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Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg University

#66 QS World RankingPublicEurope

QS World Ranking

#66

Acceptance Rate

20%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$500

On-Campus Housing

Available

Application Deadline

July 15

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

30,000

students

International Students

20%

US % data not publicly reported

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

Germany's oldest university (1386) with 8 Nobel laureates, set in a picturesque medieval town.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#11Medicine#36Biological Sciences#46Physics & Astronomy

Notes for US Students

Germany's oldest university. Most undergraduate programs in German; international master's programs in English.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to Heidelberg University

Acceptance Rate

20%

Selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

July 15

Instruction Language

German/English

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$500

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply via Heidelberg's online portal (LSF)
  • High school diploma equivalent to German Abitur
  • German programs require DSH-2 or TestDaF TDN4
  • English-language graduate programs available
  • APS certificate not required for US students
  • Recognition of US diploma via uni-assist recommended

Class Size

Avg. Lecture150 students
Avg. Seminar25 students
Student : Faculty14:1

Academic Calendar

SystemSemester (2/yr)
Fall TermMid-OctoberMid-February
Spring TermMid-AprilLate July
BreaksFeb–Apr, Aug–Oct

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
German/English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$500 / year
Application Deadline
July 15
Application System
Direct
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
20%

Programs Offered

MedicineSciencesLawArts & HumanitiesSocial Sciences

Scholarships to Explore

  • DAAD
  • Heidelberg University Scholarship

Cost of Living — Heidelberg, Germany

Moderate Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$750/mo
Groceries & dining$250/mo
Transportation$70/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$170/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,240

vs. avg US college student

35% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Heidelberg is affordable for Western Europe. Student cafeterias (Mensa) offer very cheap hot meals.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at Heidelberg University as a US Student

Heidelberg University is located in Heidelberg, Germany and is ranked #66in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Medicine, Sciences, Law, Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences. Instruction is offered in German/English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$500 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 20%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of July 15. Scholarships available include the DAAD.