Paderborn University
- Last Updated on: May 14, 2025 by
- Sridhar Kongara
Paderborn University is research-oriented institution in North Rhine-Westphalia, with copious strength of both domestic and international students, it has transformed as center for research innovations, academic excellence and strategic collaborations. It offers a manifold of enriching programs in multiple disciplines of modern day education. Over the years, university has successfully attracted millions of euros for pioneering research outputs, benefitting the societal challenges, it is committed to promote and executive inclusive atmosphere, ample support is provided to all students, letting them to thrive academically, paving way for an accomplished and rewarding career
Courses Offered
** Fees mentioned here are approximate and are per year, Unless specified otherwise
Why Choose this Paderborn University
Advanced Study Support & Strategic Location
- Paderborn University offers cutting edge facilities such as advanced classrooms, laboratories and research spaces, students get access futuristic facilities, including a super computer ‘Noctua 2’, a benchmark in research prominence
- University is based at East Westphalia, a thriving region with multiple international corporations, it is also one of the most secure places in Europe, offering students valuable professional opportunities, other than academic brilliance. The industrial atmosphere of the region serves as breeding ground for students to achieve fruitful careers
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Attractive Location & Supportive Campus Community
- Paderborn is a thriving city, offering vibrant urban amenities and beautiful natural surroundings, with abundant green spaces such as parks and forest area, it is an ideal place for pursuing higher education, students get conducive and enriching atmosphere, coupled with academic excellence
- Paderborn university is renowned for providing individualistic support to students, ample academic support, language integration courses and orientation sessions is the hallmarks of the university, exchange program students get profound support such as language courses and continued guidance throughout the stay
Robust International Support & Academic Programs
- Paderborn University boasts a strong international support system, with profuse overseas student’s presence at the campus, it maintains partnership with over 200 institutions worldwide, facilitating exchange programs and research collaborations. Substantial amount of students of the university undertakes exchange programs at various global universities, letting them to develop relevant skills of the niche
- University offers flamboyant programs in multiple disciplines of mathematics, business & economics, arts & humanities, computer & mechanical engineering and natural sciences. It curates diversified academic programs as per students goals at all levels of higher education
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Campus Facilities at Paderborn University
Innovation Hub & Learning Environment
- Paderborn University is an epicenter for innovations and entrepreneurship ecosystem, it offers advanced facilities and centers for students to facilitate innovative ideas and research inventions. The Technology Park Paderborn, situated within close proximity, it offers conducive environment for collaborations with business community. Start-Up Campus Owl, an innovative hub, fostering entrepreneurship and business acumen of students, it offers facility called ‘Technology Transfer & Start-up Center’. While Zukunftsmeilen Center, provides ample support for collaborative interactions among university and other campuses
- Augmented learning environment is provided to students, such as modern halls and lecture rooms, workshops etc. collaborative interactions among different disciplines are also encouraged with sufficient facilities
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Cultural & Green Spaces
- Musicology seminar conducted at Detmold university, a partnered institution of Paderborn university, it fosters music study and research, cultural and educational events are regularly organized at AStA Stadtcampus, allowing students to get engaged in community activities
- The campus of university is surrounded by natural lush greenery, providing students a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere for outdoor activities and relaxation. The campus also boasts green spaces, picnic spots and recreational spaces for students to unwind
Advanced Research Facilities & Services
- Paderborn University is a trailblazer in research-oriented activities, providing cutting edge facilities for impactful and solution based outputs. It provides advanced facilities such as Mass Spectrometry, X-ray Crystallography, NMR Spectroscopy etc., other prominent methods include Dynamic Light Scattering, Atomic Force Microscopy and Thermal Analysis. Moreover, its supercomputer ‘Noctua 2’ facilitates path-breaking research in computing system
- University’s library, seminar halls and administrative block are located adjacent to each other, the library is sufficiently stocked with all academic and research resources, including access to digital resources like e-books and journals. Delicious, hygienic and affordable food is provided at the cafeterias and eateries on campus
Sustainability & Family-Friendly Environment
- Paderborn university adheres to sustainable practices, installation of solar panels at campus suffices the renewable energy initiative, moreover all the operations and curriculum is sustainability complied, reflecting the university’s dedicated for environmental conservation
