Europa-Universität Viadrina
Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)
For Turkish students looking to study in Germany, Europa-Universität Viadrina offers a unique academic experience in the heart of Europe, right on the Polish border, located in Frankfurt (Oder). Named after "Viadrina," which means "on the Oder" in Latin, this well-established university stands out with its high-quality programs, especially in social sciences, law, and economics. Despite being one of Germany's smaller universities, it makes a significant impact with its diverse international student body and cross-border collaborations.
It's important to clarify from the start the difference between Frankfurt am Main and Frankfurt (Oder), which Turkish students often confuse; Viadrina is in the quiet, student-friendly city of Frankfurt (Oder) in eastern Germany, bordering Poland. This allows students to experience both German and Polish cultures simultaneously. Viadrina boasts a strong academic staff, particularly in disciplines like international relations, European studies, and law, aiming to provide students with a global perspective. As you search for universities in Germany, you should definitely consider the unique environment Viadrina offers.
Quick Facts
- University Name
- Europa-Universität Viadrina
- City
- Frankfurt (Oder)
- State
- Brandenburg
- Type
- University (Universitäten)
- Sponsor
- Public (öffentlich-rechtlich)
- Founded Year
- 1991
- Student Count
- 3.934
- AlmanyaUni DB Programs
- 19 (Bachelor=2, Master=15, PhD=2)
- HRK Member
- Evet
- Uni-Assist Member
- Hayır
Europa-Universität Viadrina: An Academic Bridge on the Border
Europa-Universität Viadrina is a unique university located in Frankfurt (Oder), in eastern Germany, right on the Polish border, embracing Europe's cultural and academic diversity. Re-established in 1991, Viadrina takes its name from the old Viadrina University that existed in the same region during the Middle Ages. The university focuses particularly on law, economics, and cultural studies (Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften – humanities and social sciences). This focus offers students opportunities for in-depth specialization and interdisciplinary work.
One of Viadrina's most distinctive features is its international character. With over a quarter of its approximately 4,000 students coming from Poland, it provides a global campus environment with students from all over the world. This international atmosphere strengthens students' abilities to get to know different cultures, communicate in various languages, and develop multifaceted perspectives on global issues. Thanks to its proximity to Słubice, Poland, the university offers unique opportunities like cross-border cooperation projects and double degree programs. This is a significant advantage, especially for students aiming for careers in fields such as European Union studies, international law, and economics.
Academic programs, modern teaching methods, and small class sizes provide students with a personalized learning experience. Viadrina's mission is to educate students as future leaders of Europe and global citizens. Therefore, great importance is placed on critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. The university's location and its areas of focus make it a unique educational institution in Germany and Europe.
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living
Frankfurt (Oder): Student Life in a Border City
Frankfurt (Oder) is a calm and historic city located in Germany's Brandenburg state, right on the Polish border. It offers a more intimate and student-focused life, away from the hustle and bustle of large metropolises. While often confused with Frankfurt am Main by Turkish students, Frankfurt (Oder) is much smaller, boasts plenty of green spaces, and has a more affordable cost of living. The city is divided by the Oder River, with Frankfurt (Oder) on the German side and Słubice on the Polish side. This geographical location offers students the chance to experience two different cultures even in their daily lives; you can easily cross over to Słubice by foot or public transport.
The student community plays a significant role in the city's social and cultural life. Thanks to Viadrina's international nature, there are ample opportunities to meet and connect with people from different nationalities in the city. You'll find student-budget-friendly cafes, bars, and restaurants in the city center and around the university. Additionally, you can walk along the Oder River, cycle, or spend time in the parks. Cultural activities like theater, cinema, and museums are also available in the city. Frankfurt (Oder), also known as "Mini Frankfurt," is an ideal choice for those seeking a calm yet vibrant student city experience.
Places to Visit and Student Hangouts
One of the city's oldest and most impressive structures, this Gothic church is famous for its historic stained-glass windows.
Dedicated to the famous German writer Heinrich von Kleist, this museum offers insights into the author's life and works.
This promenade along the Oder River is a popular spot for relaxing and socializing, especially in spring and summer.
Located on the Polish side and jointly operated with Viadrina, this institution serves students with its library and classrooms.
