Quick Summary
Public in Kiel, Germany — Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, est. 1665. Ranked #554 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 27000 students including 12% from outside Germany. Known for strengths in Marine Sciences, Life Sciences, Physics, it maintains an acceptance rate of 35%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Kiel offers a unique blend of historical academic prestige and world-leading research in marine and life sciences located on the Baltic coast.
Subject Strengths
Marine SciencesLife SciencesPhysicsArchaeologyAgriculture
Founded1665
TypePublic
Total Students27000
Intl Students12%
Faculty Ratio45
CampusUrban
Campus SizeNot Available
Affiliated HospitalsUniversity Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH)
AccreditationGerman Accreditation Council (Systemakkreditierung)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#554
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#301–350
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
190
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited
Online Programs
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel Marine Science (KMS), Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science (KiNSIS)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
German Accreditation Council (Systemakkreditierung)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate35%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA2.5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · January 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Submit documents early via Uni-assist; ensure all transcripts are officially certified; check specific Numerus Clausus (NC) requirements for competitive programs.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
Living Cost
€11,200/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$82
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€11,800/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$3,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 190 programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Biology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medical Life Sciences | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Economics | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Sustainability | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Law | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$58,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementYes
Industry Connections
Strong maritimebiotechnologyand renewable energy sectors in Northern Germany
Notable Alumni
Max Planck, Heinrich Hertz, Theodor Mommsen, Franz Boas
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Kiel University Sports (Hochschulsport) including water sports
Student Clubs
Over 100 student organizations
Library Resources
University Library of Kiel with over 2 million print volumes and extensive digital databases
Exchange Programs
ERASMUS+, Worldwide Exchange Program
Summer Programs
Available