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University of Oldenburg Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Placement & Ranking

University of Oldenburg

University of Oldenburg

Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany

Established 1973

University of Oldenburg Summary

The University of Oldenburg (German: Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg) is a public research university, located in Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany. It was founded in 1973. It is one of the younger universities in Germany, but has built up a clear academic profile around interdisciplinary learning, sustainability, education, energy research, marine and environmental sciences, medicine, hearing research, digital transformation, humanities, social sciences, economics, law, mathematics and natural sciences. Students who wish to study in Germany will find themselves in a modern university environment in Oldenburg, where academic learning is connected to real-world questions concerning energy, society, health, environment and education. It teaches around 15,000 students in a broad range of subjects from the humanities and cultural sciences to economics, law, social sciences, mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and medicine. Its official profile shows this wide academic scope, but also a marked commitment to research-oriented education and social responsibility. The University of Oldenburg is particularly suitable for students who are looking for a German public university that is modern, interdisciplinary and connected to regional and global challenges. Energy research is one of the strongest academic fields of Oldenburg. The university has gained strong national visibility in renewable energy, energy systems, sustainability transitions, environmental science and climate-related research. This makes it appealing to students interested in renewable energy engineering, environmental planning, climate policy, physics, sustainability studies and applied research. Its location in north-west Germany means students are near to areas that are active in wind energy, coastal research and environmental innovation. The university is also renowned for its work in hearing research, medicine, neuroscience, marine science, biodiversity, education and social transformation. Its research strategy is structured around guiding themes and research areas that will consolidate existing academic expertise and enhance national and international visibility. This allows students to conduct research that is both academically rigorous and relevant to health systems, environmental protection, digital transformation and public life. But there is another important facet of Oldenburg's medical profile. The university has broadened the scope of health education and medical research, becoming increasingly relevant for students interested in medicine, healthcare, public health, neuroscience and clinical science. The academic model links medicine, natural sciences, psychology, technology and social systems. This is useful for students who want to view healthcare from different perspectives. Oldenburg is a great city for student experience. It may be smaller and easier to handle than Germany’s largest metropolitan centres, but it has an active cultural scene, good cycling infrastructure, a friendly city vibe and good links to Bremen, Hamburg and the North Sea region. Oldenburg offers international students a balanced lifestyle: serious academia, less urban pressure and a community oriented study environment. Students who want to study at a young, research-oriented public university with a clear focus on sustainability, education, energy, health, environment and interdisciplinary learning in Germany would do well to choose the University of Oldenburg. Its mix of academic breadth, regional relevance, modern research priorities and student-friendly city life makes it one of Germany’s distinctive universities for students looking for meaningful education with long-term social and environmental value.”

About University of Oldenburg

The University of Oldenburg, formally the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, is a public research university in Lower Saxony with a modern academic profile in sustainability, energy research, education, medicine, hearing research, marine sciences, digital transformation, humanities, social sciences, economics, law, mathematics and natural sciences. Oldenburg is especially strong in renewable energy, environmental research, climate-related studies, education, neuroscience, hearing research, medicine and social transformation. It’s academic model links science, society, health and technology and is suitable for those who want a practical education with a focus on the future. Oldenburg is a student-friendly city with a good cycling culture, an active cultural scene and a manageable urban environment. Students also gain access to Bremen, Hamburg and the North Sea region. “The University of Oldenburg is a good choice for students who want to study in Germany at a young public university with a clear focus on sustainability, energy, health, education and interdisciplinary research.”

