University of Göttingen Summary
The University of Göttingen (officially Georg-August-Universität Göttingen) is one of the most prestigious public research universities in Germany and one of the largest academic institutions in Lower Saxony. Founded in 1737, The university is located in the historic university city of Göttingen and is famous for natural sciences, mathematics, medicine, humanities, social sciences, law, economics, agriculture, forestry, theology, psychology, biology, physics, chemistry, computer science and interdisciplinary research. It is especially suited for students who want a traditional German public university with strong research, broad choice of subjects and a city built around student life.
Founded in 1737, the university has a distinguished history of academic excellence, research achievement and international scholarship. Göttingen has been associated with major scientific and intellectual contributions, especially in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, humanities and social sciences. The academic environment of the university is research-oriented and strongly associated with the institutes, libraries, laboratories, graduate schools and international collaborations.
Many of the undergraduate programs at University of Göttingen are taught in German. International applicants should check carefully the German language requirements prior to application. The undergraduate courses of study include law, economics, business administration, political science, sociology, psychology, history, philosophy, theology, German studies, English studies, language studies, mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, biology, geosciences, agricultural sciences, forestry, medicine, dentistry, teacher training and related academic paths. Some regulated courses such as medicine, dentistry and law may have state examination structures.
Master’s level, University of Göttingen, German-taught programs and some programs taught in English Popular postgraduate fields include Applied Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Development Economics, International Economics, Global Business, Agricultural Sciences, Forest Sciences, Biodiversity, Sustainable International Agriculture, Crop Protection, Neurosciences, Cardiovascular Science, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, English Studies and associated interdisciplinary fields. Academic match, proof of language proficiency, completion of prior coursework and selection for specific programs.
The University of Göttingen supports research at doctoral level in medicine, natural sciences, life sciences, mathematics, computer science, the humanities, law, economics, social sciences, theology, agriculture, forestry and interdisciplinary research. Doctoral candidates may be involved in work through faculties, graduate schools, research groups and supervisor-led projects. The university is strong for students seeking academic research, scientific careers, international doctoral training or specialist research roles.
For most regular degree programs, the University of Göttingen does not usually charge standard tuition fees. Students pay semester fees. Sometimes special fees apply, e.g. for long-term study or selected special programs. Students also need to budget for living expenses like housing, health insurance, food, transportation, study materials, visa or residence permit fees and personal expenses. Göttingen is usually cheaper than larger cities such as Munich or Hamburg which appeals to students seeking a strong academic city with affordable living costs.
Overall, University of Göttingen is best for students who want a historic German research university with strong programs in science, medicine, humanities, economics, agriculture, law and social sciences. It is especially suitable for students intending to pursue careers in research, academia, public policy, science, health care, agriculture, forestry, international development, law, economics, and doctoral study.

