University of Marburg, Germany

Overview

The University of Marburg (Germany) which is also referred to as Philipps-Universitat Marburg is among the oldest and most reputable European universities founded in 1527. Being the oldest university in the world founded by a protestant king, it has continued to uphold a tradition of high standards of academic excellence, intellectual independence, and research throughout its almost five-hundred-year history.

The university is situated in the beautiful medieval city of Marburg, where the students experience an inspiring academic environment with a rich history of architecture, cobblestone streets and very active student life. Marburg has become a so-called University town because of the close-knit interconnection between the city and the university, to the point that the cultural, scholarly and youthful vitality influences the daily life thereof.

The University of Marburg (Germany) has over 25,000 students who are international students representing 100+ countries around the world as well as the global research and teaching institution of natural sciences, medicine, humanities, law, social sciences, and psychology. It is especially well known that the university makes its contributions in the domains of life sciences, oncology, microbiology, history and philosophy.

The university is also included in the good network of research facilities in Germany, where it has the Marburg Ion-Beam Therapy Center, multiple Max Planck partnerships, and advanced laboratories. Centuries of tradition, as well as its unceasing modernization, make the University of Marburg (Germany) the best destination of international students.

Highlights

  • Acceptance Rate: 31% (Selective)
  • Total Students: 25,000+ from 100+ countries
  • Programs Offered: 150+ undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
  • Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
  • Graduate Employability Rate: 94% within six months
  • Scholarships: DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, Hessen State Grants
  • Top Research Areas: Life Sciences, Medicine, Philosophy, Psychology, Microbiology
  • Annual Research Funding: €600 million+

Rankings

The university has a global fame of academic quality and research power to study in Germany. University of Marburg (Germany) is unique with its academic tradition, international research collaborations, and highly dynamic international community. In addition to rankings, the University of Marburg (Germany) is popularly referred to as having made research breakthroughs in medicine, chemistry, microbiology and cognitive research to study in Germany.

Ranking Agency Rank / Recognition
QS World University Rankings 2025 #401 globally
Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 #251–300 worldwide
ARWU (Shanghai) 2024 #401–500 globally
U.S. News Best Global Universities 2025 #360 globally
QS Europe Rankings 2025 Top 200 in Europe
THE Subject Rankings (Life Sciences & Psychology) 2025 Top 150 worldwide

Intakes

The university observes the normal German academic calendar. Foreign students are advised to put in their application early enough to get accommodation and get the visa formalities settled to study bachelor’s in Europe.

Main Intake (October) – Winter Semester.

 Granted to most master and bachelor programs. Applications open: December

 Deadline: April, in case of international students.

Summer Semester (April)

 Limited program and master level courses available. Applications: September. Deadline: January

Courses & Fees

The University of Marburg (Germany) has a wide variety of interdisciplinary courses in sciences, humanities as well as professional courses. The University of Marberg (Germany) programs are focused on research and interdisciplinary study and practical work at the laboratory and field stations and companies to study Bachelor’s in Germany.

Program

Duration

Tuition Fees

Bachelor of Biology

3 Years

€0 tuition + €330 semester fee

Bachelor of Psychology

3 Years

€0 tuition + €330 semester fee

Bachelor of Physics

3 Years

€0 tuition + €330 semester fee

Bachelor of Business Administration

3 Years

€0 tuition + €330 semester fee

Master of Molecular Biology

2 Years

€0 tuition + €330 semester fee

Master of Data Science

2 Years

€0 tuition + €330 semester fee

Master of Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences

2 Years

€0 tuition + €330 semester fee

Master of Economics

2 Years

€0 tuition + €330 semester fee

MBA (Executive Programs)

1.5 Years

€18,000 – €30,000 total

Cost of Studying at University of Marburg (Germany)

Marburg is a German city that is student friendly with its affordability to live in. Average Annual Cost: EUR9,500 – EUR12,500. Semester fee covers the public transport throughout the Hessen state- an unprecedented advantage to the students.

