University of Bonn
A premier research university, the University of Bonn was established in 1818, some two centuries ago. Host to six Clusters of Excellence, the highest number of any German university, it is a University of Excellence distinguished by its research successes. It is an institution to which 35,000 students including 6,000 doctoral candidates are followers of 550 professors and supported by 6,000 staff members.
The university, which is located in the historically rich and picturesque city of Bonn has several campuses spread out in around 350 buildings that host a beautiful combination of old and new.
Courses Offered
** Fees mentioned here are approximate and are per year, Unless specified otherwise
Why choose the University of Bonn
Global Perspective: The programs are meant to encourage intercultural dialogue, and to create students ready to thrive in a global knowledge society.
International Opportunities: Students can study or research abroad through partners of the university in six continents.
Research Environment Exceptional
High Third-party Funding: It has access to resources of approximately €180 million p.a. in competitive research funds, thus ensuring the most up to date facilities and most innovative projects.
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Prestigious Awards:
Its global reputation as a research leader is backed by many Opportunities for Innovation: special emphasis on technology transfer, patent development, and entrepreneurship
Cost-effective Education
Affordable Tuition: Tuition fees for most programs are very low, or none, and there is a modest semester contribution.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: There are many ways like the Deutschland stipendium which provide financial and non-financial support.
Innovation and Digitalization
In stressing modern educational approaches powered by digital learning tools, innovative teaching formats and a strategic focus on sustainability both in teaching and research, the university is a sharp example of a modern university.
Network of Excellence
Collaborative Opportunities: Ties to international research networks, EU projects and industry leaders.
Alumni Network: Networking and career advancement opportunities are supported by a global alumni community.
The University of Bonn was jointly founded by the state of North Rhine–Westphalia and the Federal Republic of Germany in 1948.
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Campus Facilities at University of Bonn
Libraries and Media
Facilities: Study desk, group workspaces, large collection of books and digital resources and access to archives and special collections.
Special Services: Search assistance literature, map collections and media.
IT and Computer Facilities
Computer Rooms (C-Pool):
For individual C-Pool accounts for internet access and use of specialized software are available to all students.
Digital Learning Tools: The university makes the advanced digital resources available for both teaching and learning.
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Equipment Pool
Lending Services:
Provides a selection of field and measuring equipment for use in geography and other related disciplines for research and academic work.
Test beds and Testing facilities.
Advanced Labs:
Facilities include those for chemical, biological, and geographical research to assure hands on, top of the line experimentation and learning.
Departmental Weather Station: It supports climate related research and learning.
Cartography and Media Design
Specialized in the visual representation of spatial information by trading between cartography and media design.
Services including spatial data analysis, creating maps and design support for research projects are provided.
Lecture Halls and Classrooms
Located on multiple campuses: Central Bonn, Poppelsdorf, and Endenich.
Accessibility: Technology based teaching aids are provided on the lecture halls in purpose to create an interactive learning environment.
Canteens and Cafeterias
University Gastronomy: 16 dining locations operate in the Bonn and adjoining area: five canteens, nine cafés.
Provides various food choices suitable for all types of diet lovers and preferences.
Campus Sustainability
The University of Bonn defines itself as a Fair Trade university and promotes green initiatives, energy efficiency and sustainable operations on campus in general.
Student Services at University of Bonn
Student Support Services
The University of Bonn takes great pride in caring for the wellbeing and success of our communities’ members, in many aspect, in our daily life, and at work. We provide advice and a variety of services for all types of personal, academic and professional needs.
Advice and Support Services for Staff, Employment, Life Balance, Office Management, Office Technology, Secretary, etc.
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The university provides numerous resources to help staff manage both professional and personal challenges effectively:
Staff Interests
Staff Councils: Speaking out for employees, to represent employee’s interest in internal decisions, safety regulations, workplace polices, etc.
Combining Career and Family
Office of Family Services:
Help balancing family and work life.
Information on childcare, parental leave and family related issues.
Professional Development
International Office: Provides information on exchange programs and gives advice for staff wanting to work abroad.
Human Resource Development: Offers continuous learning through workshops, seminars and Mentoring program for the growth of career.
Mental health and doctoral students.
However, doctoral studies can be a demanding academic exercise. Specialized mental health services developed specifically to assist doctoral candidates to cope with stress and maintain their well being throughout their collective academic experience are available at the university.
