For students dreaming of a university education in Germany, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen (JLU) stands as a well-established option, ranking as the second-largest higher education institution in the state of Hessen. Founded in 1607 and named after the renowned scientist Justus Liebig, the pioneer of modern agricultural chemistry, this university boasts a rich history and a broad academic spectrum. Located in the vibrant student city of Gießen, JLU offers an international environment with approximately 25,000 students.
It promises a comprehensive educational experience with high-quality programs across numerous fields, including medicine, law, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. A popular choice among students applying to study in Germany, JLU Gießen stands out for both its academic excellence and student-friendly living conditions.
Quick Facts
- University Name
- Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
- City
- Gießen
- State
- Hessen
- Type
- Public University (Universitäten)
- Founded
- 1607
- Student Enrollment
- 24,698
- AlmanyaUni DB Programs
- 178 (Bachelor's: 52, Master's: 115)
- HRK Member
- Evet
- Uni-Assist Member
- Hayır
Historical Legacy and Academic Identity: Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen (JLU) is one of Germany's most established and respected higher education institutions. Founded in 1607 as Ludwigs-Universität, the university has undergone many transformations throughout its long history. In the post-World War II era, from 1946, it first operated as a College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, then regained full university status in 1957. The university is named after the famous chemist Justus Liebig, who served as a professor here from 1824 to 1852 and is recognized as the inventor of modern agricultural chemistry and artificial fertilizer. This name change symbolizes the university's commitment to its scientific heritage and innovative spirit.
As the second-largest university in the state of Hessen, JLU carries the Antonius Cross on its coat of arms, continuing the tradition of the Antoniterkloster Grünberg. This deep-rooted history ensures that the university stands out not only for its academic achievements but also for its cultural and historical depth. Especially for students choosing a university in Germany, JLU Gießen's historical and scientific identity is a significant draw for those seeking a robust education.
Broad Academic Spectrum and Research-Oriented Approach
Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen offers education and research opportunities across a broad academic spectrum, from humanities to natural sciences, law to medicine. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs are available in diverse fields such as arts and humanities, business, dentistry, economics, law, medicine, natural sciences, social sciences, and veterinary medicine. The university hospital, with two campuses in Marburg and Gießen, is Germany's only private university hospital and makes significant contributions to education and research in the medical field.
JLU is internationally recognized for its research, particularly in areas like agricultural chemistry, veterinary medicine, and experimental medicine. Students have access to modern laboratories, extensive library resources, and an experienced academic staff. Thanks to its research-oriented approach, students get the opportunity to closely follow current scientific developments and contribute to their own projects. This diversity and research potential make JLU Gießen an attractive option for students considering bachelor's or master's programs in Germany.
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living
Places to Visit and Student Hangouts
One of Germany's oldest botanical gardens, owned by JLU, offering a peaceful retreat for students.
Details ↗A science museum where you can experience mathematics in a fun and interactive way, appealing to visitors of all ages.
Details ↗Located in Gießen's historic center, an important structure that sheds light on the city's past.
The central library, meeting students' academic needs with its extensive resource collection and modern study environments.
Details ↗Just outside Gießen, a historical and cultural excursion spot nestled in nature.
Student Life and Culture
With approximately 25,000 students, Gießen is truly a student city. Thanks to students making up a significant portion of the city's population, Gießen boasts a young and dynamic atmosphere. Student life at Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen is vibrant, with a variety of clubs, cultural events, and social activities.
Special programs and counseling services for international students make it easier for newcomers to adapt to the city and the university. The university meets students' social and academic needs with sports facilities, student cafeterias (Mensa), and cafés. Gießen's central location offers easy access to other major German cities, while its surrounding natural beauty also creates opportunities for weekend getaways. Students here will find opportunities to meet people from their own culture as well as connect with students from various other nations.
