University of Greifswald Summary
The University of Greifswald is a public research university in Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and one of the oldest universities in Germany, founded in 1456. Its motto, often translated as “The Pull of Knowledge. Since 1456," reflecting the long academic attraction of the university and its continued role as a serious research institution in northern Germany. It is “a strong research university with respected international partners and deep connections to the Baltic Sea region,” according to the university’s official profile. Greifswald is particularly attractive for students who want to study in Germany at a university that combines historical depth, concentrated research and a very student-oriented town environment. The University of Greifswald is closely integrated into the life of the city, unlike universities in large cities. Students are able to benefit from a close-knit academic community with university buildings, libraries, clinics, research areas, accommodation blocks, cultural venues and the old town all within easy reach. This results in a close community feeling and makes Greifswald especially friendly for students who prefer a more individual learning environment. Academically, the University of Greifswald is strong in medicine, life sciences, pharmacy, biology, environmental science, Baltic Sea studies, cultural studies, theology, law, economics, humanities and natural sciences. It is particularly noted for its research profile in community medicine, personalized medicine, environmental change, cultures of the Baltic Sea, plasma physics and proteome research. These areas give the university a distinctive academic profile, connecting health, environment, culture and scientific discovery in ways that are regionally connected and internationally relevant. The university is strong in the field of medical and life sciences. A university environment where health research is a deep part of academic life is well-served for students interested in medicine, public health, molecular biology, pharmacy, or biomedical research. Community medicine and personalized medicine are particularly important because they connect clinical knowledge with population health, prevention, and real-world health care systems. Another defining strength is the university’s link to the Baltic Sea region. With academic links across the Baltic and beyond, the university in Greifswald offers access to international networks in northern and eastern Europe. The university’s official short profile states exchange relationships with 200+ universities and an international community of 100+ countries. Greifswald is therefore interesting for students who wish to receive a German education with strong regional and international connections. The University of Greifswald also has good options for students interested in environmental change, sustainability, coastal research and cultural transformation. Its proximity to the Baltic Sea and its profile as an academic institution in environmental and regional studies makes it of relevance for students interested in climate, ecosystems, heritage and social change. Greifswald is a popular option for international students who want academic credibility but want to avoid the stress of a large metropolitan university. The city is safe, historic, cheap (by German standards) and very much shaped by student life. The university’s smaller size can be beneficial for students to build relationships with professors, participate in research groups, and carve out a specific academic track. Students interested in studying in Germany at a historic public research university with special strengths in medicine, life sciences, environmental research, Baltic studies, humanities and international cooperation should consider the University of Greifswald. It is one of Germany’s most distinctive universities for students seeking depth, community and academic purpose, with its mix of history, research focus, student-town atmosphere and Northern European identity.”
About University of Greifswald
The University of Greifswald is one of the oldest public research universities in Germany, established in 1456 in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It is renowned for medicine, life sciences, pharmacy, environmental science, the Baltic Sea, humanities, theology, law, economics and natural sciences. Greifswald feels more like a university town. The university is closely connected with the city and the students can easily reach academic buildings, libraries, clinics, housing, cultural areas and the old town. It brings a real sense of academic community.” The university’s strongest fields are medicine, community medicine, personalised medicine, biology, pharmacy, environmental change, Baltic cultures and regional studies. Its proximity to the Baltic Sea gives students access to environmental research, coastal systems, sustainability and northern European academic networks. The University of Greifswald is a good choice for international students who want to study in Germany at a historic university with a personal learning environment. It is especially suitable for students interested in medicine, life sciences, environment, humanities, law and Baltic-region research.
University of Greifswald History
- The University of Greifswald was founded in 1456 and is one of Germany’s oldest universities.
- It developed as an important academic institution in northern Germany and the Baltic region.
- Its early academic strengths included theology, law, medicine, philosophy, and classical studies.
- The university became closely connected with the city of Greifswald, creating a strong university-town identity.
- Over time, it expanded into natural sciences, pharmacy, economics, humanities, and social sciences.
- Medicine and life sciences became major parts of Greifswald’s academic reputation.
- Research developed in community medicine, individualized medicine, environmental change, Baltic Sea studies, and plasma physics.
- Its location near the Baltic Sea supported academic links with northern and eastern Europe.
