University of Potsdam
University of Potsdam uses modern solutions to develop its young institution inside Potsdam’s cultural environment. The university’s three campuses Griebnitzsee, Golm, and Neues Palais operate independently but stay linked to Prussian palace traditions.
Courses Offered
** Fees mentioned here are approximate and are per year, Unless specified otherwise
Why choose University of Potsdam?
A Strong Academic Foundation
Starting in winter 2007/08 students enrolled in this program to pursue philosophical research careers or join areas like medical ethics while preparing to work in consulting and managing.
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Unique areas of study.
Students have the option to research across fields from basic Kantian philosophy and bioethics to current pragmatism and combined subject studies.
International Outlook
- The university partners globally to help researchers share their intellectual work across nations.
- The university builds stronger global academic partnerships through its Franco-German Degree Program.
Hands-on learning.
- The courses “Philosophy Beyond the University” and “Interdisciplinary Philosophy” use philosophical methods to help students address today’s real-world problems.
- Under faculty mentorship students learn through teaching activities how to prepare for their scholarly careers.
Strategic Location
The university benefits from its location near Sanssouci Palace and Berlin as both campus and local communities become vibrant educational centers.
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Campus Facilities at University of Potsdam
Student Dormitories: The university collaborates with Studierendenwerk: West Brandenburg to supply furnished student rooms at €300-€400 each month. Since many students seek limited housing availability you need to submit your application before other students.
Private Housing: Our shared housing units provide different price options starting at €500 for monthly rent.
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Libraries and Study Areas
- Students at University of Potsdam have study-friendly environments and extensive media resources at the university’s three departmental libraries.
- New students participate in library tutorials designed to show them every available research resource.
Dining Facilities
- Every campus contains budget meal options at multiple dining centers to fit every dietary preference.
- Students can enjoy dining with peers in lively welcoming spaces throughout the campus.
Sports and Recreation
- Students at UCSP can join various sports courses and wellness training with annual holiday programs.
- The facilities serve both amateur athletes and professional competitors with team sports and yoga programs.
Student Services at University of Potsdam
Student support services
- You will receive all the help you need to do well in your courses.
- Students from University of Potsdam receive guidance through ZSB throughout their journey.
- The university designs learning spaces to be accessible for every student in the program.
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- Special advisors work with students to shape their study program and offer assistance for reaching educational balance and addressing academic difficulties.
- Support staff and fellow students manage programs to help students access university services.
Counseling sessions
- Students benefit from direct counseling support which also connects them to expert therapists outside their university network.
- Support teams provide direction to students studying from other countries.
- The International Office helps students secure visas and complete the basics of academics, housing and health insurance.
- Incoming international students work with university mentors during the Buddy Program who demonstrate effective ways to integrate into both the university system and German culture.
- Specific career coaching helps international students achieve their professional objectives here.
- Our experts will guide you to enhance how you write academic materials and deliver presentations.
- At Zessko students can access class tutorials and workshops while also receiving personalized writing support.
- Learning advisors support faculty members in developing excellent communication and writing methods.
Student Life at University of Potsdam
Students receive official support to connect with university societies and discover local cultural customs.
Buddy Program: The university matches international students with mentor students who guide them through campus features and cultural practices.
Erasmus Student Network (ESN): As a welcome service ESN arranges outings to display Potsdam while helping international students make new friends.
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Extracurricular Activities
- Sports Courses: You can stay fit at the Academic Sports Center by joining yoga, team sports and fitness programs.
- Cultural Offers: Lesecafé Golm along with book-share programs and musical groups build relaxing social spots for readers and leisure seekers.
Student-Led Initiatives
- Studigarten Golm (StuGa): Students with an interest in gardening may join our educational vegetable garden where they will use sustainable growing practices.
- Studium Oecologicum: They guide students in studying by eco-friendly methods and design green campus spaces through their leadership in environmental projects.
Opportunities for Engagement
- Student Parliament (StuPa): Students can run for positions in student government to represent their peers throughout our decision system.
- Student Councils (VeFa): These councils enable students to drive their projects ahead through better team collaboration between student groups.
Nightline: Students access an anonymous peer support staffed hotline during lectures to discuss their problems. Students at the university can use specific spaces to relax and meet classmates.
Lesecafé Golm: Students take charge of this café space that enables others to take study and social breaks here.
SpeakUP: The independent newspaper created and operated by students reports events and new opportunities taking place throughout Potsdam.
Tech and Transportation
- Mobile.UP App: By using Mobile.UP App you can navigate campus locations view campus dining options and monitor your class schedule.
- VBB App: With the app you can schedule trips and purchase tickets to travel between Potsdam and Berlin.
Exploring Potsdam and Berlin
- Potsdam combines its water and parks with historical buildings plus modern cultural and entertainment districts including the Dutch Quarter.
- Students can explore Berlin through the 30-minute train journey from their college while joining educational and social events.
Scholarships at University at Potsdam
The University of Potsdam
- Amount: Students receive 300 euros monthly benefits available for twelve months.
- Eligibility: Students at Bachelor or Master level through each university faculty can submit applications. Top-performing students who also participate socially succeed in earning this award.