University of Oldenburg History

  • University of Oldenburg was established in 1973 and developed as an important German higher education institution.
  • The institution is located in Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany.
  • It operates as a Public Research University with academic and research activity connected to its region.
  • Founded in 1973, the University of Oldenburg, officially known as Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, is a public research university located in Oldenburg, Lower Saxony. It is one of Germany’s younger universities, but it has developed a clear academic identity around interdisciplinary learning, sustainability, education, energy research, marine and environmental sciences, medicine, hearing research, digital transformation, humanities, social sciences, economics, law, mathematics, and natural sciences. For students planning to study in Germany, Oldenburg offers a modern university environment that connects academic study with real-world questions about energy, society, health, environment, and education.
  • The university prepares around 15,000 students across a wide spectrum of subjects, from humanities and cultural sciences to economics, law, social sciences, mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and medicine. Its official profile emphasizes this broad academic range while also showing a clear commitment to research-driven education and social responsibility. The University of Oldenburg is especially suitable for students who want a German public university that feels modern, interdisciplinary, and connected to both regional and global challenges.
  • One of Oldenburg’s strongest academic areas is energy research. The university has developed nationally visible expertise in renewable energy, energy systems, sustainability transitions, environmental science, and climate-related research. This makes it attractive for students interested in renewable energy engineering, environmental planning, climate policy, physics, sustainability studies, and applied research. Its location in northwestern Germany also places students close to regions active in wind energy, coastal research, and environmental innovation.
  • The university is also known for its work in hearing research, medicine, neuroscience, marine science, biodiversity, education, and social transformation. Its research strategy is built around guiding themes and research areas that strengthen existing academic expertise while increasing national and international visibility. This gives students exposure to research that is not only academically serious but also relevant to healthcare systems, environmental protection, digital change, and public life.
  • Oldenburg’s medical profile adds another important dimension. The university has expanded its role in health education and medical research, making it increasingly relevant for students interested in medicine, healthcare, public health, neuroscience, and clinical science. Its academic model encourages connections between medicine, natural sciences, psychology, technology, and social systems, which is valuable for students who want to understand healthcare from multiple perspectives.
  • The city of Oldenburg offers a strong student experience. It is smaller and more manageable than Germany’s largest metropolitan centers, but it has an active cultural scene, strong cycling infrastructure, a friendly urban atmosphere, and good connections to Bremen, Hamburg, and the North Sea region. For international students, Oldenburg can provide a balanced lifestyle: serious academics, lower urban pressure, and a community-oriented study environment.
  • The University of Oldenburg is a strong choice for students who want to study in Germany at a young, research-oriented public university with a clear focus on sustainability, education, energy, health, environment, and interdisciplinary learning. Its combination of academic breadth, regional relevance, modern research priorities, and student-friendly city life makes it one of Germany’s distinctive universities for students seeking meaningful education with long-term social and environmental value.

University of Oldenburg Highlights

  • Founded in 1973 and named after Carl von Ossietzky.
  • Modern public research university in Lower Saxony.
  • Strong academic focus on sustainability, education, energy research, and health sciences.
  • Known for renewable energy, environmental studies, hearing research, and neuroscience.
  • Offers programs across humanities, social sciences, economics, law, medicine, science, and technology.
  • Strong research links to the North Sea region, climate studies, and coastal systems.
  • Student-friendly city with active cultural life and strong cycling infrastructure.
  • Good option for students interested in sustainability, public education, and interdisciplinary research.
  • Supports modern research in digital transformation, biodiversity, and social change.
  • Strong choice for students seeking a young German university with practical future-focused programs.

University of Oldenburg Courses Offered

UG Courses

  • Medicine
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering Physics
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Sustainability Economics and Management
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Law-related study pathways
  • Social Sciences
  • Political Science
  • Education / Teacher Training
  • Psychology
  • Special Needs Education
  • German Studies
  • English and American Studies
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Music
  • Art and Media
  • Sports Science

PG Courses

  • Sustainability Economics and Management
  • Renewable Energy
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Marine Environmental Sciences
  • Landscape Ecology
  • Neuroscience
  • Hearing Technology and Audiology
  • Engineering Physics
  • Computer Science
  • Business Informatics
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Medical Physics-related pathways
  • Education Science
  • Special Needs Education
  • Social Sciences
  • Migration and Intercultural Relations
  • European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations
  • German Studies
  • English Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Cultural Studies-related programs