- International exchange relationships helped strengthen the university’s modern profile.
- Today, the University of Greifswald is known for historic depth, medicine, life sciences, environmental research, Baltic studies, and a personal academic environment.
University of Greifswald Highlights
- Founded in 1456, making it one of Germany’s oldest public universities.
- Strong university-town environment with close links between campus and city life.
- Known for medicine, life sciences, pharmacy, environmental research, and Baltic studies.
- Strong academic profile in community medicine and individualized medicine.
- Located near the Baltic Sea, supporting environmental and coastal research.
- Offers programs in humanities, law, economics, theology, natural sciences, and health fields.
- Strong international links with northern and eastern European academic networks.
- Smaller city setting supports a focused and personal study experience.
- Good option for students seeking history, research, and academic community.
- Recognized for combining medical strength, environmental focus, and historic depth.
University of Greifswald Courses Offered
UG Courses
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Law
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Biology
- Human Biology
- Biochemistry
- Environmental Sciences
- Geography
- Geology
- Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- German Studies
- English and American Studies
- History
- Philosophy
- Theology
- Political Science
- Communication Studies
- Education-related study pathways
PG Courses
- Human Biology
- Infection Biology and Immunology
- Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution
- Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation
- Sustainability Geography-related pathways
- Earth Sciences
- Pharmacy-related postgraduate pathways
- Health Care Management-related programs
- Psychology
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Tourism and Regional Development
- Language and Communication
- History
- Philosophy
- Theology
- Baltic Sea Region Studies
- Cultural Studies-related programs
- Biodiversity and Environmental Change-related programs
PhD Courses
- Doctoral Research in Medicine
- Doctoral Research in Dentistry
- Doctoral Research in Pharmacy
- Doctoral Research in Life Sciences
- Doctoral Research in Human Biology
- Doctoral Research in Environmental Sciences
- Doctoral Research in Natural Sciences
- Doctoral Research in Law and Economics
- Doctoral Research in Humanities, Theology, and Cultural Studies
- Doctoral Research in Social Sciences and Regional Studies
University of Greifswald Specializations Offered
UG Specializations
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Law
- Human Biology
- Environmental Sciences
- Landscape Ecology
- Psychology
- Economics
- Baltic Studies
PG Specializations
- Infection Biology
- Immunology
- Human Biology
- Biodiversity
- Ecology and Evolution
- Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation
- Earth Sciences
- Tourism and Regional Development
- Baltic Sea Region Studies
- Cultural Studies
PhD Specializations
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Life Sciences
- Human Biology
- Environmental Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Law and Economics
- Regional Studies
- Humanities and Theology
University of Greifswald Admission Process
Admission to the University of Greifswald depends on the selected course, academic level, applicant background, and language requirement. Undergraduate applicants must provide a recognized university entrance qualification. Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, psychology, environmental sciences, and selected life science programs may have restricted admission or additional criteria.
For master’s programs, applicants generally need a relevant bachelor’s degree with required academic credits. Programs in infection biology, immunology, human biology, biodiversity, landscape ecology, earth sciences, business, tourism, Baltic studies, and cultural studies may assess grades, subject background, language ability, and supporting documents. Doctoral admission is managed through faculties or research supervision.
Admission Details
- Applications must be completed within the official admission period.
- International students must submit recognized academic certificates and transcripts.
- German language proof is required for German-taught programs.
- English language proof may be required for selected graduate programs.
- Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and psychology may have competitive admission.
- Master’s applicants may need CV, transcript, motivation letter, and proof of subject credits.
- Life science and environmental programs may require relevant academic preparation.
- Doctoral applicants need a research topic and supervisor confirmation.
- Final enrollment requires approved documents, health insurance, and semester fee payment.
- Applicants should verify course-specific requirements before applying.
University of Greifswald Eligibility Criteria
UG Eligibility
- Applicants must possess a recognized higher secondary qualification equivalent to German university entrance standards.
- International applicants must meet German higher education admission requirements.
- German language proficiency is required for most undergraduate programs.
- English language proficiency may be required for selected international study options.
- Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Psychology, and Life Science programs may have competitive admission criteria.
- Science applicants should have strong preparation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and related subjects.
- Required academic documents must be submitted before the official deadline.
- International applicants must comply with German university admission procedures.