Student Life at University of Bonn
Student life
Like most university cities, finding accommodation in Bonn is time consuming and competitive.
Key Housing Tips
Start Early: Each semester the surge in demand for housing starts. So, begin your search well in advance to secure a good option.
Explore Multiple Options: Apply for several housing opportunities and in shared apartments or dormitories.
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Shared Housing (Wohngemeinschaft or WG):
There are plenty of shared apartments for students. Cost sharing, as well as a social living environment, is allowed.
When visiting in person is possible, make sure to visit listings in person as first impressions can mean the world in winning a spot.
Short-Term Accommodation:
New people can make use of short stays with providers such as Studierendenwerk Bonn or Student Churches.
Meanwhile, boarding houses, youth hostels, or online rental services are all other options.
Private Listings and Agencies:
Housing is available and listed by websites, rental agencies and by local publications like General Anzeiger Bonn and Announce.
Short term accommodations are provided by Mitwohnzentrale on a fee paying basis.
Alternative Housing Projects:
There are programs such as “Wohnen für Hilfe” through which student are connected with families, elderly individuals or with disabled individuals. In return for cheaper rent or free accommodation, students must perform work for landlords.
Living in Bonn Beyond Housing
The city of Bonn is full of life and history combined with all the modern amenities. In addition to securing accommodation:
Find out what to do in the city, be it on a cultural program, a museum, a theater, or attending a local event.
Professionals are eligible to take advantage of the University of Bonn’s facilities such as libraries, canteens and sports centers.
Scholarships at University of Bonn
Deutschland stipendium Scholarship:
Amount: €3,600 a year (€300 a month).
Eligibility: Abitur, an average grade of 1.5 or higher is needed of high school graduates.
Ließem Scholarship:
Amount: It’s €300 a month or €3,600 a year.
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Eligibility:
Talented students open to the area who have lived in the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg region for at least five years.
DAAD Scholarships:
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) sponsors more than 200 scholarships for prospective and already enrolled international students. Eligibility and the amount of money you may receive depends on the program.
Additional Opportunities:
Scholarships are available from a variety of political, confessional and independent foundations. Examples include:
- Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.
- Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung.
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
These scholarships frequently look at both academic performance and a social commitment as well as fit with the organization’s values.
Loans
Education loans are an additional option available for international students to apply for. But terms and conditions must be reviewed carefully: loans are to be repaid after graduation.
Placements & Internships at University of Bonn
Part-Time Work
EU/EFTA Students:
Taking part time jobs is not a matter of work permit.
Scholarship Considerations to Keep in Mind
Like scholarships, they are competitive, and more is considered than your grade in school. Motivation to be part of the scholarship provider’s journey is important, and so is social commitment and alignment to their values.
For a better chance of success, students are encouraged to apply to scholarships most reflective of their goals and values.
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Advice for Applicants
Start early: Strict deadlines are common amongst funding applications.
Combine funding options: They may colleges you don’t get all the moneys so if you are wanting to work part time or get a loan then go for it, it helps pay for your college life.
Seek support: Detailed guidance on financial matters can be obtained from the University of Bonn’s International Office, or from sources such as the DAAD database.
Entry Requirements at University of Bonn
Every degree offered by the University of Bonn has different entry requirements for its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The entry requirements for International students vary according to program levels as listed below.
Undergraduate Programs
Educational Qualifications:
An entrance requirement of a recognized university entrance qualification (e.g. a high school diploma or equivalent).
Before applying, applicants should check whether their qualification is recognized through the Anabin database or the DAAD database on admission requirements.
Additional Requirements:
There could be some aptitude test or subject pre requisites for some degree programs. Further information can be found on the program-specific pages.
The programs carried out for the Postgraduate (Master’s).
Educational Qualifications:
A recognized undergraduate degree in a relevant subject with a minimum grade point average or equivalent of 3.0 (equivalent to 83-86%).
.English-Taught Programs: Proof of English proficiency.
TOEFL (minimum of 80 IBT).
IELTS (minimum band of 6.5).
Test scores that are equivalent will also be accepted.
Supporting Documents:
Intent letter of Motivation to join the program.
Test scores (SATs & ACTs), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), Classes you took, Classes you might’ve taken, etc.
CV, Tabular form, academic and professional experiences. Updates.
In some cases, applicants will need to provide proof of relevant work experience.
Program-Specific Requirements:
Prerequisites for each Master’s program may include subject specific knowledge or practical experience.