- Vibrant and dynamic student city atmosphere
- Numerous student clubs and societies
- Affordable student dorms and shared apartment (WG - Wohngemeinschaft) options
- Free transportation across Hessen with the valid Semesterticket (a mandatory student fee that often includes public transport access for the entire semester)
- Life close to nature and green spaces
Frequently Asked Questions
I selected Technische Universität Chemnitz (TU) and chose informatics. It showed me the semesters, and since I'm starting from the 1st semester, I selected '1', but the screen froze. I checked my cart, and it was added. Just in case, I decided to remove it from the cart and add it again, but now I can't add it back; I'm getting an error. Has anyone else experienced this issue? ▼
Online application portals for universities in Germany can sometimes experience technical glitches. If you encounter such a problem, first try clearing your browser's cache and cookies. Trying a different browser or device might also help. If the issue persists, the best course of action is to directly contact the international student office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) or the student administration (Studiensekretariat) of the relevant faculty at the university you're applying to. Providing detailed screenshots of your issue will help speed up the resolution process. (Akademisches Auslandsamt: International Office; Studiensekretariat: Student Secretariat)
What are the application requirements for Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen? ▼
To apply to JLU Gießen, you generally need to have your high school diploma recognized in Germany (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung - HZB), demonstrate German language proficiency (proven by exams like TestDaF or DSH), and meet additional specific requirements for some programs (e.g., internships, portfolios). For detailed and up-to-date application requirements, you should check the international students' section on the university's official website. (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung - HZB: Higher Education Entrance Qualification; TestDaF: Test of German as a Foreign Language; DSH: German Language University Entrance Examination for Foreign Applicants)
Does Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen use Uni-Assist? ▼
No, according to our database, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen is not a member of Uni-Assist. You will need to submit your applications directly through the university's own application portal. You can find the most current information regarding the application process and required documents on the university's official website. (Uni-Assist: A service that processes international student applications for many German universities)
Is it difficult to find student accommodation in Gießen? ▼
Since Gießen is a student city, accommodation options are available. Student dormitories (Studierendenwerk Gießen) are among the most affordable choices, but it's crucial to apply early. Additionally, shared student apartments (WG - Wohngemeinschaft) or private rental apartments are also available. As demand can be high, especially at the start of semesters, it's advisable to begin your accommodation search early. (Studierendenwerk Gießen: Student Services Organization in Gießen)
Which programs are popular at JLU Gießen? ▼
JLU Gießen is particularly known for its strong faculties in veterinary medicine, medicine, law, and natural sciences. It also offers a wide range of programs in the humanities and social sciences. Popular programs can vary based on students' interests and career goals.
To learn more about Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen and explore the application processes, check out our other content on the AlmanyaUni platform and take the first step on your educational journey in Germany!
Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen — Gallery
Programs
Useful Links
Location
Programs & Departments
234 active programs · 102 English · 122 NC-frei
Showing 97–120 of 234 programs
Master
Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources
ENMaster of Science (M.Sc.)
With more than one million scientifically described species, insects are the largest group of organisms on Earth. As an emerging interdisciplinary research area, insect biotechnology explores insects...
View details →Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources
ENInsect Biotechnology and Bioresources
View details →Intercultural Communication and Business
ENMaster of Arts (M.A.)
The Master's program in Intercultural Communication and Business consists of a joint introductory module 'Intercultural Communication' (10 CP), a foreign language major (40 CP), a minor in economics (...
View details →Interdisciplinary Studies on Eastern Europe
DE+ENMaster of Arts (M.A.)
The M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies on Eastern Europe aims to impart interdisciplinary cultural and methodological competencies related to Eastern Europe. The program analyzes cultural, historical,...
View details →Interdisciplinary Studies on Eastern Europe (MA) (German Option)
DEInterdisciplinary Studies on Eastern Europe | Interdisziplinäre Studien zum östlichen Europa (MA) (German Option)
View details →Interdisciplinary Studies on Eastern Europe | Interdisziplinäre Studien zum östlichen Europa (MA) (German Option)
DEMaster
The Giessen Centre for Eastern European Studies (GiZo) is the regional studies research and teaching centre for Eastern Europe at the Justus Liebig University of Giessen. By combining cultural and so...
View details →Interdisciplinary Studies on Eastern Europe, MA (English Option)
ENInterdisciplinary Studies on Eastern Europe, MA (English Option)
View details →Interdisziplinäre Studien zum östlichen Europa
DE+ENMaster of Arts (M.A.)