- Non-EU applicants must fulfill student visa requirements before enrollment.
- Final admission depends on successful academic document verification.
PG Eligibility
- Applicants must hold a recognized bachelor's degree in a relevant academic field.
- The previous qualification must satisfy the requirements of the selected master's program.
- English language proficiency is required for English-taught postgraduate programs.
- German language proficiency is required for German-taught master's programs.
- Biology, environmental sciences, pharmacy, tourism, and regional studies programs may require subject-specific credits.
- Some programs may require minimum academic performance.
- A CV, motivation letter, or academic references may be required.
- International applicants must submit officially recognized academic documents.
- Additional faculty-specific admission requirements may apply.
- Final admission is based on academic evaluation.
PhD Eligibility
- Applicants must hold a recognized master's degree or equivalent qualification.
- The previous qualification should be relevant to the intended doctoral research field.
- Applicants are generally expected to secure an academic supervisor.
- A research proposal may be required by the faculty.
- Strong academic performance and research ability are expected.
- English proficiency is generally required for international doctoral research.
- German language requirements vary depending on the department.
- Official transcripts and degree certificates must be submitted.
- Additional doctoral regulations may apply depending on the faculty.
- Final admission requires approval by the doctoral committee.
University of Greifswald Courses Fees
University of Greifswald follows the German public university fee model. The semester fee is not a tuition fee. Students pay a semester fee at enrollment and re-registration, while regular degree programs generally do not charge tuition fees.
UG Fees
- (Details admission start and fees in local currency)
- Standard bachelor's / undergraduate tuition fee: €0 per year
- Semester fee at enrollment for new students: €152 per semester
- Semester fee at re-registration: €127 per semester
- Student body fee included in semester fee: €11 per semester
- Student services fee included in semester fee: €110 per semester
- Enrollment fee for new students: €31
- Re-registration fee for continuing students: €6
- Professional, continuing education, guest study, exchange, and special institutional routes may have separate fees.
- Living expenses, visa, insurance, books, food, transport, housing, and personal costs are separate.
PG Fees
- (Details admission start and fees in local currency)
- Standard consecutive master's tuition fee: €0 per year
- Semester fee at enrollment for new students: €152 per semester
- Semester fee at re-registration: €127 per semester
- Minimum annual university-linked payable amount after initial enrollment: €254 per year
- Special postgraduate, continuing education, guest study, and professional routes may have separate fee conditions.
- Study materials, fieldwork, lab costs, insurance, visa, housing, food, transport, and personal costs are separate.
PhD Fees
- Standard doctoral tuition fee: Usually no tuition fee
- Semester fee at enrollment, where applicable: €152 per semester
- Semester fee at re-registration, where applicable: €127 per semester
- Minimum annual university-linked payable amount after initial enrollment: €254 per year
- Doctoral enrollment requires supervisor approval, faculty registration, and fee payment where applicable.
- Research travel, housing, insurance, books, food, transport, visa, and personal expenses are separate.
University of Greifswald Scholarships
- UG Scholarships
- Deutschlandstipendium may support high-performing undergraduate students at the University of Greifswald.
- International students may explore DAAD scholarship opportunities where eligible.
- Students in medicine, pharmacy, life sciences, environmental sciences, law, and humanities may seek subject-specific scholarships.
- German foundations may support students based on merit, need, or social commitment.
- Regional scholarship options may be available for selected students in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
- Country-specific scholarship programs may support eligible international applicants.
- Student assistant roles may help students cover part of their study-related expenses.
- Scholarship eligibility depends on academic performance, nationality, financial need, and funding criteria.
- PG Scholarships
- DAAD scholarships may support eligible international master’s students.
- Deutschlandstipendium may be available for selected postgraduate students.
- Students in infection biology, immunology, human biology, environmental research, Baltic studies, and regional development may explore field-specific funding.
- Research-linked funding may be available in medicine, life sciences, environmental science, and Baltic-region studies.
- German academic foundations may support strong postgraduate applicants.
- Some departments may guide students toward external scholarship options.
- Research assistant roles may be available in labs, clinics, institutes, or academic departments.
- Funding depends on grades, program fit, motivation, nationality, and available resources.
- PhD Scholarships
- Doctoral candidates may receive research assistant contracts.
- DAAD doctoral research scholarships may support eligible international candidates.
