List of Oldest Universities in Germany: Apply, Eligibility & Scores

Studying abroad in Germany is the most popular choice for international students. By delivering world-class educational opportunities at an affordable cost, Germany makes itself an attractive destination for students. This article presents a list of the oldest universities in Germany to give you some insight into the history of the German education system. Additionally, we have covered the eligibility requirements for these prestigious German universities.

There are some colleges that are not included in this list since they were closed for extended periods of time, including the University of Cologne, which, otherwise, would have ranked second among the oldest universities in Germany.

List of Top 10 Oldest Universities in Germany

Some of the oldest German universities are in continuous operation and have produced some of the best minds in the world. Given below is the list of the top 10 oldest universities in Germany:

1. Heidelberg University
2. Leipzig University
3. University of Rostock
4. University of Greifswald
5. University of Freiburg
6. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
7. University of Tuebingen
8. Martin Luther University Halle- Wittenberg
9. Philipps-Universitat Marburg
10. Friedrich Schiller University Jena

Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University has been into existence since 1386. It is located in Heidelberg and is the oldest university in Germany. A plethora of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs are offered by the university in over 100 subject areas. A large number of its alumni are notable, including 29 Nobel Prize winners. 

There are more than 130 countries represented in Heidelberg's international student body, which accounts for over 20% of the university's student population. Currently, more than 5,000 international students attend this renowned German university.

To apply to Heidelberg University, international students must meet the following requirements:

• Official academic transcripts
• Documents must be translated into German or English (as per the requirements)
• Proof of German language proficiency (uncertified copy)
• A copy of your passport or identity card
• English language proficiency proof: TOEFL-iBT: 79, IELTS: 65, PTE Academic: 53
• SOP for Germany
• Letter of recommendation
• Proof of sufficient funds

Read More: Heidelberg University

Leipzig University

Founded in 1409, Leipzig University is the second-oldest institution of higher education in Germany. With more than 190 programs across a variety of subjects, the university is home to approximately 29,000 students. Leipzig University is ranked #447 in the world by QS World Rankings 2022.

With alumni networks from all over the world, as well as a list of notable graduates, the university has a strong alumni presence. German is the language of instruction for 90% of courses at the University of Leipzig, so international students need to be proficient in both written and spoken German.

Find below some of the admissions requirements of Leipzig University:

• Academic transcripts from all previously attended schools and colleges
• Personal statement
• Resume
• Letters of recommendation
• English proficiency scores: TOEFL IBT: 85, IELTS: 6, PTE: 60
• German proficiency scores: DSH: level 2, TestDaF: atleast 4 points in each section, GDS: C2 level-above
• Letter of acceptance
• Application form
• Proof of finances
• A valid visa

Read More: Leipzig University

University of Rostock

Located in Rostock, the University of Rostock is a public university that was established in 1419 during the holy Roman empire. The university offers a wide variety of interdisciplinary courses in areas such as medicine, psychology, and humanities. 

It is the first university in Germany to add a department of technical research and education, beginning with maritime engineering in the 1960s. The University of Rostock serves nearly 7% of its students from foreign countries around the year and follows a deadline of July 15 for many of its programs.

International students must meet the following requirements to apply to the University of Rostock:

• Academic transcripts from all previous institutions
• Updated resume
• Proof of German language proficiency
• Proof of German language proficiency: TOEFL iBT: 71-90, IELTS, 6.5, CEFR: English level B2
• Proof of payment at UNI-ASSIST
• Entrance exams results
• Valid passport

Read More: University of Rostock

University of Greifswald

Established in 1456, the University of Greifswald is one of the oldest public universities in Germany. It is known for its diverse student body, with more than 10,000 students, of which 777 students are international. Students experience a warm and welcoming environment at the University of Greifswald. 

The University of Greifswald offers a variety of UG, PG, and doctoral degree programs through its five faculties. Almost all courses at the university are taught in German, so international applicants must have a good understanding of the German language.

For international students, the University of Greifswald has the following eligibility requirements:

• Completed application
• Secondary school leaving certificate
• CV/ Resume
• Letter of motivation
• Health insurance
• Acceptance letter 
• Copy of passport
• English language proficiency scores: TOEFL iBT: 80, IELTS: 6.5
• German language proficiency scores: DSH: level 2, TestDaF: level 4

University of Freiburg

Since its establishment in 1457, the University of Freiburg has been considered among the top universities in Europe, as well as being one of Germany's oldest universities. It offers courses for undergraduates, postgraduates, and other professional qualifications in a variety of fields. 