- Campus has family-friendly facilities, students and staff with families can maintain the balance of academic pursuance with personal responsibilities. The Healthy University Task Force is assigned to organize health and wellness programs at the campus, ensuring students physical and mental well-being
Student Service Offered by Paderborn University
Overseas Students & Language Support
- Paderborn university’s International Office provides ample support to international students at various levels of campus life, comprehensive support such as Buddy Program, newly enrolled students are paired with German peers for hassle-free navigation of campus life, Orientation Programs, allows students to get acclimatize to German conditions, including introduction to campus and academic life, cultural activities like excursions, international nights and social gatherings allows students to foster friendship and socialization
- German language integration programs are offered by the university to international students, allowing them to learn language for academic and social activities, the Tandem Learning Program helps students to get connected to mutual language learning and cultural exchange
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Academic Support & Networking Opportunities
- Each faculty at the university has dedicated students affairs office, helping students in course and module selection, structuring the degree program, the PAUL Campus Management System, enables students in maintaining academic schedules, records and course structure
- EuroBiz, a student’s initiative that organizes academic, cultural and extracurricular activities for overseas and exchange programs students, events such as excursions, gatherings and sports competition fosters spirit of oneness and build network opportunities. The Semester Program provides detailed information of events and workshops, ensuring students can participate accordingly
Central Students Advisory Service & Career Orientation
- Paderborn university’s Central Students Advisory Services is committed to provide complete assistance to both aspiring and enrolled students, it offers enriching services such as course selection, academic queries and study orientation, including psychological counseling and support to access facilities at the campus for disabled students
- Career orientation guidance is offered to students who have academic dilemmas, workshops and events are organized with participation of industry experts, chamber of commerce representatives, offering advice on change in career goals. Internships, vocational training and academic transition are also facilitated
External Support & Specialized Support Programs
- University collaborates with external organizations and agencies for providing professional advice and support to students such as workshops on time management, study strategies and career planning and guidance on employment
- Inclusivity and diversity are core concepts of the university, it promotes equity and gender parity at all levels of education, programs such as family-friendly university and diversity charter are few excerpts of the commitments. Healthy University Task Force is assigned to organize health and wellness programs at the campus, ensuring students physical and mental well-being
Student Life at Paderborn University
Students Services & Accommodation @Paderborn
- Paderborn University offers a manifold of student’s services such as Central Students Advisory Services, offering comprehensive academic and other forms of services, learning resources like PANDA learning platform and library. Counseling for mental health for students coping with health and personal challenges
- Affordable and comfortable housing options are provided by the university such as, private residences, shared apartments and halls of residence. The neighborhood also provides safe and secure housing, convenient transportation to campus is also available through Semester Ticket
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Campus Life & Recreational Activities
- Paderborn University boasts an enriching campus life for students, the student’s organization regularly organizes cultural events, clubs and activities, network opportunities and social events. Cultural festivals are regular norm at the university, including recreational and academic workshops, the AStA summer festival is a major attraction of the university
- Sports facilities, gyms, fitness centers and recreational activities, sports competition for students are provided at the university, moreover the city of Paderborn has various museums, art galleries, cinema and theatres, making it an ideal place for students to learn and enjoy
City of Paderborn & Financial Support
- The city of Paderborn offers a blend of urban amenities and historical richness, offering a great opportunity of exploring the traits. It boasts various cultural landmarks, green surroundings and festivals. Location of Paderborn is centrally located, offering seamless transportation to Major cities of Germany like Berlin, Cologne and Munich
- In comparison to other cities of Germany, Paderborn is affordable and convenient with low costs of living. Students can financial assistance like Bafög and low interest students loans
Scholarships at Paderborn University
Organizations Supporting Gifted & Talented students : There are numerous organizations at Germany, who unconditionally provide financial and professional support to high achieving and talented students. These organizations are, Hans Böckler Foundation, Study Foundation of German People, Villigst Protestant Students Union, Cusanus -Werk, Avicenna Foundation, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Rosa Luxemburg Foundation