Expense Type

Estimated Cost

Tuition Fees

€0 (public university)

Semester Fee

€330 per semester

Accommodation

€350 – €700/month

Food & Groceries

€200 – €300/month

Transportation

Included in semester ticket

Health Insurance

€120/month

Miscellaneous

€100 – €200/month

Scholarships

The University of Marburg (Germany) has numerous financial support programs to offer to international students. The scholarships cover tuition (where needed) and living expenses, research and academic mobility.

Scholarship

Value / Waiver

Details

Deutschlandstipendium

€300/month

Merit-based academic excellence award

DAAD Scholarship

€850 – €1,200 monthly

For master’s and PhD programs

Hessen State Scholarship

€1,000 – €3,000

For high-achieving students in the Hessen region

Marburg International Student Grant

€500 – €2,000

For international students with financial need

Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarship

€350 – €450 per month

For exchange and study-abroad programs

Admissions

The University of Marburg (Germany) is a competitive institution in terms of admissions that are determined on the basis of academic merit. The applications are made through either uni-assist or the university portal. The university admission committee members help you throughout your course requirements if you genuinely want to study Master’s in Germany. 

Undergraduate Admissions
  • High school certificate Map to the German Abitur.
  • English-taught programs: English proficiency. IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90, PTE 58+
  • Documents needed: transcripts, passport, SOP, evidence of finances (EUR11,208), CV.
Postgraduate Admissions
  • Bachelor of degree in related field.
  • English language (IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 / PTE 58+)
  • SOP that defines academic motivation.
  • Two recommendation letters, academic transcripts, CV.
  • Interviews or portfolios might be necessary in some programs.

Accommodation

Modification is offered by Studierendenwerk Marburg and private renting. . Being the oldest university in the world founded by a protestant king, it has continued to uphold a tradition of high standards of academic excellence, intellectual independence, and research throughout its almost five hundred-year history.

On-Campus Housing

One-bedroom, communal apartments, one bedroom apartment. Rent: EUR230 – EUR400/month. It has Wi-Fi, laundry rooms, study rooms, and kitchens.

Off-Campus Housing

Living quarters can be jointly rented by students in shared flats (WG), flat or studios, or students can rent their own room.

Rent: EUR350 – EUR700/month. Options available are Sudviertel, Ockershausen, Wehrda, Richtsberg. The office of International helps in locating housing and in working out rental contracts.

Placements

The Career Center Marburg of the university assists the students to gain access to the global job market by providing internship, research, and job-based program opportunities. University of Marburg (Germany) graduates usually get the following salaries: EUR45,000 – EUR65,000/per year, according to the field.

Top Recruiters Include:

  • Bayer AG
  • Siemens Healthineers
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Bosch GmbH
  • IBM Germany
  • Max Planck Institute
  • Helmholtz Centers
  • ZARA Corporate
  • Lufthansa Group
  • PwC Germany

Student Essential Services

One of the most advanced systems of student support in Germany is at the University of Marburg (Germany). Services are aimed to support academic success, easy cultural assimilation, personal development, and professional preparedness.

Student Success Centre: The facility offers individual tutoring, model test preparation classes, time management skills classes, and academic advisory services. The peer mentoring programs assist first-year international students in academic transition and adaption to the German standards of education.

Career and Employability Hub: The hub holds job fairs, employer networking events, skill training and internship placements. Students will be helped with writing CV and interviewing and finding jobs in Germany and Europe. The entrepreneurship courses and startup incubation laboratories assist students to transform their ideas into actual enterprises.

Accessibility Services and Counselling: Certified counselors provide mental health services, stress management services, conflict resolution and personal development. The services or accessibility can provide equal learning opportunities to students with disabilities by using adaptive technology, providing them with longer test time, and assisting them with mobility.

Clubs and Recreation: Having more than 120 student clubs such as cultural groups, sports teams, art societies, debate clubs, and volunteering associations, students have a good extracurricular life. The community building and intellectual exchange between the students is achieved through events like Marburg Culture Week, International Students Festival as well as scientific symposiums.

