University of Kiel

Kiel, Germany

The University of Kiel (Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, CAU), founded in 1665, is a leading research university in northern Germany, renowned for its strengths in marine sciences, nanoscience, and agricultural economics.
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Tuition Fees, Cost of Living & Accommodation at University of Kiel

Cost Of Living

€ 8760

Undergraduate Fees International Students

€ 518

Masters

  • € 10000
  • € 10000

University of Kiel Departments

  • Department of Marine Science
  • Department of Climate Physics
  • Department of Agricultural Economics
  • Department of Physics
  • Department of Chemistry
  • Department of Computer Science
  • Department of Medicine
  • Department of Evolutionary Biology
  • Department of Environmental Law
  • Department of Digital Humanities

Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of University of Kiel

1. Home to Kiel Marine Science (KMS), Germany’s largest marine research network, with access to GEOMAR’s deep-sea robots and Baltic Sea expeditions.

2. The KiNSIS Institute leads Europe in smart nanomaterials, partnering with IBM and thyssenkrupp on quantum sensors.

3. Coordinates the CRC 754 on Climate-Biogeochemistry, shaping UN sustainability policies with AI-driven ocean models.

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Distinguished Alumni of University of Kiel

Prof. Dr. Mojib Latif

World-renowned meteorologist and UN Climate Advisor, leading ocean-atmosphere interaction research at GEOMAR.

Dr. Antje Boetius

Director of the Alfred Wegener Institute, awarded the German Environmental Prize for deep-sea ecosystem discoveries.

Prof. Dr. Stefan Rahmstorf

Potsdam Institute climate scientist and IPCC lead author, specializing in sea-level rise modeling.

Dr. Cornelia Weltzien

Fraunhofer Institute robotics pioneer, developing AI-driven farm machinery for sustainable agriculture.

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schwarz

Nano-biomechanics expert at Heidelberg University, creating cancer cell detection sensors.

Dr. Heidecke

Former Minister-President of Schleswig-Holstein, instrumental in Germany’s Baltic Sea conservation policies.

Prof. Dr. Thorsten Reusch

Discovered heat-resistant coral genes at GEOMAR, aiding reef restoration.

Dr. Anke Kaysser-Pyza

CEO of the DLR (German Aerospace Center), advancing space material research.

Prof. Dr. Nele Matz

Leading UN maritime law expert, shaping global ocean governance treaties.

Dr. Henning Kagermann

Former CEO of SAP, now driving Germany’s Industry 4.0 digital transformation.

Infrastructure & Facilities at University of Kiel

The University of Kiel (CAU) boasts a modern, research-driven infrastructure that seamlessly integrates academic facilities with its coastal location. The main campus features state-of-the-art hubs like the KiNSIS Nano Lab, equipped with atomic-force microscopes and cleanrooms for quantum material research, while the Marine Science Center at GEOMAR provides direct access to research vessels (e.g., RV Alkor) and AI-powered ocean drones. The Botanical Garden serves as a living lab for climate-resilient crop studies, and the STARTUP SHIP incubator offers 3D printers and prototyping labs for student ventures. The University Library provides 24/7 access to rare marine archives and VR learning spaces, while the Sport Forum includes an Olympic-sized pool and Baltic Sea sailing facilities.

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University of Kiel Student Life

Life at CAU blends Baltic Sea charm with vibrant campus culture. The Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein organizes events like the annual "Kieler Woche" sailing regatta and Baltic Sea film festivals, while over 100 student clubs cater to diverse interests, from the Marine Science Society (hosting deep-sea robotics competitions) to the Kiel Culinary Collective (showcasing sustainable seafood cooking). The Sport Forum offers unique activities like kayaking in the fjord and wind energy fitness classes, and the STARTUP SHIP hub hosts pitch nights for student entrepreneurs.

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University of Kiel Career support

CAU’s Career Center leverages strong industry ties, with 75% of marine science/nano grads hired by partners like GEOMAR, thyssenkrupp, or Siemens before graduation. Key programs include:

"BlueTech Career Day": Germany’s only marine technology-exclusive job fair

Industry PhD Tracks: Sponsored research at BASF or IBM (avg. stipend: €2,500/month)

STARTUP SHIP Accelerator: €15K grants for ventures like algae biofuels
The Alumni Network connects graduates to leaders at UN climate agencies and German Naval Yards, while the "SkillBridge" platform uses AI to match students with global internships. Average starting salaries reach €58K in marine tech and €62K in nanomaterials.

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

The below information is required while
completing the university application :

Applicants must hold a university-entrance qualification (such as the German Abitur or an equivalent foreign qualification) recognised by German authorities. 

