Heidelberg University, officially Ruperto Carola, is Germany's oldest university and one of Europe's most distinguished public research universities. Heidelberg University is located in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg and was founded in 1386. The University is known for medicine, life sciences, natural sciences, humanities, law, social sciences, theology, economics, mathematics, computer science, psychology, cultural studies and interdisciplinary research. It especially appeals to students seeking a historic German university with strong research traditions, an international academic reputation and a student-friendly urban environment.

The university was founded in 1386 and has been one of the leading universities in Germany and Europe for centuries. Its academic identity is a mix of tradition and contemporary research. Heidelberg is known for research-oriented teaching, strong doctoral training, medical research, life sciences, humanities scholarship and international collaboration. The university has a broad academic profile but specific strengths in medicine, biosciences, physics, chemistry, law, psychology, philosophy, history, theology and modern interdisciplinary research.

At the undergraduate level, Heidelberg University offers bachelor’s programs, state examination programs and routes to teacher education. Many of the undergraduate courses are taught in German so international students should check the German language requirements carefully. Undergraduate fields of study include medicine, dentistry, law, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, philosophy, history, theology, languages, literature, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science and geosciences and cultural studies. Routes in medicine, dentistry, law and pharmacy may be based on state examination structures rather than on simple bachelor’s formats.

In Heidelberg you can study a broad range of master’s programmes, some of which are offered in English. In the postgraduate sphere we have Molecular Biosciences, Physics, Chemistry, Scientific Computing, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Development Studies, Transcultural Studies, South Asian Studies, American Studies, English Studies, History, Philosophy, Psychology and a wide range of specialized science and humanities subjects. Admission requirements depend on the program and might include previous academic background, proof of language skills, subject-specific credits, motivation materials or restricted admission rules.

Heidelberg University is one of the strongest research environments at the doctoral level in Germany. Doctoral candidates can be found in the fields of medicine, life sciences, natural sciences, humanities, law, economics, social sciences, theology and interdisciplinary areas. Research may take place in faculties, structured PhD programs, graduate academies, research groups and hospital-attached or laboratory-based settings. The university is suitable for students who want to undertake academic research, postdoctoral careers, leadership roles in science or advanced specialist roles.

Student status is strongly related to fees International students from outside the EU and EEA who have a foreign university entrance qualification usually pay EUR 1,500 per semester for bachelor’s programs, state examination programs and consecutive master’s programs in Baden-Württemberg. All students also pay semester fees which are listed under separate heading. Continuing education, second degrees or non-consecutive programs may have special fees. Students also need to make provisions for accommodation, health insurance, food, transport, books, residence permit costs and personal expenses.

Overall, Heidelberg University is best for students looking for a historic, research-intensive German university with a high academic reputation. It is especially suited to students who want to study medicine, life sciences, law, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, economics, work in research or take up positions in public institutions, international organizations or doctoral study.