Universität Paderborn
Paderborn, Germany • Founded 1972 • World Rank #1151
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1972, the Universität Paderborn (University of Paderborn) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Paderborn (population range of 50,000-249,999 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 Paderborn is a large-sized coeducational German higher education institution. Universität Paderborn 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.
This 52-year-old German higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Universität Paderborn also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Address, contact details, and online presence for Universität Paderborn are summarised below. Cross-check with the official website if you intend to send documents or financial information.
Academic Details
Universität Paderborn's institutional metrics — useful for sizing it against other shortlisted universities. The proportion of academic staff with doctorates correlates with research output and graduate-school admissions.
Degrees
Each qualification level at Universität Paderborn appears below with its degrees. Research-by-thesis versus taught master's programmes differ in structure, assessment, and graduate-school positioning.
Bachelor's 56 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Applied Mathematics
- Art Education
- Business Computing
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Comparative Literature
- Comparative Religion
- Computer Education
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Continuing Education
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- English
- English Studies
- European Studies
- Fashion Design
- Fine Arts
- Food Technology
- Foreign Languages Education
- French
- German
- History
- Home Economics
- Home Economics Education
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Industrial Engineering
- International Business
- Jazz and Popular Music
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Media Studies
- Music
- Music Education
- Musicology
- Native Language Education
- Nutrition
- Pedagogy
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Primary Education
- Protestant Theology
- Religious Education
- Romance Languages
- Science Education
- Spanish
- Sports
- Technology Education
- Textile Design
- Theology
Master's 56 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- American Studies
- Art Education
- Art History
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Business Education
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Education
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Consumer Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Educational Sciences
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- English
- English Studies
- European Studies
- Fine Arts
- Foreign Languages Education
- French
- Gender Studies
- German
- Health Sciences
- History
- Home Economics
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Management
- International Business
- International Economics
- Jazz and Popular Music
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Media Studies
- Music Education
- Musicology
- Native Language Education
- Nutrition
- Pedagogy
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Religious Education
- Romance Languages
- Science Education
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Sports
- Theology
Doctoral 14 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Home Economics
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Nutrition
- Physics
- Sports
- Sports Medicine
Other 25 programs
- Analytical Chemistry
- Applied Physics
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Education
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Cultural Studies
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Health Sciences
- Home Economics
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Nutrition
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Physics
- Science Education
- Sports
- Sports Medicine
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministerium für Kultur und Wissenschaft des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen.
Arts and Humanities (Faculty) 17 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- American Studies
- Catholic Theology
- Comparative Literature
- Education
- English
- Fine Arts
- History
- Media Studies
- Music
- Musicology
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Protestant Theology
- Psychology
- Romance Languages
- Sociology
- Textile Design
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business Administration and Economics (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Management
- Taxation
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Mathematics (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Electrical Engineer
- Power Systems Engineer
- Automation Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mechanical Engineering (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mechanical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Mechanical Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Health Education
- Physics
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
The programmes available at Universität Paderborn are organised by level. Most institutions cluster intake decisions by faculty, so application timelines often run in waves through the year.
148 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Germany
Bachelor's Degree 66 programmes
Showing 10 of 66.
Master's Degree 82 programmes
Showing 10 of 82.
How to apply to Universität Paderborn
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Universität Paderborn, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Universität Paderborn's 148 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Universität Paderborn typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Universität Paderborn processes applications through www.uni-paderborn.de. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +49 (5251) 60 0. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universität Paderborn
Common questions about Universität Paderborn answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
How old is Universität Paderborn?
The institution opened in 1972 (approximately 54 years ago).
In which city is Universität Paderborn?
Universität Paderborn is based in Paderborn, Germany.
What is Universität Paderborn's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at Universität Paderborn?
Universität Paderborn has approximately 10,000-14,999 students.
What is Universität Paderborn's ranking?
Universität Paderborn is ranked #1151 globally and #55 in Germany.
What degrees does Universität Paderborn offer?
Programmes at Universität Paderborn cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Is Universität Paderborn accredited?
Yes, Universität Paderborn is recognised by Ministerium für Kultur und Wissenschaft des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen.
How do I find Universität Paderborn online?
The institution's website is www.uni-paderborn.de.
Top-Ranked Universities in Germany
Below: Germany's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for Universität Paderborn's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Faculty mobility within European University Association (EUA) networks often signals shared standards. Faculty members frequently move between Universität Paderborn and the institutions below over the course of careers.
Faculties at nearby universities
Cost of living varies meaningfully across cities and towns hosting the universities below. Even within a single region, accommodation and transit costs can differ by 30–50%.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Cohort diversity (gender, nationality, prior experience) shapes the Education & Teaching classroom experience. Some Germany programmes publish demographic data; others do not, but the question is worth asking.
Universities Compared with Universität Paderborn
Looking at Universität Paderborn through a comparison lens? These universities share similar academic positioning and are commonly considered against Universität Paderborn during the application process. Cross-comparison helps clarify the institutional fit beyond ranking signals.
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