A total of 24,391 students study at the university, with 18% from countries outside the EU. Some of the programs offered by the University of Freiburg include computer science, biology, engineering, neuroscience, business, arts, and more. 

In order to be eligible to study at the University of Freiburg, international students must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Transcripts
• Letter of acceptance 
• German Language proficiency scores: DSH: level 3/4, TestDaF: level 4 or 5
• English language proficiency scores: TOEFL-IBT: 100, IELTS: 7.0
• Proof of sufficient financial funds
• Proof of health insurance
• Resume/ Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation letter
• Germany Student Visa

Read More: University of Freiburg

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

Popularly known as the University of Munich, LMU Munich is regarded as one of the most esteemed universities in the world. There are currently more than 50,000 students enrolled at the university. More than 200 programs are offered by LMU Munich in multiple fields of study. The university also offers teacher training programs in 100 majors and 140 supplementary subjects along with its degree programs. The acceptance rate at LMU Munich is 10%, making it one of the most competitive universities in the country.

Here are some of the eligibility requirements for LMU Munich:

• Completed application form
• Letter of acceptance 
• Academic transcripts
• Completed CV
• Registration certificate and confirmation
• Evidence of German language proficiency: DSH: level 2, TestDaF: level 4
• Proof of academic achievements
• Valid passport
• Passport size photos
• Proof of financial sufficiency

Read More: Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

University of Tuebingen

The University of Tuebingen was founded in 1477 and offers courses in medicine, law, and many other disciplines, the most recent one being artificial intelligence. The university falls under the ‘five classical university towns’ category in Germany because it is spread around the town, not just on campus. The University of Tuebingen is regarded as one of the eleven German Excellence Universities.

There are more than 28,000 students enrolled at the university, accounting for nearly one-third of the population of the town. Students can apply to the University of Tuebingen in 2 intakes: winter and summer. 

Listed below are the requirements for applying to the University of Tuebingen:

• Certificate of university entrance exam
• Official transcripts and academic records
• German language proficiency proof (TestDAF/DSH)
• English language proficiency proof (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE)
• Evidence of work experience (if any)
• Proof of financial security
• Copy of passport
• Resume (if applicable)
• Motivational letter

Read More: University of Tuebingen

Martin Luther University Halle- Wittenberg

As one of Germany's oldest universities for higher education, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg has been educating students since 1502. There are 260 bachelor's and master's degrees offered by the university's ten faculties. More than 2,100 international students attend this university.

Fresh applications are accepted during the winter and summer semesters. However, the majority of courses are offered only during the winter semester. The university ranked #470 in the world as per the QS rankings.

Some of the admission requirements of Martin Luther University Halle- Wittenberg are given below:

• Academic Transcripts
• Updated CV/Resume
• A letter of motivation
• Letter of recommendations
• Copy of passport
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of sufficient financial resources
• German language proficiency scores: DSH: level2, DSD: level 2, TestDaf: atleast 4 points in each section

Philipps-Universitat Marburg

A public university founded in 1527, Philipps-Universitat Marburg provides an array of courses and modern teaching methods. The university offers students an ideal environment for enhancing their skills and keeping up to date with constant developments in various subject areas.

Philipps-Universitat Marburg enrolled 24,394 students in the winter semester of 2019. Among these students, 15.6% were international students looking for higher education opportunities in Germany.

Take a look at the admission requirements of Philipps-Universitat Marburg for international students:

• Application form
• Official transcripts (German or English)
• Certificate of graduation from school
• Proof of proficiency in German: DSH: level 2, TestDaF certificate: at least 4 points in each section
• Proof of proficiency in English: TOEFL (iBT) -72, IELTS – 5.0, TOIEC – 785
• A valid passport
• Receipt of payment of the application fee
• Evidence of financial support

Friedrich Schiller University

Friedrich Schiller University was founded in 1558 and has an outstanding reputation for providing quality education. During the 18th century, Friedrich Schiller University briefly held the title of the largest university in Germany. 

Over 200 study programs are offered in medicine, computer science, law, social sciences, natural sciences, theology, humanities, economics, mathematics, etc., at this renowned German university. At present, over 19,000 students attend the university. More than 2,500 international students from 100 countries are accepted at Friedrich Schiller University. 

Listed below are the eligibility criteria for Friedrich Schiller University:

• Copies of academic transcripts and certificates that are officially certified and translated
• English language proficiency: IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL CBT: 250, TOEFL IBT: 95
• German language proficiency: DSH: level 2, German Language Diploma: level 2
• Copy of visa and passport
• Application form copy
• Health insurance
• Financial statement