Quick Summary
Since 1558, Friedrich Schiller University Jena has been one of Germany's prominent publics, based in Jena. Ranked #384 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 17500 students including 15% from outside Germany. Known for strengths in Physics, Astronomy, Photonics, it maintains an acceptance rate of 35%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
A traditional yet innovative university in Germany's 'Optical Valley' offering high research output and low cost of living.
Subject Strengths
PhysicsAstronomyPhotonicsLife SciencesChemistryArchaeologyPhilosophy
Founded1558
TypePublic
Total Students17500
Intl Students15%
Faculty Ratio25
CampusCity-integrated
Campus SizeUrban
Affiliated HospitalsUniversitätsklinikum Jena (UKJ)
AccreditationSystem-accredited by the German Accreditation Council
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#384
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#201-250
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, State Examination, PhD
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Abbe Center of Photonics, Jena Center for Soft Matter, Michael Stifel Center Jena
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
System-accredited by the German Accreditation Council
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
Ensure German proficiency (DSH-2) for German-taught programs and specific ECTS requirements for Master's applications.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
Living Cost
€10,500/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$80
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€11,150/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$3,800
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, State Examination, PhD programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Photonics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Molecular Life Sciences | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Economics | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Physics | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Psychology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$55,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with ZEISS, Jenoptik, and Schott AG
Industry Connections
Highly integrated with the 'Optical Valley' Jena industry hub
Notable Alumni
Friedrich Schiller, Gottfried Leibniz, Karl Marx, Arthur Schopenhauer
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
University Sports Center (USV Jena) with over 80 sports types
Student Clubs
100+ student organizations and initiatives
Library Resources
Thuringian University and State Library (ThULB)
Exchange Programs
ERASMUS+, Coimbra Group, Utrecht Network
Summer Programs
Jena Summer Schools in Microbiology and Photonics