Universität Bielefeld

Public University Bielefeld · North Rhine-Westphalia

1969

Founded

23.433

Student count

Public University

Type

NC-free programs ↗

If you're dreaming of study in Germany, Universität Bielefeld offers a modern and innovative option, located in the heart of Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen). Founded in 1969, this young and dynamic university stands out as a "reform university," challenging traditional educational approaches. With a mission to integrate interdisciplinary research and teaching, Universität Bielefeld also boasts a unique campus architecture, housing all its faculties within one large, interconnected structure.

Its wide range of Bachelor's and Master's programs makes it an attractive destination for students aiming to achieve their education goals in Germany. On this page, you'll find detailed answers to common questions from our AlmanyaUni community, such as housing and visa processes.

Quick Facts

University Name: Universität Bielefeld
City: Bielefeld
State: Nordrhein-Westfalen
Founded: 1969
Student Population: 23,433
Number of Programs (AlmanyaUni DB): 60 (Bachelor: 5, Master: 32, PhD: 5)
Type: Public University (öffentlich-rechtlich)
HRK Member: Yes

Universität Bielefeld: A Reformist Approach to Education

Universität Bielefeld, despite being one of Germany's younger universities, was founded with a deeply reformist spirit. When it opened its doors in 1969, it positioned itself as a "reform university" by adopting an organizational and teaching style that differed from traditional university structures. Its primary goal was to re-establish the unity between research and teaching. Following this philosophy, all faculty members teach in their own research areas, ensuring students receive the most current knowledge and research methodologies.

One of the university's most distinctive features is its emphasis on interdisciplinary research. This approach is also reflected in the university's architecture; all faculties and departments are housed within one large, integrated structure. This unique campus design encourages academics and students from different disciplines to easily come together, exchange ideas, and develop collaborative projects. As one of the early adapters of the Bologna Process, the university successfully transitioned to Bachelor's and Master's degrees, offering students an education that meets international standards.

Academic Programs and Application Process

Universität Bielefeld offers a wide range of Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral programs. It has strong programs, particularly in social sciences, natural sciences, law, economics, and technology. According to the AlmanyaUni database, the university opens up various career paths for students with 5 Bachelor's, 32 Master's, and 5 doctoral programs. The university's official website provides the most accurate information on current program lists, admission requirements, and application deadlines.

For international students, application processes can often seem complex. Especially for students who plan to start a language school before beginning their Master's degree, the visa process is a crucial step. In such cases, you might need to apply for a "Studienbewerbervisum" (student applicant visa) with the university's conditional admission letter and proof of language course enrollment. For detailed information, it's essential to review the German consulates' current visa guides and prepare all required documents thoroughly. Since it's not a member of uni-assist (a service that pre-checks international student applications), applications must be submitted directly to the university, which can make the process a bit different.

Estimated Monthly Cost of Living

Rent (shared)

300-450 EUR

WG room (Wohngemeinschaft - shared apartment)

Food

200-300 EUR

Groceries and occasional dining out

Transportation (Semesterticket)

0-50 EUR

Included in semester contribution, for additional expenses

Health Insurance

110-120 EUR

Student health insurance

Personal Expenses

100-150 EUR

Entertainment, clothing, etc.

Average total 750-1100 EUR / mo

Places to Visit and Student Hangouts in Bielefeld

Sparrenburg Castle

Landmark

This historic castle, a symbol of Bielefeld, overlooks the city and offers magnificent views.

Alter Markt (Old Market Square)

Square

Considered the heart of the city, this square is a lively meeting point with historic buildings, cafes, and restaurants.

Kunsthalle Bielefeld

Museum

An important museum housing modern and contemporary art.

Botanischer Garten (Botanical Garden)

Park

A large garden in the middle of the city, offering a peaceful escape and home to various plant species.

Universität Bielefeld Campus

Landmark

A structure worth seeing for its unique architecture, bringing all faculties under one roof.

Details ↗

Student Life and Culture

Universität Bielefeld offers students a vibrant academic and social environment with its modern and integrated campus structure. Thanks to faculties housed under one roof, there's constant interaction between students and academics from different disciplines. This fosters the development of interdisciplinary projects and student clubs. Studierendenwerk Bielefeld, the university's student services organization, provides support to students in many areas, including dormitories, cafeterias, counseling, and cultural events.

The city of Bielefeld is known for its student-friendly atmosphere. Numerous cafes, bars, and cultural venues offer students opportunities to enjoy their time outside of classes. The city's green spaces and parks are ideal for outdoor activities, especially in spring and summer. Cycling is a popular mode of transportation within the city, and many students prefer bikes for daily life. Thanks to the university's Semesterticket (semester transportation ticket), students can use public transport within the North Rhine-Westphalia state for free or at a reduced rate, which is a great opportunity to explore surrounding cities.