If the qualification is not directly recognised, applicants may need to attend a Studienkolleg (a preparatory college) before enrolment. 

For German-taught undergraduate programmes, proof of German language proficiency at a suitable level (e.g., DSH-2, TestDaF) is required. 

Application deadlines for non-EU/non-EEA applicants: typically beginning of May to 15 July for winter semester, and beginning of November to 15 January for summer semester. 

Applicants must submit required documents such as secondary school certificates, translations if necessary, and any other programme-specific prerequisites.

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Campus
Recruitment By top Companies

The University of Kiel (CAU) offers a dynamic campus recruitment ecosystem, closely tied to its strengths in marine sciences, nanoscience, and agri-tech. Top employers like GEOMAR, thyssenkrupp, and BASF recruit directly through the annual "Kiel Career Days", where 70% of marine science and nanoengineering students secure internships or jobs. The university’s STARTUP SHIP incubator connects graduates with Baltic Sea ventures in renewable energy and blue tech, while partnerships with Siemens and IBM provide sponsored PhDs in quantum materials. 

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    University of Kiel Corporate Partnership

    • GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research : oint PhD programs, shared use of research vessels (e.g., RV Alkor), and co-development of AI-powered ocean sensors.
    • thyssenkrupp Marine Systems : Funds the "Smart Coatings Lab" for anti-corrosion research, hires 30+ naval engineers annually.
    • BASF Plant Science : Field trials of salt-tolerant wheat at CAU’s Botanical Gardens.
    • Siemens Energy : Commercialized CAU’s nanomaterial patents for high-efficiency panels.
    • IBM : Supports KiNSIS Institute with quantum algorithm projects.
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    Notable Achievements of University of Kiel

    The University of Kiel (CAU) has achieved global recognition through groundbreaking milestones, including pioneering AI-driven ocean monitoring systems with GEOMAR that inform UN climate policies, and developing quantum dots for solar cells at its KiNSIS institute, adopted by IBM and Siemens Energy. CAU researchers decoded Baltic Sea methane cycles, earning the German Environment Prize (2023), while its CRC 754 revolutionized marine carbon storage techniques. The university’s STARTUP SHIP incubator spun off AlgaeTech, a leader in biofuel innovation, and its salt-resistant wheat varieties (with BASF) are deployed in climate-vulnerable regions.

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    Achievements

    01.
    German Environment Prize

    Awarded for decoding Baltic Sea methane cycles, revealing how microbial activity impacts climate change.

    Year
    2023
    02.
    AlgaeTech Spin-off

    Launched from CAU’s STARTUP SHIP, producing carbon-negative biofuels from Baltic Sea algae.

    Year
    2021
    03.
    Quantum Dot Solar Cells

    Developed at KiNSIS, these nanomaterials boosted solar efficiency by 20%, now used by Siemens Energy.

    Year
    2019

    Notable Innovation, Research & Development University of Kiel

    The University of Kiel (CAU) drives cutting-edge innovation through its interdisciplinary research hubs, pioneering breakthroughs in marine science, nanotechnology, and climate solutions. Its Kiel Marine Science (KMS) consortium leads global ocean sustainability research, deploying AI-powered underwater drones to monitor Baltic Sea ecosystems, while the KiNSIS institute develops quantum nanomaterials for next-gen solar cells and medical sensors, partnering with IBM and thyssenkrupp. The university’s CRC 754 advances climate modeling with UN-recognized carbon sequestration strategies, and its Botanical Gardens test salt-resistant crops for BASF. 

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    Notable Innovation

    01.
    Electromagnetic radio waves generation and detection apparatus

    Heinrich Hertz demonstrated the existence of electromagnetic waves by producing and detecting radio waves using a spark-gap transmitter and loop antenna receiver. His experiments provided conclusive evidence of the theory advanced by James Clerk Maxwell, thereby laying the foundational work for radio and wireless communication technologies.

    Year
    1886

    Explore Programs & Courses at University of Kiel

    Program name
    Tuition Fees
    Deadlines
    BSc in Agricultural Sciences 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
    NA
    20th Aug
    BA in English and North American Studies 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
    NA
    20th Aug
    BA in English North American Studies Teaching qualification at grammar schools 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
    NA
    20th Aug
    BA in English North American Studies Business education profile 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
    NA
    20th Aug
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    University Ranking of University of Kiel

    338
    301

    Region: Europe

    19
    23
    113
    204
    100
    Agricultural Sciences
    101-150
    196
    -
    201-300
    Chemistry
    401-450
    598
    -
    301-400
    Medicine
    301-350
    167
    126-150
    -
    Arts and Humanities
    401-450
    -
    201-250
    -
    View All Rankings

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