Heidelberg University: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

As Germany’s oldest higher education institution, Heidelberg University first opened its gates in 1386. From just being a centre of Calvinism in the 60s, the university has progressed to become a leader in the field of engineering, medicine, life sciences, and classical & ancient history. Currently, an array of Heidelberg University courses include 58 bachelor’s, 69 master’s consecutive, 10 master’s non-consecutive, and 21 masters of education programs.

Along with achieving a globally impressive reputation as an educational institution, the public university is also a leader amongst research-based universities in Europe. A survey conducted by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) revealed that the university is among the most popular venues for international doctoral candidates. A result of its collaboration, on research activities, with organizations like the German Cancer Research Centre.

Heidelberg University Rankings

• Ranked #3 in Germany, #17 in Europe, and #66 in the world by QS World University Ranking 2023.
• Ranked #3 in Germany, #13 in Europe, and #44 in the world by Times Higher Education 2022.
• Ranked #1 in Germany, #12 in Europe, and #47 in the world by Shanghai Ranking of World Universities 2022.

As per other ranking agencies as well, the Heidelberg University ranks amongst the top 100 universities in the world.

Heidelberg University Highlights

Heidelberg University Programs

• The university comprises 12 faculties, 2 of which are medical centers. Around 180-degree programs are offered at Heidelberg University at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
• 14 master’s programs are offered at Heidelberg University for both continuing students(minimum 1 yr of work experience) and consecutive masters students.
• Some of the master’s programs offered in English include Biomedical Engineering, Computational Linguistics, Economics, International Health, Molecular Biosciences, and Physics.
• Many disciplines offered by the university are among the top-ranked subjects in the world. Some of the top-ranked subjects offered by the university include Life Sciences, Medicine, Classics & Ancient History, Biology, Pharmacology, Geography, etc.

Heidelberg University Campus and Accommodation

The Heidelberg student union operates 65 halls of residence. However, due to high demand for rooms, only 13% of all new students can find cheap accommodation with the student union, nearly half of which are international students. Some of the accommodation options include

Many students decide to stay in hostels before they can arrange a proper housing facility. Boarding House Heidelberg, Steffi’s Hostel, Lotte Hostel, and Monteurzimmer-Heidelberg.de are some of the cheap hostels available in the city.

The cost of living in Heidelberg is comparatively higher than cost of living in most parts of Germany, hence, international students should be financially adept before choosing to pursue an education here.

Heidelberg University Admissions

The academic year at Heidelberg University is divided into two semesters: Winter Semester (October 1 to March 31) and Summer Semester (April 1 to September 30)

Application Deadlines

• For Undergraduate Programs, applications must be submitted before July 15 (Winter) and January 15 (Summer).
• For Masters and Research Programs, the admission application deadlines vary.
• For Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Medicine programs, the deadline is July 15.

Due to COVID 19 outbreak, the university has extended the upcoming winter semester deadline till August 20, 2023. The deadline extension is applicable for UG and selective PG programs whose admissions are conducted internally by the university itself.

How to Apply?

All applicants from non-EU/EEA countries are required to apply for admission online on the university website.

Candidates seeking admission to courses with national restrictions (medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry) should apply through Uni-assist for document verification.

Admission Requirements

While there may be specific a few specific program requirements, overall admission requirements at the university are:

• Certification: High School Official Transcripts; Undergraduate Degree Certificate (master’s applicants)
• Tests to Study in Germany (Language Proficiency): DSH- Level 2; Goethe Certificate 2; TestDaF (TDN 4 or above); Certificate of ”telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule”
• Supporting Documents: Motivation letter; CV; TestAS result (for select graduate-level programs)
• Financial Statement: Bank Statement/Tax return showcasing the ability to spend 725 EUR per month
• Health Insurance: Proof of substantial health insurance.
• For admission to doctoral programs, prospective students must find a supervisor willing to support their research proposal.

Inability to meet the German language requirements is a problem that can be solved by taking up language preparatory courses at the Heidelberg University, or in your own home country. The university also has an International Summer School which offers 4-week German courses at different levels.

English Language Requirements

Visa Requirements

To pursue any program at Heidelberg University, it is mandatory for international students (non-EU nationals) to apply for and obtain a German student visa. Documents required along with the visa application are listed below:

• Cover letter stating the purpose and duration of your stay
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Acceptance letter from the university
• Proof of available finances ( 8,700 EUR per year) and health insurance
• Proof of proficiency in English and German

The German student visa application costs 75 EUR and takes around 25 days to process.

Heidelberg University Cost of Attendance

Heidelberg University charges its international students from non-EU/EEA countries a tuition fee of EUR 1,500 per semester for the winter semester 2023/2024.

The table above shows the estimated cost of attendance for international students (non-EU/EEA) studying at Heidelberg University. In some special cases, candidates may apply for exemption from the tuition fee.

Heidelberg University Scholarships & Financial Aid

Presently, the university doesn’t offer any scholarships or financial aid programs to students. While international students will have to bear the cost of living themselves, they can apply for scholarships offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and other German organizations. Some of these scholarship programs include

• DeutschlandStipendum: Offered to high performing international students commencing UG/PG coursework program at a German university. The scholarship is offered through the partnership of federal government and private sponsors. Recipients get an award of 330 USD per month
• German Chancellor Fellowship: 50 scholarships worth 2170 EUR, 2470 EUR, and 2770 EUR are awarded to students from India, Brazil, the USA, China, and Russia.
• KAAD Scholarship: Awarded to students from Africa, Asia, Middle East or Latin America, commencing PG studies at German University. Recipients are awarded a substantial tuition fee waiver amount that varies every year.

Apart from these, the institution recommends international students to seek scholarships by the organizations in their own countries.

Heidelberg University Placements

University allows students to practice more practically so that students can learn and develop their skills. The university provides Students with networks, and others will guide Students for their placements.

Some of the highest paying degrees at Heidelberg University are:

As per THE World University Rankings 2023, Heidelberg University was placed at #45 globally and #4 in Germany. The university graduates (both domestic and international) can earn an annual salary between 50,000 EUR to 100,000 EUR. Furthermore, few top employers in the area like Heidelberg Cement, SAP, ABB Ltd. offer generous annual packages worth even 120,000 EUR.