the application. Students from outside the EU/EEA pay €1,500 per semester in tuition.

Quick Facts

University Name: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau
City: Freiburg im Breisgau
State: Baden-Württemberg
University Type: Public University (Universitäten)
Founding Year: 1457
Total Student Enrollment: 24135
International Student Ratio: 18.2
Official name: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
How to apply: The university's online application portal (HISinOne)
Non-EU tuition: €1,500 per semester (Bachelor's, Staatsexamen, consecutive Master's)
German certificate: Restricted: with application · Admission-free: by enrolment

Short answer: application and German certificate

Applying: for Bachelor's and Master's, regardless of nationality, through the university's online application portal. Master's applications are first reviewed by the department. The official pages do not mention uni-assist.
Restricted Bachelor's programmes: the C1-level language certificate must be available when you apply.
Admission-free Bachelor's programmes: you can apply with DSH 1, TestDaF 3 or proof of attending a C1 course; the C1 certificate must be submitted by enrolment at the latest. This is not conditional admission, but a chance to complete the certificate before enrolment.
If your school certificate does not give direct entry: there is a one-year Feststellungsprüfung course at the Studienkolleg in Heidelberg, applied for through the Freiburg portal (B2 required; winter 1 June – 15 July, summer 1 December – 15 January). The official pages do not say a degree place is reserved.

Routes at other universities are compared in our conditional admission overview.

Language certificates and Master's requirements

German (Bachelor's): DSH-2/3, TestDaF 4/5 in all four parts, Goethe C2, DSD II, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or a German-language school-leaving certificate.
Master's: language and academic requirements depend on the programme; the university publishes a programme-by-programme list of language requirements for Master's applications. Accepted English tests are listed on the official language certificates page.

Our German certificates guide compares the exams, and our Master's guide explains the steps.

Fees and deadlines

Tuition: €1,500 per semester for students from outside the EU/EEA starting a Bachelor's, Staatsexamen or consecutive Master's (since winter semester 2017/18). Continuing-education Master's are exempt, and groups such as holders of a German school-leaving certificate or permanent residents can be exempt. Second degree: €650.
Semester fee: according to the official page, currently €190 per semester (Studierendenwerk €103, administrative fee €80, student body €7); the page does not name the semester.
Deadlines (as printed in the official table): restricted programmes 1 June – 15 July 2026 for the winter semester; admission-free programmes 1 December 2025 – 9 April 2026 (summer) and 1 June – 8 October 2026 (winter). Summer semester 2027 dates are not yet published.
Master's: deadlines vary by programme (e.g. Environmental Governance 1 March – 15 May, Neuroscience 1 March – 31 March).

Our tuition fee guide explains the Baden-Württemberg fee.

English-taught Master's examples

Two examples whose official programme pages state English as the language of instruction:

Environmental Governance (M.Sc.) — English C1 required
Neuroscience (M.Sc.) — English B2 required

Some programmes require German and English together or as alternatives; check the language requirement on the programme page.

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg: A Deep-Rooted Educational Tradition and Modern Approaches

Since its founding in 1457, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg has consistently aimed for academic excellence, establishing itself as one of Germany's oldest and most respected educational institutions. It holds the distinction of being the second university founded by the Habsburg Dynasty after the University of Vienna, and today, it is the fifth oldest university in Germany. The university boasts a long tradition of teaching in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and technology, offering a wide array of interdisciplinary programs.

With its 11 faculties, it provides educational opportunities in many diverse fields, from fundamental sciences like medicine, law, theology, philosophy, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, to modern areas such as environmental sciences and computer science. This diversity allows you to specialize in your areas of interest and interact with different disciplines. The university's high international reputation attracts students from over 120 countries worldwide; approximately 18.2% of the total student body comprises international students. This makes Freiburg University a multicultural and enriching learning environment.

Estimated Monthly Cost of Living

Rent (shared)

350-550 EUR

WG room (shared flat)

Food

200-300 EUR

Health Insurance

110-120 EUR

Transportation (Semesterticket)

0-50 EUR

May be valid throughout Baden-Württemberg

Other Expenses

100-200 EUR

Entertainment, personal expenses

Average total 760-1220 EUR / mo

Places to Visit and Student Hangouts

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Library (Universitätsbibliothek)

Library

The academic hub for students, known for its modern architecture and extensive resources.

Kollegiengebäude I & II

Landmark

The university's main buildings, housing lecture halls and administrative offices.

Freiburger Münster

Landmark

The Gothic cathedral located in the heart of the city, a symbol of Freiburg and within walking distance of campus.

Schlossberg

Park

Castle ruins and a park area on a hill offering panoramic city views, a popular escape for students.

Augustinerplatz

Square

A lively square with cafes and bars, where students socialize.

Botanischer Garten

Park

A peaceful garden belonging to the university, home to various plant species.

Student Life and Culture

Freiburg im Breisgau is known as one of Germany's "sunniest" and "greenest" cities, offering you an exceptional quality of life. Being a student at Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg means not just academic achievement, but also immersing yourself in a vibrant social and cultural life. The city embraces a philosophy of sustainability, with a strong cycling culture; students often prefer to get around campus and the city by bike.

Its proximity to the Black Forest provides countless opportunities for outdoor sports and activities. The university's international student community is quite large, giving you the chance to meet people from different cultures and build a global network on campus. A calendar full of student clubs, sports activities, cultural events, and festivals offers many options for you to spend your free time. Plus, the Semesterticket provides free public transportation throughout the entire state of Baden-Württemberg, allowing you to explore surrounding cities and natural beauties.

Strong cycling culture
Green and sustainable city structure
International and multicultural student community
Opportunities for outdoor sports thanks to proximity to the Black Forest
Free transportation throughout Baden-Württemberg with the Semesterticket

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I apply to Freiburg through uni-assist? ▼

No. According to the official page, Bachelor's and Master's applications go through the university's own online portal, regardless of nationality.

Can I apply without a C1 certificate? ▼

For admission-free Bachelor's programmes you can apply with DSH 1, TestDaF 3 or proof of attending a C1 course; the C1 certificate is due by enrolment. Restricted programmes require it with the application.

Does Freiburg charge tuition fees? ▼

Yes, €1,500 per semester for students from outside the EU/EEA starting a Bachelor's, Staatsexamen or consecutive Master's. There are exemptions; a second degree costs €650.

How much is the semester fee? ▼

According to the official page, currently €190 per semester; it is paid separately from tuition.

Next step: check in the programmes tab on this page whether your programme is restricted, confirm when the language certificate is due on Freiburg's international application page, and check the fee rules on the official fee page.