- Medicine, pharmacy, life sciences, environmental research, Baltic studies, and humanities projects may include funded doctoral positions.
- Faculty research groups and doctoral programs may offer structured funding options.
- External foundations may support doctoral research in medicine, science, humanities, law, and social sciences.
- International candidates may explore bilateral or home-country doctoral scholarships.
- Doctoral funding usually requires supervisor approval and a strong research proposal.
- Funding depends on faculty rules, academic merit, research topic, and project availability.
University of Greifswald Career Outcomes
UG Career Outcomes Medicine and Dentistry graduates may continue into clinical training, residency, healthcare practice, or medical research. Pharmacy graduates may work in pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, regulatory affairs, healthcare organizations, or research. Human Biology and Life Science graduates may pursue careers in laboratories, biomedical research, biotechnology, or graduate study. Environmental Science graduates may work in conservation, sustainability, environmental monitoring, or public agencies. Law graduates may continue toward legal training, public administration, compliance, or legal advisory roles. Business and Economics graduates may work in management, finance, tourism, consulting, or regional development. Humanities and Theology graduates may enter education, cultural institutions, publishing, NGOs, public service, or research. Career outcomes depend on specialization, licensing requirements, internships, German language ability, and professional experience. PG Career Outcomes Infection Biology and Immunology graduates may work in biomedical research, diagnostics, public health, biotechnology, or doctoral programs. Human Biology graduates may pursue careers in laboratories, clinical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or academic research. Biodiversity and Ecology graduates may work in conservation, environmental consulting, sustainability projects, or research institutes. Landscape Ecology graduates may enter nature conservation, land-use planning, public agencies, NGOs, or environmental management. Tourism and Regional Development graduates may work in destination management, planning, consulting, or regional policy organizations. Baltic Sea Region Studies graduates may work in research, cultural institutions, NGOs, policy, or international cooperation. Greifswald’s university-town setting supports close academic networking and research exposure. Career outcomes depend on research experience, fieldwork, language skills, and sector demand. PhD Career Outcomes Doctoral graduates may pursue academic research, postdoctoral positions, university teaching, or specialist research roles. Medical and pharmacy doctoral graduates may work in clinical research, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, regulatory affairs, or biotechnology. Life science doctoral graduates may enter biomedical research, diagnostics, biotechnology, laboratories, or scientific management. Environmental science PhD graduates may work in conservation, sustainability consulting, public agencies, or research institutes. Baltic studies and humanities doctoral graduates may pursue careers in academia, archives, cultural organizations, policy research, or education. Law and economics doctoral graduates may work in academia, public institutions, consulting, or research organizations. Greifswald’s Baltic and life science research networks can support regional and international career paths. Career outcomes depend on publications, research topic, supervisor network, and available funding.
University of Greifswald FAQs
Q1. Is the University of Greifswald a public university?
Yes. The University of Greifswald is a public research university in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany.
Q2. What is the University of Greifswald known for?
It is known for medicine, pharmacy, life sciences, environmental sciences, Baltic studies, humanities, theology, and law.
Q3. Does the University of Greifswald charge tuition fees?
Most regular degree programs do not charge tuition fees, but students must pay semester fees.
Q4. Are English-taught programs available at the University of Greifswald?
Yes. Selected master's and doctoral programs are available in English.
Q5. Is the University of Greifswald good for Medicine and Life Sciences?
Yes. It has strong academic and research areas in medicine, pharmacy, human biology, infection biology, and life sciences.
Q6. Can international students apply to the University of Greifswald?
Yes. International applicants can apply if they meet academic, language, and program-specific requirements.
Q7. What are career options after the University of Greifswald?
Graduates work in healthcare, pharmacy, biomedical research, environmental consulting, law, tourism, education, public service, and cultural organizations.
Q8. Where is the University of Greifswald located?
It is located in Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, near the Baltic Sea.
Q9. Does the University of Greifswald offer PhD programs?
Yes. Doctoral research is available in medicine, pharmacy, life sciences, environmental sciences, law, economics, humanities, and theology.
Q10. Is Greifswald a good student city?
Yes. Greifswald offers a compact university-town experience, affordable living, historic surroundings, and a strong academic community.





