Focusing on modern art, this museum hosts temporary exhibitions and permanent collections for art lovers.
The heart of the city, this square hosts various events and weekly markets.
Student Life and Culture
Student life at Europa-Universität Viadrina is characterized by an international and friendly atmosphere. Thanks to the smaller student body, a strong sense of community develops among students both on and off campus. Students can easily connect in classes and social events, making friends from diverse cultures. The university hosts various student clubs and initiatives that support students' personal development alongside their academic achievements. You'll find a wide range of activities, from sports clubs to cultural societies, political discussion groups to volunteering projects.
The city of Frankfurt (Oder) stands out for its student-friendly nature. Cycling is very common, and transportation within the city is usually by bike or public transport. The student union (AStA) represents student interests and organizes various social, cultural, and sports events. Especially the proximity to Słubice, Poland, offers students the chance to explore a different culture and shop affordably on weekends. Student life at Viadrina promises an experience that is both academically challenging and socially enriching.
- International campus environment and multiculturalism
- Close-knit community thanks to smaller student numbers
- Cross-border social and cultural interaction with Poland (Słubice)
- Diverse student clubs and cultural events
- Affordable cost of living and student-friendly city
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study engineering or medicine in Frankfurt (Oder)? What are the annual tuition fees? ▼
Europa-Universität Viadrina is located in Frankfurt (Oder) and primarily offers programs in law, economics, and cultural studies (social sciences and humanities). There are no engineering or medical faculties here. In public universities in Germany (including Brandenburg state), you generally don't pay tuition fees for bachelor's and master's programs; you only pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag). For engineering or medicine, you might need to look into universities in Frankfurt am Main or other larger cities.
Can you recommend a language course in or near Frankfurt (Oder)? ▼
Yes, there are language courses available in Frankfurt (Oder). You can find German courses either directly at Viadrina University or at private language schools in the city. However, it's important to remember that 'Frankfurt' questions often asked on Telegram usually refer to Frankfurt am Main. These are two different cities. For Frankfurt (Oder), we recommend checking local language schools or the university's language center.
I applied to Goethe University Frankfurt and am having issues with Uni-Assist. Does Viadrina also use Uni-Assist? ▼
First, Goethe University Frankfurt (Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main) and Europa-Universität Viadrina (Frankfurt (Oder)) are different universities. According to AlmanyaUni DB data, Viadrina is not a member of uni-assist. Therefore, applications to Viadrina are typically made directly through the university. For questions regarding Goethe Frankfurt, it's best to contact Goethe University's student administration or international office directly.
Can I buy train tickets with cash at Frankfurt train station? ▼
Yes, at most train stations in Germany (including Frankfurt (Oder)), you can buy train tickets with cash from ticket machines or counters. However, credit card or debit card payment options are also widely available.
400 points in equal weight makes a 2.2 NC score, can I apply to universities in Frankfurt? ▼
The Numerus Clausus (NC) score for the university and program you're applying to can change each semester and varies from program to program. You need to check the current NC values for law, economics, or cultural studies programs at Europa-Universität Viadrina on the university's official website. Also, it's crucial to clarify whether the 'Frankfurt' you're referring to is Frankfurt (Oder) or Frankfurt am Main, as the NC requirements for universities in the two cities will differ.
Don't forget to visit the official website to learn more about Europa-Universität Viadrina and its application processes. At AlmanyaUni, we're ready to support you on your educational journey in Germany!
Europa-Universität Viadrina — Images
Programs
Useful Links
Location
Programs & Departments
45 active programs · 37 English · 10 NC-frei
Showing 25–45 of 45 programs
Master
International Business Administration
DE+ENMaster of Science (M.Sc.)
This consecutive Master's degree programme is a more research-oriented course of study leading to a Master of Science degree, which teaches theoretical knowledge and, in particular, methodological ski...
View details →International Business Administration
ENInternational Business Administration
View details →International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
ENMaster of Laws (L.L.M.)
The Master of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHL) is an advanced 3-semester postgraduate program that integrates protection of human rights in times of peace with protection during s...
View details →International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
ENInternational Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
View details →Language and Media Studies
ENMaster
Understanding and shaping the connections between language, media and society How do language and media influence public discourse, social groups and power structures in society? What makes TikTok vid...