PhD Courses

  • Doctoral Research in Medicine
  • Doctoral Research in Natural Sciences
  • Doctoral Research in Renewable Energy
  • Doctoral Research in Environmental and Marine Sciences
  • Doctoral Research in Neuroscience and Hearing Research
  • Doctoral Research in Computer Science
  • Doctoral Research in Mathematics and Physics
  • Doctoral Research in Economics and Business
  • Doctoral Research in Education and Social Sciences
  • Doctoral Research in Humanities, Cultural Studies, and Psychology

University of Oldenburg Specializations Offered

UG Specializations

  • Medicine
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Sustainability Economics
  • Renewable Energy-related Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering Physics
  • Business Administration
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences

PG Specializations

  • Renewable Energy
  • Marine Environmental Sciences
  • Sustainability Economics and Management
  • Hearing Technology and Audiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Engineering Physics
  • Computer Science
  • Business Informatics
  • Migration and Intercultural Relations
  • Education Science

PhD Specializations

  • Medicine
  • Renewable Energy
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Marine Sciences
  • Neuroscience
  • Hearing Research
  • Computer Science
  • Physics and Mathematics
  • Education and Social Sciences
  • Humanities and Psychology

University of Oldenburg Admission Process

Admission to the University of Oldenburg depends on the selected program, study level, applicant nationality, and language of instruction. Undergraduate applicants must hold a recognized higher education entrance qualification. Programs in medicine, environmental sciences, sustainability, psychology, education, computer science, economics, and natural sciences may have specific admission rules or limited seats.

For master’s programs, applicants usually need a relevant bachelor’s degree with required academic credits. Programs in renewable energy, marine environmental sciences, sustainability economics, hearing technology, neuroscience, computer science, business informatics, migration studies, and education may review academic background, grades, language ability, and supporting documents. Doctoral admission is managed through faculties, research groups, or structured doctoral pathways.

Admission Details

  • Applications must be submitted within the official deadline.
  • International applicants must provide recognized academic certificates and transcripts.
  • German language proof is required for German-taught programs.
  • English language proof is required for English-taught graduate programs.
  • Medicine and selected high-demand programs may have restricted admission.
  • Master’s applicants may need CV, transcript, motivation letter, and module descriptions.
  • Science, sustainability, and health programs may require subject-specific credits.
  • Doctoral applicants need a suitable graduate degree and supervisor approval.
  • Enrollment requires complete documents, health insurance, and semester fee payment.
  • Applicants should review course-specific requirements before applying.

University of Oldenburg Eligibility Criteria

UG Eligibility

  • Applicants must possess a recognized higher secondary qualification equivalent to the German university entrance qualification.
  • International applicants must meet German higher education admission standards.
  • German language proficiency is required for most undergraduate programs.
  • English language proficiency may be required for selected international pathways.
  • Medicine, psychology, sustainability, environmental science, and education programs may have program-specific admission rules.
  • Science and technology applicants should have strong preparation in mathematics and science subjects.
  • Official academic transcripts and certificates must be submitted before the application deadline.
  • International applicants must comply with German university admission regulations.
  • Non-EU applicants must fulfill student visa requirements before enrollment.
  • Final admission depends on successful verification of academic documents.

PG Eligibility

  • Applicants must hold a recognized bachelor's degree in a relevant academic discipline.
  • The previous qualification must satisfy the academic requirements of the selected master's program.
  • English language proficiency is required for English-taught master's programs.
  • German language proficiency is required for German-taught programs.
  • Renewable energy, marine science, sustainability, neuroscience, and computer science programs may require subject-specific academic credits.
  • Some master's programs may require minimum grades or academic evaluation.
  • A CV, motivation letter, or academic references may be required.
  • International applicants must submit officially recognized academic documents.
  • Additional program-specific eligibility requirements may apply.
  • Final admission is granted after faculty evaluation.