Proof of Financial Resources:
For a student visa, a student needs a blocked account with enough money to live (≈€11,208 per year).
Ranking at University of Bonn
U.S. News & World Report – Best Global University
- Global Rank: 157th.
- European Rank: 57th.
- Germany: 7th.
- Core Strengths: Very highly cited research and internationally excellent research reputation by region.
CWTS Leiden Ranking:
- Global Rank: 350th.
- European Rank: 135th.
- Germany: 14th.
- Highlights: 11.Top 10% most cited publications worldwide account for 2% publications.
NTU Taiwan (Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers):
- Global Rank: 194th.
- European Rank: 71st.
- Germany: 8th.
- Focus: Citations and publications research performance.
Subject-Specific Rankings
- Germany: US News (1st Shanghai Ranking).
- Global: Shanghai Ranking: 38th; QS: 41st; U.S. News: 54th.
- Key Strengths: High citation density and strong international collaboration, together with an emphasis in research.
Economics:
- Germany: For five years now, Princeton has been ranked as 1st (Shanghai Ranking, since 2017).
- Global: 41st (Shanghai); 56th (QS).
- Distinctions: Has high academic reputation as well as a very high citation rate for publications.
Germany: 4th (Shanghai Ranking), 3rd (QS), 3rd (U.S. News).
- Global: Consistently ranked 1st(!) in the US by Shanghai University (34th), Top 73rd in the World by QS (Test), and 91st by U.S. News.
- Excellence: Working with top global institutions and high quality publications in the leading journals.
Physical Sciences:
- Germany: 3rd (THE Subject Rankings).
- Global: 40th (THE).
- Sub-disciplines: In U.S. News, Space Science ranked 98 overall while Physics placed 8th in Germany for Shanghai.
Germany: 9th (THE Subject Rankings).
Global: 86th (THE).
Key Areas: The departments include the neurosciences (5th in Germany, U.S. News), molecular biology (8th in Germany, U.S. News) and the study of cells and tissues (12th in the U.S. News).
(CHE University Ranking: National Rankings)
Geography:
High research output and exceptional support of new students and opportunities for study abroad.
Computer Sciences:
Fine reputation for its good supervision system for doctoral theses and well structured study courses.
Mathematics:
Top scores in research output, student support and program completion rates.
Physics:
Commends for contributing to cordial introduction to scientific research and material academic support.
Recent Achievements
Recognition in International Collaboration:
The University’s wide spread global research network is also demonstrated by CWTS Leiden and QS Europe rankings.
Rising in Global Rankings:
According to THE World University Rankings and ARWU, I achieved better positions.
Subject Excellence:
The University leads the way in research in such areas as mathematics, economics and agriculture, in positions at the top of fields.
Acceptance Rate
The university does not have an officially published acceptance rate, but it is thought to be about 36% as determined by a ratio of admissions to applications and enrollment data. This means that 36 of the 100 people who apply to go to this university are offered a place.
Acceptance factors
Program Demand: However, some programs, like Mathematics, Economics and Natural Sciences, are very much in demand, and might have stricter admission requirements.
Admission Quotas:
Applicants with the best grades in their university entrance qualifications make up 20% of places.
Through an internal selection, the university awards 60% of places based on grades, waiting time and other criteria as aptitude tests or professional qualifications.
10% is held for supplementary aptitude quotas (i.e. tests for specific programs in medicine and pharmacy).
Language Proficiency: At DSH-2 or CEFR C1 or equivalent levels in German most programs require proficiency. Some international programs, however, do sometimes include English-taught courses.
Strong Academic Records: Have high grades in education prior to this. The University of Bonn allows the conversion of grades to points; higher grades receive more points (for example, having an Abitur 1.0 is equivalent to 70 points).
Aptitude Tests: Taking and scoring well on tests like TMS (Test for Medical Studies) or PhaST (Pharmacy Studies Test) can help you greatly in making your program selection possible, in case you choose to do Medicine or Pharmacy.
Timely Application: For most programs, all required documents and applications must be submitted before the deadlines of July 15 for the winter semester.
Extra Considerations: If grades are tied, some applicants may be given priority where voluntary service or other achievements have been made.
Acceptance rate required will of course differ depending upon the university but given the competitive rates, it is important that students are thoroughly prepared and have generally met the academic and linguistic requirements, when it comes to the University of Bonn.
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