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Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau

University of Freiburg

1457
Founded
24.135
Student count
Public University
Type
84
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:

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.

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau — Images

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau

Programs & Departments

239 active programs · 84 NC-frei

This list shows the programmes in our catalogue and may be incomplete. Check the official programme page for the current list and the language of instruction.

Showing 121–144 of 239 programs

Master

Interkulturelle Studien – Deutschland und Frankreich

DE

Master of Arts (M.A.)

4 sem

This Master's program, offered at Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau, aims to deeply examine the cultural relations, interactions, and differences between Germany and France. You will gai...

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Internationale Wirtschaftsbeziehungen

DE

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Sosyal Bilimler 4 sem

The Master's program in Internationale Wirtschaftsbeziehungen at Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau is a field that examines global economic relations, international trade policies, and e...

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Islamwissenschaft – Moderne islamische Welt

DE

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Sosyal Bilimler 4 sem NC-frei

Are you interested in the history, religion, and culture of Muslim-influenced societies? Do you want to gain a broad understanding of past and present cultural-historical processes related to Islam an...

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Italienisch

DE

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Sosyal Bilimler 3 sem

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Italian as an extension subject (120 ECTS credits). This is a teacher training program for Italian language. The establishment of this degree programme is subject to app...

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Judaistik

DE

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Sosyal Bilimler 4 sem NC-frei

The master's program in Jewish studies focuses on the culture, religion, literature, history, philosophy, and languages of Judaism from their origins in the Bible and the Talmud to modern times, both...

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Katholische Theologie

DE

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Sosyal Bilimler 4 sem NC-frei

Extension subject (120 ECTS credits) in Catholic Theology for the Master of Education program. Note: The establishment of this degree programme is subject to approval by the Ministry of Science, Resea...

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Klassische Philologie

DE

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Sosyal Bilimler 4 sem

The Master's program in Klassische Philologie offers an in-depth study of ancient Greek and Latin languages, literatures, and cultures. This field is suitable for students who wish to develop their sk...

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Kunstgeschichte

DE

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Sanat & Tasarım 4 sem NC-frei

The Master's program in Art History offers the opportunity to specialize in areas of interest and personal career aspirations within all epochs of European art history from the Middle Ages to the pres...

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Latein

DE

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Sosyal Bilimler 4 sem

The Latin Master of Education program offered at Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau is designed for prospective teachers who wish to delve deeply into the Latin language and ancient Roman...

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Linguistics – Language, Communication, Cognition

DE+EN

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Sosyal Bilimler 4 sem

The M.A. programme in Linguistics – Language, Communication and Cognition offers six specialisations: English Language and Linguistics, General Linguistics and Linguistic Diversity, German Linguistics...

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MA European Literatures and Cultures

DE+EN
Dil & Kültür 4 sem

Master of Arts in European Literatures and Cultures / Europäische Literaturen und Kulturen

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MA Linguistics – Language, Communication and Cognition

EN

Master

Sosyal Bilimler 4 sem

The Master's degree programme in Linguistics – Language, Communication and Cognition is offered jointly by the linguistic institutes and chairs of the Faculty of Philology and the Department of Cognit...

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MA Linguistics – Language, Communication and Cognition

EN
Dil & Kültür 4 sem

MA Linguistics – Language, Communication and Cognition

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MA Linguistics – Language, Communication and Cognition / MA Linguistik – Sprache, Kommunikation und Kognition

DE+EN

Master

Sosyal Bilimler 4 sem

The Master's degree programme in Linguistics – Language, Communication and Cognition is offered jointly by the linguistic institutes and chairs of the Faculty of Philology and the Department of Cognit...

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MA Linguistics / MA Linguistik

DE+EN
Dil & Kültür 4 sem

MA Linguistics – Language, Communication and Cognition / MA Linguistik – Sprache, Kommunikation und Kognition

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Master of Arts in Social Sciences (Global Studies Programme)

EN

Master

Sosyal Bilimler 4 sem

The Master of Arts in Social Sciences (Global Studies Programme) is the oldest higher degree of its kind worldwide. It is an interdisciplinary international programme comprising sociology, political s...

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Master of Arts in Social Sciences (Global Studies Programme)

EN
Sosyal Bilimler 4 sem

Master of Arts in Social Sciences (Global Studies Programme)

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Master of Science in Applied Physics (MSc)

EN
Matematik & Doğa Bilimleri 4 sem

Master of Science in Applied Physics (MSc)

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Master of Science in Computer Science

EN

Master

Bilişim / Bilgisayar 4 sem

The technological developments of the past 20 years have changed our daily lives. Smartphones, navigation devices, search engines and data streaming have become indispensable in our everyday lives. Se...

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Master of Science in Computer Science

EN
Bilişim / Bilgisayar 4 sem

Master of Science in Computer Science

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Master of Science in Earth Sciences

EN

Master

Sosyal Bilimler 4 sem

The Master’s degree programme in Earth Sciences offers in-depth scientific training in the Earth and Planetary Sciences and Environmental Earth Sciences majors. Students are instructed in independent...

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Master of Science in Earth Sciences

EN
4 sem

Master of Science in Earth Sciences

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Master of Science in Embedded Systems Engineering

EN

Master

Sosyal Bilimler 4 sem

Embedded systems are among the key technologies. Whether in medical technology, the automotive industry, in aerospace or in telecommunications, media and entertainment technology – embedded systems pl...

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Master of Science in Embedded Systems Engineering

EN
Mühendislik 4 sem

Master of Science in Embedded Systems Engineering

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