PhD Eligibility

  • Applicants must possess a recognized master's degree or equivalent qualification.
  • The previous degree should be relevant to the proposed doctoral research area.
  • Applicants generally need confirmation from an academic supervisor.
  • A research proposal may be required during the admission process.
  • Strong academic performance and research potential are expected.
  • English proficiency is generally required for international doctoral research.
  • German language requirements vary depending on the faculty or research group.
  • Official academic records and degree certificates must be submitted.
  • Additional doctoral regulations may apply depending on the department.
  • Final admission requires approval by the doctoral committee.

University of Oldenburg Courses Fees

University of Oldenburg follows the German public university fee model. Most regular degree programs do not charge tuition fees because the university is state financed. Students are required to pay semester fees, which include student services and the semester ticket.

UG Fees

  • (Details admission start and fees in local currency)
  • Standard bachelor's / undergraduate tuition fee: €0 per year
  • Semester contribution / semester fee: €457.90 per semester
  • Minimum annual university-linked payable amount: €915.80 per year
  • Application fee through uni-assist, where applicable: €75
  • DSH language examination fee, where applicable: €80
  • Residence permit fee for non-EU students, where applicable: €110
  • Special, continuing education, joint-degree, exchange, or professional programs may have separate fee structures.
  • 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 contribution / semester fee: €457.90 per semester
  • Minimum annual university-linked payable amount: €915.80 per year
  • Application fee through uni-assist, where applicable: €75
  • DSH language examination fee, where applicable: €80
  • Professional, continuing education, joint-degree, and special postgraduate routes may charge separate tuition.
  • Living expenses, visa, insurance, books, food, transport, housing, and personal costs are separate.

PhD Fees

  • Standard doctoral tuition fee: Usually no tuition fee
  • Semester contribution / semester fee, where enrollment is required: €457.90 per semester
  • Minimum annual university-linked payable amount: €915.80 per year
  • Doctoral admission requires supervisor approval, faculty registration, enrollment where applicable, and semester fee payment.
  • Application, language examination, residence permit, and document verification costs may apply depending on applicant status.
  • Research travel, housing, insurance, books, food, transport, visa, and personal expenses are separate.

University of Oldenburg Scholarships

  • UG Scholarships
  • Deutschlandstipendium may support high-performing undergraduate students at the University of Oldenburg.
  • International students may explore DAAD scholarship opportunities where eligible.
  • Students in sustainability, energy, environmental sciences, education, medicine, and social sciences may seek subject-specific funding.
  • German foundations may support students based on academic merit, financial need, or social engagement.
  • Lower Saxony-based scholarship options may be available for selected students.
  • Country-specific scholarship programs may support eligible international applicants.
  • Student assistant roles may help students manage study-related expenses.
  • Scholarship eligibility depends on grades, nationality, personal profile, and funding rules.
  • PG Scholarships
  • DAAD scholarships may support eligible international master’s students.
  • Deutschlandstipendium may be available for selected postgraduate students.
  • Students in renewable energy, marine environmental sciences, sustainability economics, neuroscience, hearing technology, and migration studies may explore field-specific funding.
  • Research-linked funding may be available through energy, climate, health, education, and environmental research projects.
  • German academic foundations may support strong postgraduate applicants.
  • Some programs may guide students toward external scholarships or assistantships.
  • Research assistant roles may be available in institutes, labs, or academic departments.
  • Funding depends on academic record, motivation, program fit, and available scholarship resources.
  • PhD Scholarships
  • Doctoral candidates may receive funding through research assistant contracts.
  • DAAD doctoral scholarships may support eligible international researchers.
  • Renewable energy, marine science, neuroscience, hearing research, medicine, and sustainability projects may include funded doctoral roles.
  • Graduate programs, research groups, and faculty projects may provide structured doctoral funding.
  • External foundations may support doctoral research in science, education, health, humanities, 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 research area, faculty approval, academic merit, and project availability.

