University of Erfurt

Tubingen, Germany

The University of Erfurt is a public institution founded in 1379, later closed in 1816, and re‑established in 1994 after German reunification—thus uniquely regarded as both the oldest and youngest university in Germany . Today, with around 5,700–6,000 students and over 100 professorships, it focuses on humanities, cultural studies, social science
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Tuition Fees, Cost of Living & Accommodation at University of Erfurt

Bachelors

  • € 10000

Masters

  • € 12000

University of Erfurt Departments

  • Faculty of Education
  • Faculty of Catholic Theology
  • Faculty of Philosophy
  • Faculty of Governance
  • Max Weber Center for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies

Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of University of Erfurt

University of Erfurt has no tuition fee and has a high acceptance rate. The university also participates in a number of international events including the National Model United Nations NMUN in New York City winning several awards for their participation at the conference.

University of Erfurt is also home to a number of research groups part of the Erfurt doctoral and postdoctoral program. The university also hosts a number of summer schools each year including International Summer Course for German Language, Literature and Culture and Summer Program in Communications Erfurt.

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Distinguished Alumni of University of Erfurt

Infrastructure & Facilities at University of Erfurt

The University of Erfurt is located on a compact urban campus in central Erfurt, featuring historic mid‑20th century academic buildings that have been thoughtfully modernized. Renovated lecture halls, seminar rooms, and small research labs are seamlessly integrated into a heritage environment, creating a sense of architectural continuity. Today’s facilities include a modern Language Training Centre, computer labs, and a designated student club venue, all set within walkable distances. The campus is intentionally designed to foster ease of mobility—students can conveniently move between lecture halls, library, and central services by foot thanks to the University’s well-integrated layout and green spaces.

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University of Erfurt Student Life

Student life at Erfurt is active and multicultural. A diverse array of student societies and interest groups operate on campus—from political and cultural organizations to hobby clubs and the weekly Café International, where domestic and international students interact informally. The university also participates actively in Model United Nations, with its NMUN New York team having won multiple international awards. Social and cultural life is enhanced by proximity to the vibrant Engelsburg student centre in Erfurt’s Old Town, which hosts film nights, lectures, concerts, and other events.

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University of Erfurt Career support

The University provides integrated career orientation through its mentoring system and general education programme, making it a model for holistic support in the German academic context  . While it does not feature a dedicated in-house career centre, students benefit from the Studierendenwerk Thüringen’s job-exchange platforms, promotion of internships, and job postings in cooperation with external networks and portals  . Academic advising, degree-structuring (via STUDIMAT), and support services all contribute to students’ preparation for employment and internships.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Admission Requirements at University of Erfurt

General Admission Requirements

Applicants must present a valid German higher education entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur or subject-specific equivalent). Alternative pathways include:

A vocational pathway such as a master craftsman’s qualification.

Completion of a state?recognized technical or business education programme.

Relevant prior university study, even without a traditional school-leaving certificate.

Special Admission (Aptitude) Tests

Certain programmes—such as Art, Music Education, Physical Education, and Communication Science—require subject-specific aptitude tests or assessment procedures, with an application deadline of September?30.

International Applicants

Applicants with foreign secondary qualifications must demonstrate their equivalence to the German Abitur and proof of German language proficiency (minimum B1 or B2 CEFR, often via DSH, TestDaF or telc certificates). 

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Campus
Recruitment By top Companies

While Erfurt is not a business school, graduates are prepared for careers in education, social sciences, public policy, and cultural institutions. Programmes such as Willy Brandt School of Public Policy offer career orientation and mentorship for international social and political sectors

    Notable Achievements of University of Erfurt

    University of Erfurt is ranked 78th in Germany and amongst top 1500 universities in the world by UniRank university rankings. The university is also accredited by several government bodies including the Thuringian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture.

    University of Erfurt is also ranked amongst top 10% institutions in the world by EduRank university rankings. EduRank also ranks the university 89th in the country.

    Achievements

    01.
    DFG Membership (Research Excellence Recognition)

    In 2019, the University of Erfurt became the 97th institutional member of the German Research Foundation (DFG)—a milestone underscoring its recognized research strength and growth.

    Year
    2019
    02.
    Federal Research Building ‘Weltbeziehungen’ Approval

    Erfurt secured federal funding and began construction of the humanities-focused “Weltbeziehungen” research building, a pioneering standalone facility for the Max Weber Center—the first of its kind funded by the German federal government.

    Year
    2019
    03.
    Max Weber Center Recognition

    The Max Weber Center for Advanced Cultural & Social Studies was designated among Germany’s top 4% of sociology-focused institutes and received over €1.4 million in COFUND EU grants by 2015, cementing its status as a leading international research centre.

    Year
    2008

    Notable Innovation, Research & Development University of Erfurt

    The Max Weber Center, re-established in 1998, is a major hub for interdisciplinary research in religion, culture, law, and society. It hosts internationally renowned fellows and research units on theologians like Kierkegaard and Herder .

    Ongoing research groups include COMDIGMED (Communication & Digital Media), CEREB (Economics & Behavior), and graduate schools focusing on religion and media historiographies .

    The university’s Research Profile Strategy 2030+, introduced in 2023, emphasises graduate education, internal networking, and societal knowledge transfer.

     

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    Notable Innovation

    01.
    Knowledge Modeling via FactGrid Platform

    A digital humanities innovation co-developed by the University of Erfurt’s Gotha Research Centre in collaboration with Wikimedia Germany and the German National Library. FactGrid enables linked-data modeling of historical, biographical and bibliographic information—advancing open-access scholarly infrastructure.

    Year
    2018
    02.
    Ingrain Wallpaper (Woodchip Wallpaper)

    Invented by Hugo Erfurt, a German pharmacist–inventor who studied in Erfurt and lent his name to the city; he created woodchip wallpaper (ingrain décor paper) that became a popular and durable decorative material in the late 19th century.

    Year
    1864
    03.
    Sulfur Milk (Schwefelmilch)

    Developed by chemist Christian Friedrich Bucholz, a university-educated researcher associated with Erfurt, Sulfur Milk was among the first antiseptic chemical treatments used in medicine—marking an early scientific contribution linked to the university’s academic environment.

    Year
    1807

    Explore Programs & Courses at University of Erfurt

    Program name
    Tuition Fees
    Deadlines
    BA Arts 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
    €1600
    (Per Semester)
    30th Sep
    BA Catholic Religious Education 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
    €1600
    (Per Semester)
    30th Sep
    BA Communication Science 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
    €1600
    (Per Semester)
    30th Sep
    €1600
    (Per Semester)
    30th Sep

    Connect With University of Erfurt

    • Nordhäuser Str. 63, 99089 Erfurt, Germany
    • +49 (0)361 737-0

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