The Master's program 'Interdisciplinary Studies on Eastern Europe' aims to provide interdisciplinary Eastern European cultural competence and comprehensive methodological skills in various scientific...
View details →Justice and Inequalities / Justicia y desigualdades
ENJustice and Inequalities: Comparative Cultural Studies / Justicia y desigualdades: Estudios comparativos culturales
View details →Justice and Inequalities: Comparative Cultural Studies / Justicia y desigualdades: Estudios comparativos culturales
OTHERMaster
"Justicia y desigualdades: Estudios comparativos culturales” is a consecutive interdisciplinary Master programme with a cultural studies focus. It is taught entirely in Spanish on campus (some online...
View details →Justicia y desigualdades: Estudios comparativos culturales
OTHERMaster of Arts (M.A.)
"Justicia y desigualdades: Estudios comparativos culturales" is an interdisciplinary Master's program in the field of cultural studies. It offers an exclusively Spanish-language study program in face-...
View details →Klinische Sporttherapie und Sportphysiologie
DEMaster of Science (M.Sc.)
This Master's program in Clinical Sports Therapy and Sports Physiology provides in-depth understanding of the relationships between sports physiological processes, performance development, and the eff...
View details →Komparatistik – Vergleichende Literatur- und Kulturwissenschaft
DE+ENMaster of Arts (M.A.)
The Master's program examines interdisciplinary cultural studies and media-oriented questions, opening up new fields of work and research that are often neglected in traditional comparative studies. T...
View details →Kunstpädagogik
DEMaster of Arts (M.A.)
The Master's program in Art Education offers research-oriented deepening and differentiation. Images as communication carriers play a central role in contemporary culture dominated by digital media. S...
View details →Lebensmittelchemie
DEMaster of Science (M.Sc.)
The Master's program in Food Chemistry at Justus-Liebig-University Giessen is characterized by a high degree of interdisciplinarity, as students take courses from various teaching units and department...
View details →Livestock Sciences
DEMaster of Science (M.Sc.)
The Master's degree programme Livestock Sciences deals with the fundamentals and interrelationships for the production of high-quality food on a national as well as an international level. This includ...
View details →Master's Degree in German Law (LLM)
DE+ENMaster's Degree in German Law (LLM)
View details →Master's in German Law (LLM)
DE+ENMaster
The course will include all areas of German law, depending on the choices made by the student.
View details →Mathematics
DEMaster of Science (M.Sc.)
The Master's programme in Mathematics is a consecutive programme that builds on an already acquired Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or relevant Bachelor's degrees with a broad mathematical profile. I...
View details →Mathematik
DEMaster of Science (M.Sc.)
The Master's program in Mathematics is a consecutive study program that builds on a previously acquired Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or relevant Bachelor's degrees with a broad mathematical profil...
View details →Mind, Brain and Behavior
ENMaster of Science (M.Sc.)
Mind, Brain and Behavior is an international Master's program taught in English. The program provides core competencies for a career in academia or industrial research in the fields of Psychology, Cog...
View details →Mind, Brain and Behaviour
ENMaster
Understanding human perception and behaviour is one of the greatest challenges facing science. Fuelled by recent advances in artificial intelligence, there is a growing need in numerous application ar...
View details →Mind, Brain and Behaviour
ENMind, Brain and Behaviour
View details →Modern Societies and Cultures
DE+ENMaster of Arts (M.A.)
The Master's course "Modern Societies and Cultures" is a consecutive, research-oriented study programme based on a completed relevant Bachelor's degree. It responds to sociological diagnoses of curren...
View details →
Gießen
State: Hesse
Gießen: The Student Heart of Central Hessen
Gießen is strategically located in the heart of Germany, right in the middle of the Hessen state. Students make up about a third of the city's populat...
more →Universities and Study Opportunities in Gießen
Gießen hosts four public universities, making it one of Germany's significant educational centers. Among these, the most well-known are Justus-Liebig-...
more →Transportation and Ease of Living in Gießen
Gießen's central location in Germany also gives it excellent transportation links. The city has major highway and railway connections, providing easy...
more →More about Gießen
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How do I apply to Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen (Justus Liebig University Giessen) 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.