View details →Language and Media Studies
ENLanguage and Media Studies
View details →Language, Media and Society
DE+ENMaster of Arts (M.A.)
The research-oriented Master's program 'Language - Media - Society' combines a cultural studies and comparative cultural perspective on language, mediality and communication with a focus on Europe. Th...
View details →Literary Studies Aesthetics - Literature - Philosophy
DE+ENMaster of Arts (M.A.)
The Master's program in Literary Studies: Aesthetics - Literature - Philosophy focuses on analyzing the complex interplay of rhetorical, aesthetic, media, and material practices. The aim is to convey...
View details →Mediation and Conflict Management
DEMaster of Arts (M.A.)
The Master's program in Mediation and Conflict Management is a 4-semester, postgraduate, part-time study program that concludes with the academic degree of Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Laws (LL....
View details →PATHS Forced Migration
ENPATHS Forced Migration: Europe in a Global Context
View details →Social Studies – Crises, Culture and Critique
ENMaster
Understanding, criticising and changing society Migration and displacement, racism and authoritarianism, social inequality, economic and ecological crises as well as cultural conflicts over gender nor...
View details →Social Studies: Crises, Culture, Critique
ENSocial Studies: Crises, Culture, Critique
View details →Sociocultural Studies
DE+ENMaster of Arts (M.A.)
The Master's program in Sociocultural Studies (MASS) offers a 2-year master's program at the intersection of social sciences and cultural sciences. This intersection forms its special profile: In the...
View details →Transcultural Modern History
DE+ENMaster of Arts (M.A.)
The program addresses Europe and European modernity as formations that have emerged from both commonalities and diversity since the early modern period. The diversity acted as enrichment but also led...
View details →PhD
Cultural and Social Studies
DE+ENDoctorate
Cultural and Social Studies is a Bachelor's programme conducted in English and progressively in German, so it provides for the gradual acquisition of knowledge of German or knowledge of another foreig...
View details →International Business Administration
DE+ENDoctorate
In this programme, students can generally choose from a wide variety of courses according to their interests. Depending on the lecturers and the subject, courses are held in German, English or French....
View details →Other
Certificate in Law and Business
DEOther
The 'Recht der Wirtschaft' (Business Law) is a supplementary certificate program offered by the Faculty of Law at the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder). It is designed as a complement to t...
View details →Rechtswissenschaft Law Studies
DEOther
The law program at Europa-Universität Viadrina aims to train individuals who understand law not only as a set of rules but also as an instrument for shaping society and resolving conflicts. The progra...
View details →ViaPCS Program
ENOther
ViAPACS – Viadrina Applied Peace and Conflict Studies is a condensed study and training programme that complements the Bachelor's, Master's and PhD degrees at the European University Viadrina. It offe...
View details →Sprachkurs
Frankfurt (Oder)
State: Brandenburg
University Education in Frankfurt (Oder)
Frankfurt (Oder) stands out as an educational hub, primarily thanks to Europa-Universität Viadrina. This university offers internationally focused Eng...
more →Student Life in Frankfurt (Oder)
Frankfurt (Oder), despite being Brandenburg's fourth-largest city with a population of around 58,000, has a friendly and student-oriented atmosphere....
more →Student Life and Culture
Student life in Frankfurt (Oder) is vibrant and diverse, especially thanks to Europa-Universität Viadrina's international character. Being on the Poli...
more →More about Frankfurt (Oder)
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How do I apply to Europa-Universität Viadrina (Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)) as an international student?
Non-EU applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS certificate for some countries). EU applicants apply directly. You need a recognised degree, language certificate, motivation letter and CV. After admission, open a Sperrkonto and book a visa appointment at your local German embassy.
- Pick a programme — Browse the programme list above — filter by language, degree, field.
- Verify your eligibility — Check Anabin/APS for your country and degree-equivalence rules.
- Get language certificate — TestDaF/DSH for German, IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programmes.
- Apply via uni-assist or directly — Submit by 15 July (winter) / 15 January (summer) deadlines.
- After admission: Sperrkonto + visa — Open the blocked account, get health insurance, attend embassy interview.