University of Oldenburg Career Outcomes

UG Career Outcomes Environmental Science graduates may work in sustainability consulting, climate projects, conservation, public agencies, or environmental research. Computer Science graduates may pursue careers in software development, IT consulting, data analytics, cybersecurity, or digital transformation. Medicine graduates may continue into clinical training, healthcare practice, hospitals, or medical research. Business and Economics graduates may work in management, consulting, finance, sustainability strategy, or public-sector roles. Education graduates may pursue teaching, curriculum development, educational research, or school administration. Psychology graduates may continue toward professional training, research, HR, organizational psychology, or counseling-related pathways. Humanities and Social Science graduates may work in communication, public service, NGOs, media, education, or research. Career outcomes depend on specialization, internships, German language ability, licensing rules, and practical experience. PG Career Outcomes Renewable Energy graduates may work in energy companies, sustainability consulting, wind energy, climate projects, or public agencies. Marine Environmental Science graduates may pursue careers in coastal research, environmental monitoring, conservation, or marine policy. Hearing Technology and Audiology graduates may work in hearing technology companies, clinics, medical device firms, or research centers. Neuroscience graduates may enter biomedical research, healthcare research, pharmaceuticals, or doctoral programs. Computer Science and Business Informatics graduates may work in software engineering, data systems, IT consulting, or digital business. Migration and Intercultural Relations graduates may work in NGOs, policy institutions, education, integration services, or research. Research-based master’s programs provide strong pathways toward doctoral study. Career outcomes depend on research exposure, field specialization, language skills, and sector demand. PhD Career Outcomes Doctoral graduates may pursue academic research, postdoctoral positions, university teaching, or specialist industry roles. Renewable energy and environmental PhD graduates may work in climate research, energy companies, public agencies, or sustainability consulting. Neuroscience and hearing research doctoral graduates may enter biomedical research, medical technology, healthcare research, or academic institutions. Computer science doctoral graduates may work in technology companies, research institutes, AI, software research, or universities. Education and social science PhD graduates may pursue careers in policy research, universities, NGOs, training, or public institutions. Humanities doctoral graduates may work in academia, publishing, cultural institutions, public service, or research organizations. Oldenburg’s research focus supports careers in sustainability, health, education, and interdisciplinary innovation. Career outcomes depend on publications, research quality, supervisor support, and project relevance.

University of Oldenburg FAQs

Q1. Is the University of Oldenburg a public university?

Yes. The University of Oldenburg is a public research university in Lower Saxony, Germany.

Q2. What is the University of Oldenburg known for?

It is known for renewable energy, marine sciences, neuroscience, hearing research, environmental sciences, computer science, education, and sustainability.

Q3. Does the University of Oldenburg charge tuition fees?

Most regular degree programs do not charge tuition fees, but students are required to pay semester contributions.

Q4. Are English-taught programs available at the University of Oldenburg?

Yes. Several master's and doctoral programs are available in English.

Q5. Is the University of Oldenburg good for Renewable Energy?

Yes. It is internationally recognized for renewable energy research, sustainability, environmental sciences, and interdisciplinary innovation.

Q6. Can international students apply to the University of Oldenburg?

Yes. International applicants can apply if they meet academic, language, and program-specific admission requirements.

Q7. What are career options after graduating from the University of Oldenburg?

Graduates work in renewable energy, environmental consulting, healthcare, neuroscience, education, software development, public policy, research, and sustainability organizations.

Q8. Where is the University of Oldenburg located?

It is located in Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany.

Q9. Does the University of Oldenburg offer PhD programs?

Yes. Doctoral research opportunities are available in environmental sciences, renewable energy, neuroscience, computer science, education, humanities, and social sciences.

Q10. Is Oldenburg a good city for students?

Yes. Oldenburg offers a welcoming student environment, excellent cycling infrastructure, and strong research opportunities.

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