Universität Bielefeld
Bielefeld, Germany • Founded 1969 • World Rank #838
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1969, the Universität Bielefeld (Bielefeld University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the medium city of Bielefeld (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), North Rhine-Westphalia.
Officially recognized by the Ministerium für Kultur und Wissenschaft des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen (Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia), Universität Bielefeld is a large-sized coeducational German higher education institution. Universität Bielefeld offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
The acceptance rate range is 100% making this German higher education organization a non-selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Universität Bielefeld also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Universität Bielefeld's physical location and the contact details prospective students typically need before applying or visiting. Channels listed below come from the institution's published profile.
Academic Details
Key statistics on Universität Bielefeld's student population, faculty size, and external recognition. International vs domestic student split is often missing from these figures but matters for campus culture.
Academic Structures
Universität Bielefeld's academic backbone. Endowed schools (named after donors) may differ from general units in funding levels, scholarships available, and curriculum focus.
Unit 3 items
- Faculty of Biology
- Faculty of Chemistry
- Faculty of History, Philosophy and Theology
Degrees
Also State Examination Certificate (Staatsexam) in Law
Bachelor's 49 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- American Studies
- Ancient Civilizations
- Art Education
- Art History
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Cognitive Sciences
- Communication Studies
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Sciences
- English
- English Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Ethics
- Fine Arts
- French
- Genetics
- German
- Germanic Languages
- Health Sciences
- History
- Latin
- Latin American Studies
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Molecular Biology
- Music
- Natural Sciences
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Primary Education
- Protestant Theology
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Special Education
- Sports
Master's 55 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- American Studies
- Applied Mathematics
- Art Education
- Artificial Intelligence
- Behavioural Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Communication Studies
- Computer Science
- Data Processing
- Ecology
- Economics
- Educational Sciences
- English Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Foreign Languages Education
- French
- Gender Studies
- Genetics
- German
- History
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Media Studies
- Molecular Biology
- Music Education
- Nanotechnology
- Native Language Education
- Natural Sciences
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Primary Education
- Protestant Theology
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Religious Education
- Science Education
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Special Education
- Sports
- Statistics
- Teacher Training
Doctoral 16 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Educational Sciences
- History
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Mathematics
- Public Health
- Sociology
Other 11 programs
- Biophysics
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- History
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Nanotechnology
- Sociology
- Technology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministerium für Kultur und Wissenschaft des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen.
Biotechnology (Centre) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Genetics
- Nanotechnology
Cognitive Interaction Technology (Center of Excellence) (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Technology
Interdisciplinary Research (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Interdisciplinary Women's and Gender Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Women's Studies
Biology (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business Administration and Economics (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chemistry (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
Common Career Paths
- Chemist
- Lab Researcher
- Quality Control Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Educational Sciences (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Educational Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Science (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
History, Philosophy and Theology (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- History
- Philosophy
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Linguistics and Literary Studies (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Linguistics
- Literature
Mathematics (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physics (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychology and Sport Sciences (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Psychology
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Clinical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sociology (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Sociologist
- Researcher
- Community Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Technology (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Information Technology
- Technology
History and Sociology (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- History
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Sociologist
- Researcher
- Community Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Theoretical Sciences (Graduate School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Conflict and Violence Research (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Peace and Disarmament
Didactics of Mathematics (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics Education
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathemathical Economics (IMW) (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Simulation of Complex Systems (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Systems Analysis
Cognition and Robotics (CoR-Lab) (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Robotics
Mathematical Modelling (RCM²) (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Education (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Universität Bielefeld's programme catalogue is grouped by level below — use the filter to narrow your shortlist. Programme entry windows and admissions criteria typically appear on each programme's dedicated page.
186 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Germany
Bachelor's Degree 93 programmes
Showing 10 of 93.
Master's Degree 93 programmes
Showing 10 of 93.
How to apply to Universität Bielefeld
How to apply to Universität Bielefeld — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Universität Bielefeld's catalogue includes 186 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Universität Bielefeld's admissions process.
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3
Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through Universität Bielefeld's official website at www.uni-bielefeld.de. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +49 (521) 106 00. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universität Bielefeld
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Universität Bielefeld as a study destination.
When did Universität Bielefeld open?
Universität Bielefeld traces its founding to 1969 (approximately 57 years ago).
In which city is Universität Bielefeld?
Universität Bielefeld is based in Bielefeld, Germany.
Is Universität Bielefeld a public or private institution?
Universität Bielefeld is a public institution.
How many students study at Universität Bielefeld?
Universität Bielefeld has approximately 20,000-24,999 students.
How is Universität Bielefeld ranked?
It ranks #838 globally and #45 in Germany.
What degrees does Universität Bielefeld offer?
Universität Bielefeld delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
How many faculties does Universität Bielefeld have?
Universität Bielefeld has 3 academic units.
Who recognises Universität Bielefeld?
Universität Bielefeld is accredited by Ministerium für Kultur und Wissenschaft des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen.
How do I find Universität Bielefeld online?
The institution's website is www.uni-bielefeld.de.
Top-Ranked Universities in Germany
Top Germany universities often run international branch campuses. Universität Bielefeld's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.
Faculties at nearby universities
The universities below sit close to Universität Bielefeld geographically and may suit students who want to stay within the same region for study. Proximity affects commuting cost, family contact, and the ease of switching institutions if circumstances change.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
If Universität Bielefeld is on your shortlist for studying Education & Teaching, these peer institutions in Germany offer comparable academic depth, industry links, and graduate outcomes. Cross-applying to multiple is common practice in this discipline.
Universities Compared with Universität Bielefeld
Cross-institutional admissions sharing exists in some networks — peers of Universität Bielefeld sometimes accept shared application materials or recognise admissions decisions. Worth checking when batching applications.
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