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Scholarships for Diverse Groups : University in association with various groups offer specialized financial support scholarship for diverse students groups like underrepresented, first generation university students, few prominent organizations are, dSPACE Scholarship, offering assistance to MINT disciplines students, Otto Benecke Foundation, provides help to migrated students, Barthel Foundation supports first generation university students and Alexander Van Humboldt Foundation, helping researchers at advance stage of career
PROMOS Scholarship : This scholarship is available to German students with equivalent status of 8 Bafög and non-German students enrolled at the university in degree or doctoral level, this scholarship is to assist study exchange and abroad internship, which has schedule of up to 06 months for exchange program and minimum 06 weeks to maximum 06 months for internship abroad. Scholarship provides financial assistance to cover living expenses and travel costs partially, the deadlines are, January – February for summer semester and April – June for winter semester
Internal Scholarships at Paderborn University : The university offers substantial scholarships within the framework guidelines, ensuring complete transparency and unbiasedness. Scholarships are available to deserving students, letting them to excel academically for rewarding career. Financial assistance differs as per scholarships, few awarding complete assistance, while others provides partial help
Deutschland stipendium (German Scholarship) : This German scholarship is open to all students, including overseas students and newly enrolled at the university, to be eligible, students must have outstanding academic achievements and commitment towards social activities. It €300 per month for an academic year to the recipients. Apart from €3600 for a year, the recipient also get privileges such as network opportunities with employers and interactions with sponsors, allowing students for personal development. Equal donation is done federal government and private sponsors
Social Scholarship (OWL Study Fund) : This scholarship is offered to both German and overseas students who are pursuing degree for first time at the university, international students can apply for second time degree as well, if first time degree was completed at another country. For eligibility, students must demonstrate financial hardships with academic brilliance, it basically aims to provide financial assistance to financial weak students for continued pursuit for higher studies
Other Sources of Funding : Students at Paderborn University, who fails to qualify for any scholarship get access to other sources of funding such as, Students Loans, nominal interest loans to support studies, Bafög, loans available for German and EU Students and housing benefits for students with accommodational difficulties
Process to Apply : Students are advised to check the application process, deadlines and submission office thoroughly before proceeding. International Office and Central Students Advisory Services provides detailed information about scholarships
Internships & Placements at Paderborn University
Internship Facilitation & Abroad Opportunities
- Paderborn University is commitment for practice learning, letting students to gain hands-on experience at workplaces, it collaborates with different platforms to provide valuable internship opportunities to students, such as AStA Jobbörse, an online platform managed by students committee offering jobs and internships. AIESEC and IAESTE, facilitating internships for all faculties and for MINT disciplines respectively. Moreover, every faculty has dedicated internship coordinator, helping students to secure an internship as per their career alignment
- University also strives for international internships opportunities for students, programs such as PROMOS Scholarship, it helps students undertaking internships outside Europe for maximum 06 months, the Campus OWL New York Internship, provides valuable placements at New York and nearby cities, offering beneficial exposure to American work culture, RISE International, assist German students in research internship in disciplines like engineering, natural sciences and life sciences. While ERASMUS+ program offers financial assistance to students at internship in European Union
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Internships at Paderborn & Internal Internships Opportunities
- With strong emphasis on practical training, Paderborn university facilitates different forms of Internships such as, Mandatory Internships, students must undergo a mandatory internship during the course of studies as a part of curriculum, enabling them to gain real-world experience at professional settings, students can also opt for voluntary internships during study break or vacations, while few programs has compulsory pre-study internships, must be completed before commencement of program
- Internships within the premises of the university is also allowed, students can take up internship at different facilities of the university, enabling them with rich hands-on experience at professional atmosphere of university, students must take approval from HR department and complete the contract to secure an internal internship
Internships Abroad Support & Training for Teaching Students
- Paderborn university’s International office and concerned faculty provides ample guidance to students aspiring for internship abroad, such as, seeking an internship with help in application process, financial assistance guidance through scholarships and cultural and logistical advise, ensuring students completes the internship successfully