Modern and integrated campus structure
Interdisciplinary learning and research environment
Comprehensive student support by Studierendenwerk
Student-friendly city atmosphere and cultural events
Free public transport within the state with Semesterticket

Frequently Asked Questions

I've received a Master's admission from Bielefeld University, but I'll start at an affiliated language school first. What's the visa application process? ▼

If you're coming to Germany with conditional admission, you'll first need to apply for a 'Studienbewerbervisum' (student applicant visa). This visa type allows you to attend a language course in Germany and then begin your university studies. For the visa application, you'll need the university's conditional admission letter, proof of language course enrollment, proof of a blocked account (Sperrkonto), and other standard visa documents (passport, biometric photo, motivation letter, etc.). Once you arrive in Germany, after completing your language course and finalizing your university enrollment, you'll need to convert your visa to a 'Studentenvisum' (student visa). For the most current and detailed information, always check the official website of the German Consulate.

Can anyone provide information about accommodation/dormitories for Bielefeld University? ▼

For Universität Bielefeld students, student dormitories operated by 'Studierendenwerk Bielefeld' are a primary accommodation option. You can apply for dorms through the Studierendenwerk's official website. They are generally popular due to their affordability and proximity to campus, so early application is crucial. Other options include private dorms, shared apartments ('Wohngemeinschaft' - WG), or rental apartments. For WG room searches, you can use platforms like 'WG-Gesucht.de' or student groups on Facebook. Our Telegram groups are also very active for information exchange on this topic, especially among international students.

I'm looking for a rental apartment in Bielefeld. Do you know of any available? ▼

While AlmanyaUni doesn't directly mediate apartment rentals, we can recommend resources to help students looking for housing in Bielefeld. Real estate portals like 'WG-Gesucht.de' and 'ImmoScout24.de' are the most commonly used platforms to find rental apartments or WG rooms. You can also contact local real estate agents in Bielefeld or check the university's 'Schwarzes Brett' (notice board) for announcements. On Facebook, search for keywords like 'Wohnung Bielefeld' or 'WG Bielefeld' to join groups created by students and locals where listings are shared. Starting early and being patient is key.

Don't forget to visit our AlmanyaUni platform for more information about Universität Bielefeld, to explore its programs, or to get detailed insights into the application processes. Take another step closer to your dream of study in Germany!

Universität Bielefeld — Gallery

Programs

60 total

5 Bachelor

32 Master

5 PhD

Useful Links

Official Website ↗ Wikipedia (DE) ↗ Wikipedia (EN) ↗ Hochschulkompass ↗

Location

Open in OpenStreetMap ↗

Sources

Official website ↗ Wikipedia (DE) ↗ Wikipedia (EN) ↗

Favorite NC-free Programs Add to Compare University Website ↗

Programs & Departments

35 active programs · 18 English · 5 NC-frei

Bachelor (5)

Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS)

DE+EN

Bachelor

Sosyal Bilimler 9 sem

The Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) offers doctoral researchers an innovative research environment that fosters creativity through interdisciplinary exchange. The main charac...

Universität Bielefeld

Quick Facts

Universität Bielefeld: A Reformist Approach to Education

Academic Programs and Application Process

Estimated Monthly Cost of Living

Places to Visit and Student Hangouts in Bielefeld

Student Life and Culture

Frequently Asked Questions

Universität Bielefeld — Gallery

Programs

Useful Links

Location

Sources

Programs & Departments

Bachelor (5)

Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS)

Bielefeld Graduate School in Theoretical Sciences

Binational Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (German-French)

Binational Bachelor's in History (German-French)

German as a Foreign and Second Language

Master (16)

Behaviour: From Neural Mechanisms to Evolution, MSc

BiBoG: Binational Master's in History (Bielefeld-Bologna)

Binational Master's in History (German-French) — Bielefeld-Paris Geschichte (BiPaG) MA

British and American Studies, Master of Arts

Ecology and Environmental Change

Genome Based Systems Biology

German as a Foreign Language and German Linguistics and Literature

GloC: Binational Master's in History and Global Cultures (Bielefeld-Bologna)

Intelligent Interactive Systems (IISY)

Interdisciplinary Studies of Science (ISoS)

Master of Arts InterAmerican Studies / Estudios InterAmericanos

Master's in Literature (BiRoLi)

Master's in Sociology

Mathematical and Theoretical Physics

Quantitative Economics

World Studies: Orders, Politics, Cultures

Other (9)

International German Summer Course A2

International German Summer Course B1

International German Summer Course B2/C1 + Language Project Academic German

International German Summer Course B2/C1 + Language Project Economics

International German Summer Course B2/C1 + Language Project Law

International German Summer Course B2/C1 + Language Project Literature

International German Summer Course B2/C1 + Language Project Mechatronics

International German Summer Course B2/C1 + Language Project Natural Sciences and Technology

International German Summer Course B2/C1 + Language Project Society and Politics

PhD (5)

Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS)

Bielefeld Graduate School in Theoretical Sciences

Binational Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (German-French)

Binational Bachelor's in History (German-French) — Bielefeld-Paris Geschichte (BiPaG) BA

German as a Foreign and Second Language

Bielefeld

Education and Universities in Bielefeld

City Life and Opportunities

Student Life and Culture

Student Experiences

Other universities in Bielefeld

Fachhochschule Bielefeld

Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM)

Fachhochschule der Diakonie

Fernuniversität in Hagen

Technische Universität München

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

How do I apply to Universität Bielefeld as an international student?

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