Quick Summary
University of Münster is a public founded in 1780, located in Münster, Germany. Ranked #239 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 45700 students including 8.5% from outside Germany. Known for strengths in Mathematics, Chemistry, Communication and Media Studies, it maintains an acceptance rate of 18%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Münster is known as the bicycle capital of Germany, offering a unique high-quality lifestyle combined with top-tier research and no tuition fees.
Subject Strengths
MathematicsChemistryCommunication and Media StudiesTheologyPhysicsMedicine
Founded1780
TypePublic
Total Students45700
Intl Students8.5%
Faculty Ratio64
CampusUrban / City Campus
Campus SizeNot Available
Affiliated HospitalsUniversity Hospital Münster (UKM)
AccreditationSystem-accredited by AQAS and ZEvA
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#239
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#201-250
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#151-200
Academic Ranking
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Academics & Research
What you can study
280 programs across 15 faculties
Programs
Available in all 15 faculties via Graduate Centres
PhD Programs
Limited (mostly blended learning and continuing education)
Online Programs
Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre (CiM), Cluster of Excellence Religion and Politics
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
System-accredited by AQAS and ZEvA
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate18%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA2.5
GRENot required for most programs
GMATOnly for specific Master's in Management/Business
SATNot required
ACTNot required
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · January 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Check specifically if the program is subject to 'Numerus Clausus' (NC). For English-taught Master's, submit language certificates early. International students should apply via Uni-Assist if applicable.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
Living Cost
€11,208/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$80
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€11,800/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableDAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, ProTalent
Avg Scholarship$3,800
Financial AidBAföG (for eligible residents), Student loans via KfW
Work-StudyAvailable (Student Assistant / SHK positions)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 280 programs across 15 faculties programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Psychology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Law | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Chemistry | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Governance and Public Policy | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$55,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with regional industry in North Rhine-Westphalia
Industry Connections
BASFBayerBertelsmannand various hidden champions in the Münsterland region
Notable Alumni
Ursula von der Leyen, Johannes Rau, Gerd Faltings, Katarina Barley
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (via Studierendenwerk Münster and private market)
Sports Facilities
University Sports (Hochschulsport) Münster (one of Germany's largest programs)
Student Clubs
Over 100 student initiatives, including MUN, choir, and cultural groups
Library Resources
University and State Library (ULB) Münster, with over 6 million volumes
Exchange Programs
ERASMUS+, Utrecht Network, and various global partnerships
Summer Programs
International Summer Schools in Molecular Biology and Geoinformatics