Libraries and learning Resources: The university has a large library network with millions of materials, electronic databases, and collection of medicine, humanities, and natural sciences. State-of-the-art facilities including the Marburg Ion-Beam Therapy Center and state-of-art laboratories help in advanced innovation as well as research training.

Visa, Housing and Integration Support: International Office assists in visa applications, residence permits, health insurance registration and housing. International students can adapt to the country with the help of orientation seminars, buddy programs, courses in German language, and cultural workshops.

The Health and Well-being Services: Health centers on campuses provide medical checkups, preventive medical services, and psychological services. Fitness centers, yoga, martial arts, swimming, and team sports are made available at sports facilities and encourage active lifestyles.

Events & Cultural Activities: The University of Marburg (Germany) hosts research expos, cultural performances, theatre performances, music concerts, film festivals and international nights every year. Beautiful medieval environment of Marburg is the added advantage of the student life due to which Marburg is ranked among the most atmospheric university towns in Europe.

Location of University of Marburg, Germany

Frequently Asked Questions Section

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the University of Marburg good for international students?

Yes. The University of Marburg is one of Germany’s oldest and top research universities, known for strong academic support, English-taught programs, and a welcoming environment for international students. The town of Marburg is also highly student-friendly and safe.

What is student life like at the University of Marburg?

Student life is vibrant and community-oriented. Marburg is a true “university town,” meaning most of the city revolves around student activities, cafés, cultural events, hiking trails, and historic sites.

Is German language required to study at the University of Marburg?

For many bachelor’s programs, German proficiency is required. However, several master’s programs are fully taught in English. Even for English-taught programs, learning basic German helps with daily life and part-time work.

Does the University of Marburg offer accommodation for international students?

Yes. Students can apply for university dormitories through Studentenwerk, or choose private housing in Marburg. Demand can be high, so early application is recommended.

Is Marburg an affordable city for students?

Compared to major German cities like Munich or Berlin, Marburg is much more affordable. Living costs, food, and accommodation are considered student-friendly.

Can students work part-time while studying at the University of Marburg?

Yes. International students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year as per German regulations. Many part-time roles are available on campus or within the town.

What is the relationship between historic academic heritage and the University of Marburg and the present-day research-focused learning?

Incorporating an academic tradition with innovative research in areas such as cognitive science, nanoscience, peace studies and life sciences, the University of Marburg provides an integration of tradition and innovation. Research-oriented seminars, laboratory rotations, and projects across disciplines are beneficial to students.

What are some of the special student-led programs that newcomers can get at the University of Marburg?

Various communities exist at the University of Marburg such as philosophy salons, AI and data science groups, outdoor adventure club, biomedical research groups, and creative writing groups. These groups start taking international students as early as the first semester.

What are the ways in which the University of Marburg partners with local and international research institutes?

The University of Marburg collaborates with the Max Planck Institute in Terrestrial Microbiology, the Center in Synthetic Microbiology, and some foreign research networks. Labs, internships, workshops, and scientific projects between students are opened.

What are the specialized/unique facilities available to students in the University of Marburg?

The University of Marburg offers students sophisticated microscopy labs, cognitive neuroscience research suites, bioinformatics centers, outdoor ecological field stations and historical manuscript archives that can be used in humanities, social sciences, and STEM programs.

What cultural events or traditions do the international students at the University of Marburg find to give them a sense of belonging to campus life?

Some of the events organized by the University of Marburg include the International Summer Festival, cultural exchange evenings, Marburg Open Campus Days and student theatre productions. Old Town surrounding also provides historic settings to the activities within the campuses making it a campus of unique charm.

What does the University of Marburg do to help students who are interested in initiating research-based projects or social-impact projects?

The University of Marburg offers startup mentoring, innovation grants, research incubators, and programs of social entrepreneurship. Students are advised on how to convert ideas into prototypes, publications or community-driven projects.

Which new or non-conventional instructional designs is the University of Marburg teaching?

The University of Marburg relies on formats like research guided seminars, interdisciplinary project weeks, simulation-based workshops, field trips, and collaborative online labs where students are likely to use theory in reality.

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