Quick Summary
Based in Bielefeld, Germany, Universität Bielefeld is a public with roots dating back to 1969. Ranked #901-950 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 24500 students including 11% from outside Germany. Known for strengths in Sociology, Education, Mathematics, it maintains an acceptance rate of 20%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Bielefeld offers an interdisciplinary environment where all faculties are housed in one building, fostering collaboration and short paths.
Subject Strengths
SociologyEducationMathematicsPsychologyEconomics
Founded1969
TypePublic
Total Students24500
Intl Students11%
Faculty Ratio45
CampusSingle-building complex concept
Campus SizeUrban
Affiliated HospitalsUniversitätsklinikum OWL, Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel, Klinikum Bielefeld
AccreditationGerman Accreditation Council
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#901-950
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601-800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#501-600
Academic Ranking
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Academics & Research
What you can study
115
Programs
BiGSEM, BGHS, Graduate School of Economics
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
ZiF (Center for Interdisciplinary Research), CITEC, CoR-Lab, CeBiTec
Research Centers
High
Research Output
German Accreditation Council
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate20%
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
Applications via Uni-Assist are often required for international applicants; high proficiency in German (DSH-2) is mandatory for most undergraduate courses.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
Living Cost
€10,500/yr
per year · EUR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€10,500/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableDeutschlandstipendium, DAAD Scholarships, Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
Avg Scholarship$3,900
Financial AidBAföG for eligible students
Work-StudyStudent assistant (HiWi) positions available in research institutes
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 115 programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Mathematics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Biology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Psychology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Educational Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$54,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with OWL cluster companies like Miele, Dr. Oetker, and Beckhoff
Industry Connections
It's OWL ClusterFounders Foundation Bielefeld
Notable Alumni
Niklas Luhmann, Hans-Ulrich Wehler, Bernhard Schlink
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (Studierendenwerk Bielefeld)
Sports Facilities
University Sports Center with swimming pool, gym, and outdoor tracks
Student Clubs
Over 60 cultural and political student groups
Library Resources
Large centralized university library with 24/7 digital access
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Utrecht Network, MAUI Network
Summer Programs
International Summer School on Interdisciplinary Research