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Degree Completion Grant
- Amount: Students receive financial aid based on their actual money needs.
- Eligibility: International students who are finishing their Bachelor or Master studies at their last stage can register for this support program.
DAAD Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service offers funding opportunities to both foreign students and researchers worldwide.
- Eligibility: Every program requires high grades plus meaningful research ideas.
The Brandenburg Scholarship
- Amount: Not specified.
- Eligibility: The program works to train students before they become teachers in rural areas.
Scholarships from Foundations
- Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung: Students who want to help social democracy grow through public work are eligible for this scholarship.
- Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung: Our scholarships serve students who demonstrate environmental awareness through their social actions.
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung: The foundation awards scholarships to students who demonstrate leadership potential and support its essential principles.
Specialized Scholarships
- Care Concept Welcome to Germany Scholarship: Our organization provides assistance to international students who start their studies in German universities.
- Degree Completion Grant for International Students: International students who cannot afford tuition can access the Degree Completion Grant to reach graduation.
Placements & Internships at University of Potsdam
The University of Potsdam provides a variety of internship options for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. students:
On-Campus Internships: Students can choose to complete internships by working either with university office staff or research department experts.
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An internship program for students should extend their classroom knowledge and guide them toward their professional objectives.
Compulsory Internships: Academic plan internships that extend past three months do not require minimum wage.
Students must provide:
- A signed internship contract.
- Proof of insurance.
- Students must present their curriculum document that shows internships as part of their learning criteria.
Entry Requirements at University of Potsdam
General Requirements
Academic Qualification: You must present your Bachelor’s degree or approved qualification from a certified educational institution to join our program.
Credit Requirements for Incomplete Degrees:
- To enroll in our 180 ECTS program you must complete and provide proof of 140 earned ECTS credits.
- Students who join the 210 ECTS program must achieve 170 ECTS credits.
- To join 240 ECTS degree programs applicants need to submit proof of earning 200 ECTS credits.
Language Proficiency
German Language Skills:
- Students must show German C1 level proficiency to join most German language programs.
- Students can gain access to certain courses based on class necessities when they have B2 or below German levels.
English Language Skills:
- English programs require students to achieve C1 English level in their language assessment.
- You need valid IELTS or TOEFL documentations to prove English language skills.
Supporting Documents
- Bachelor’s Certificate and Transcript: Attach proof of your studies showing you have finished enough credits toward graduation.
- Module Descriptions: When filling out your application you need to attach your academic plan documents including course syllabi and lists of classes.
- CV: A typical resume itemizes your entire education and employment journey.
- Proof of Name Change: To verify a name change you must present documents including your marriage certificate.
- Language Certificates: You need to attach approved certificates that prove you have language skills in either German or English.
Rankings at University of Potsdam
International Rankings
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025:
- Among the 2092 universities on the global market The University of Potsdam secures its position from rank 201 to 250.
- Ranked 21st in Germany.
- Our university stands at the top of institutional performance charts because our published research receives many citations.
THE Young University Rankings 2024:
At just 18 years old the University of Potsdam leads German young universities and ranks as the 17th highest institution globally.
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU):
- According to the Shanghai Ranking the University advanced from ranks 401-500 to ranks 301-400 among all global universities in 2024.
- The university partners with Stuttgart University and Jena University as a leading German academic institution.
QS World University Rankings:
In 2024 our university achieved 474th position on the global list through its excellent teaching and research performance.
National Rankings
CHE University Ranking:
- Our university leads other institutions in English/American Studies, Chemistry, Psychology, Law, and Business Informatics.
- The ranking system measures quality of facilities, faculty achievement and student satisfaction individually for each study program.
Humboldt Rankings 2023:
Since 2018 the university climbed to the 14th spot among German institutions by attracting 53 international Humboldt researchers and designating 10 among them as principal investigators.
Research Excellence
German Research Foundation (DFG) Funding Atlas:
- The list of DFG grant recipients shows German universities among the top forty recipients across humanities, life sciences and natural sciences.
- The university obtained third place among Germany’s major universities for startup aid based on Stifterverband’s Founders’ Radar 2022 evaluation.
Founders’ Radar by Stifterverband (2022):
- Our university earned third place for startup support among major German universities according to Stifterverband.
- Students received help from the university to launch over 2,779 new businesses throughout 2021.
Gender Equality Leadership
CEWS Rankings:
- University stands at number one for increasing both female faculty and professor positions more than any other institution.
- Achieved a complete diversity and inclusion score but missed two points.
Acceptance Rate
- The University of Potsdam admits every applicant because it allows 100% of students to join.
- University of Potsdam admits every student worldwide to support their mission for universal access to higher education.
- All international students who meet qualifications receive admission here.
- International and local students who meet academic and language requirements receive equal admission consideration at the university.
- Student Demographics
Total student population: Approximately 13,297.
International students: Our university holds fifteen percent international students because we want to create an international learning space.
Gender ratio: The university maintains gender diversity with 57% of its students being female and 43% male.
Admissions Philosophy
- At The University of Potsdam we promote wider access to higher education for students regardless of their background.
- Every applicant is welcome at Potsdam University yet must meet comprehensive entry standards to join graduate and doctoral programs.
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