Universität Potsdam
Potsdam, Germany • Founded 1991 • World Rank #614
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1991, the Universität Potsdam (University of Potsdam) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Potsdam (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Brandenburg.
Officially recognized by the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kultur, Brandenburg (Ministry of Science, Research and Culture of Brandenburg), Universität Potsdam (UP) is a large-sized coeducational German higher education institution. Universität Potsdam (UP) 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.
UP 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
Find Universität Potsdam on the map and reach the right office through the contact channels listed below. Use these for general enquiries; specific departments often run their own contact pages.
Academic Details
Universität Potsdam's institutional metrics and recognition context. Recognition reciprocity matters for credential portability — check whether your home country accepts Universität Potsdam's qualifications.
Academic Structures
Below is the academic-unit breakdown for Universität Potsdam. Inter-faculty credit transfer rules vary; check whether modules outside your home faculty count toward your degree before enrolling.
Unit 4 items
- Faculty of Economic and Social Studies
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Mathematics and Science
- Faculty of Philosophy
Degrees
Also Teacher Training Programmes (Lehramt); Dual Degree Programmes: European Master in Clinical Linguistics (EMCL) offered in cooperation between the University of Potsdam, the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, and the University of Eastern Finland in Joensuu; German-Frensh Jurisprudence programme offered by University of Potsdam and the Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense (formerly: Paris X – Nanterre) in cooperation with the German-French University (DFH); German-Russian Master of Administration; Master of Arts International Relations (MAIB) awarded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft
Bachelor's 47 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- American Studies
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies
- Earth Sciences
- Eastern European Studies
- Ecology
- Economics
- Educational Sciences
- English
- English Studies
- French
- German
- Germanic Studies
- History
- Information Technology
- Italian
- Jewish Studies
- Judaic Religious Studies
- Latin
- Law
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Nutrition
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Polish
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Religion
- Religious Studies
- Russian
- Social Sciences
- Social and Preventive Medicine
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Sports
- Sports Management
- Sports Medicine
- Teacher Training
- Theology
- Translation and Interpretation
Master's 44 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Administration
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Cognitive Sciences
- Commercial Law
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Science
- Contemporary History
- Cultural Studies
- Earth Sciences
- Eastern European Studies
- Ecology
- Economics
- Educational Sciences
- English Studies
- Environmental Management
- Fine Arts
- Fiscal Law
- Geology
- Health Administration
- Judaic Religious Studies
- Law
- Leadership
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Medical Technology
- Military Science
- Nutrition
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Polymer and Plastics Technology
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Sports Management
- Teacher Training
- Technology
Doctoral 26 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Administration
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Educational Sciences
- History
- Judaic Religious Studies
- Law
- Linguistics
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Modern Languages
- Nutrition
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Sports
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kultur, Brandenburg.
Arts (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- American Studies
- Arts and Humanities
- Classical Languages
- English Studies
- Germanic Studies
- History
- Jewish Studies
- Media Studies
- Philology
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Romance Languages
- Slavic Languages
Economics and Social Sciences (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administration
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Political Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human Sciences (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Linguistics
- Music
- Pedagogy
- Primary Education
- Psychology
- Sports
- Sports Management
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Law
- Criminal Law
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Nutrition
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Every programme Universität Potsdam offers, searchable by name and grouped by level. Pathway programmes leading from foundation to bachelor entry are sometimes listed separately from full degree programmes.
358 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Germany
Bachelor's Degree 171 programmes
Showing 10 of 171.
Master's Degree 187 programmes
Showing 10 of 187.
How to apply to Universität Potsdam
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Universität Potsdam, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Research programmes at Universität Potsdam
Use the programme finder to browse Universität Potsdam's 358 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
Review admissions criteria
Programme-level requirements at Universität Potsdam 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
Gather supporting documents
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
Lodge your application
Universität Potsdam processes applications through www.uni-potsdam.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
Confirm receipt and track progress
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 (331) 9770. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universität Potsdam
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Universität Potsdam, drawn directly from institutional records.
How old is Universität Potsdam?
The institution opened in 1991 (approximately 35 years ago).
Where is Universität Potsdam located?
Universität Potsdam is located in Potsdam, Germany.
What is Universität Potsdam's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at Universität Potsdam?
Student enrolment at Universität Potsdam is around 10,000-14,999.
How is Universität Potsdam ranked?
It ranks #614 globally and #35 in Germany.
What degrees does Universität Potsdam offer?
Programmes at Universität Potsdam cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is Universität Potsdam's academic structure?
The institution comprises 4 academic units.
Is Universität Potsdam accredited?
Yes, Universität Potsdam is recognised by Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kultur, Brandenburg.
How do I find Universität Potsdam online?
Universität Potsdam's official website is www.uni-potsdam.de.
Top-Ranked Universities in Germany
Time-trend in rankings matters: rising universities in Germany may overtake Universität Potsdam or its peers over your study horizon. Year-on-year movement signals institutional momentum.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
The universities below share Universität Potsdam's European University Association (EUA) membership, often coordinating on academic standards. Coordination simplifies credit transfer and joint-programme delivery between member institutions.
Faculties at nearby universities
Climate and seasonal factors apply consistently across universities near Universität Potsdam, but campus altitude or coastline exposure can shift the experience meaningfully even within a cluster.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Beyond Universität Potsdam, several other universities in Germany deliver focused Education & Teaching programmes worth exploring before you commit to a single application. Programme depth and elective range vary significantly between institutions.
Universities Compared with Universität Potsdam
Peer universities to Universität Potsdam by academic scale and prestige are listed below. These often share comparable faculty depth, research output, and graduate outcomes, making the comparison more meaningful than ranking alone.
Studying in Germany: guides and resources
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