- University’s Center for Educational Research & Teacher’s Training offers valuable internships to education discipline students, including placement at schools, teaching training at university, thoroughly preparing students for real-world teaching
Process to Apply for Internships & Additional Information
- Students aspiring for any form of Internships must consult the International office, Central Students Advisory Services or concerned faculty internship coordinator, for timely and smooth facilitation of internships. All application process for ERASMUS+ and PROMOS internships are entertained at International office only
- Students must apply for leave of absence, if they are going for internships that requires a full semester, all relevant information about visa, agreement clauses and funding is provided by support services, guaranteeing that students meets all requirements
Entry Requirements at Paderborn University
For Undergraduate Entry
- Basically, applicants must have a secondary school leaving certificate, ensuring qualification of certificate is sufficient to study at undergraduate level in Germany. In order to verify the qualification, applicants can check it at DAAD Database or university’s International Office
- Applicants who are transferring from another university or swapping programs will get the recognition for credit points at the university
- Applicants opting for programs in Numerus Clausus (NC) should have outstanding academic record and subject specialty to get an entry
For Postgraduate Entry
- Typically needs a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field, seeking entry into specified subject program needs similar subject undergraduate degree, for instance, MSc Computer Science need computer science subject specialty bachelor’s degree
- Few other requirements are, Module Handbook, research proposal and course descriptions, in order to assess the previous studies, programs like Optoelectronics, Photonics and International Economics & Management may ask for additional academic requirements
Language Proficiency Requirements
For Programs Taught in English Language
- Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through these evaluation tests scores, IELTS – Minimum overall score of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT – overall score of 80. The ETS institution code for the university in TOEFL is 4037
- Few Programs that are taught in English language are, MSc (International Economics & Management), MSc (Computer Engineering) and MSc (Optoelectronics & Photonics)
For Programs Taught in German Language
- DSH – 2
- TestDaf – at least TDN 4
- Applicants who fails to satisfy the German language proficiency can go for DSH preparatory course at the university
Application Process (Step by Step Guide)
Step – 01
Applicants must surf all available programs offered by the university, ensuring satisfying the entry requirements after selection
Step – 02
Applicant must ensure the process of submission, either via Uni-Assist, centralized verification database, or directly to the university’s international office
Step – 03
Preparing required documents to be uploaded, transcripts of educational certificates like school leaving certificate or bachelor’s degree, evidence of language proficiency, CV or Resume in chronological order, results of university entrance examinations, if available, certain documents like motivation letter, letter of recommendation and research proposal, if the program insists
Step – 04
For Uni-Assist submission requirement, the entire process is digital, no need for physical certificates, for direct submissions, and the documents must be sent to official address of the university as informed to the applicant
Step – 05
After successful submission via digital or physical process, the university will notify the applicant if admission is accepted, original document verification is done at the university after arriving at the university
Deadlines & Key Notes for Doctoral Candidates
- The deadlines differs as per programs, students must check the International Office or search program specific pages for accurate dates. Applicants must reach early for DSH preparatory course, if they don’t qualify for direct entry
- Doctoral candidates must ensure that concerned professors approval in the department, approval letter must be attested along with admission application
Rankings & Awards of Paderborn University
Excellence in Academic & Research : Paderborn University has received many accolades and recognition by different agencies and organizations such as Leibniz Prize, European Research Council (ERC), Heinz – Leibnitz Prize, North Rhine-Westphalia Academy of Arts, Science & Humanities and Acatech Membership
University Awards & Honors : University faculty and research teams, including students were bestowed with multiple awards and honors such as, Weierstraas Lecture, Honorary Professorship & Doctorates and Medal for Contribution to Research & Teaching
Awards for Innovative Teaching : Paderborn University is a significant contributor for regional development, its Technology Transfer & Start-Up Center has been substantially contributed to industrial development, fostering partnership between academia and entrepreneurship
Acceptance Rate of Paderborn University
- Paderborn University boasts an acceptance rate of 50%, highlighting its moderately selective and liberal admission. It offers access to education at the university for all students from both national and international applicants
- With 50% acceptance rate, the university offers entry to half of the applicants, the university also emphasizes language proficiency and academic preparedness
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