Paderborn University

In the 2017 edition of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Paderborn University was ranked in the 501-600 range globally. Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2017, which specifically focus on new universities and more innovative approaches to education and research, Paderborn University achieved a higher ranking. It was positioned in the 101-150 range globally among young universities. This Paderborn University Ranking highlights Paderborn University's success in establishing itself as a prominent institution in a relatively short period, particularly in terms of its academic excellence and research activities.

To apply for admission to Paderborn University, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Application Form:

Fill out the application form for admission to a German university.

2. Prepare Supporting Documents:

• An officially certified copy of your secondary school leaving certificate, qualifying you for university-level studies in your home country. Include proof of all grades obtained.
• Proof of language proficiency.
• University Entrance exam results
• Officially certified copies of relevant documents
• A comprehensive resume/CV

3. Send Documents:

• If applying for study courses that require a direct application to the university, mail your documents to:

Universität Paderborn

International Office

Warburger Straße 100

33098 Paderborn

Germany

• For study courses that require an application via uni-assist, send hard copies of your documents directly to:

c/o: University-Paderborn

uni-assist e.V.

11507 Berlin

Germany

4. Official Certification of Documents:

• Official certification of copied documents can be done by a Notary Public, municipal administration, state-run institutions, or in some cases, by the German Embassy or Consulate if you are outside Germany.
• Ensure that the official stamp on your certification includes an emblem. A simple text stamp will not suffice.
• If your documents are not in English, French, or German, provide an officially certified translation into one of these languages.

5. Language Proficiency:

• If you do not meet the required German language proficiency, consider applying for a language course first.
• If you plan to complete a recognized German language test after the application deadline, you can apply for degree courses without restricted admission. Notify the university of the expected completion date, and submit the certificate at the time of enrolment.

The important application deadlines for Paderborn University for preparatory language courses and degree programs are:

Preparatory German Language Course (DSH Course):

• DSH courses start every three months (after the course in October 2022, every semester).
• Application deadlines for DSH courses vary, so please refer to the specific deadlines provided by the International Office when applying.

Degree Programs (German Taught):

• Winter Semester (Starting in October): Application deadline until 31 May.
• Summer Semester (Starting in April): Application deadline until 15 January.
• For some degree courses, the application must be done via the uni-assist online portal.

Degree Programs (English Taught Master's Programs):

• Winter Semester (Starting in October): Application deadline until 31 May.
• Summer Semester (Starting in April): Application deadline until 30 November.
• Submit your educational documents via the Uni-Assist Online Portal, following the specified procedure.

Documents Required for Paderborn University 

To navigate the admission process smoothly, it's essential to be well-prepared with the necessary documents. The following documents are required for Paderborn University admission.

• Officially certified copy of secondary school leaving certificate, qualifying you for university-level studies in your home country. Include proof of all grades obtained.
• Proof of language proficiency.
• University entrance exam results (if applicable, e.g., for applicants from Bosnia, Korea, Kosovo, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, and the USA).
• Officially certified copies of all relevant academic documents, including academic transcripts, references, and final degree certificates.
• Comprehensive resume/CV detailing your education and training chronologically up to the time of application.
• If applying for a Ph.D. program, ensure you have been accepted as a doctoral candidate by a professor from an academic department at the University of Paderborn.
• Certified translations of documents if they are not in English, French, or German.

Exam Requirements for Paderborn University 

Language proficiency exams for German and English proficiency exams are required for Paderborn University admission:

German Language Proficiency Exams:

TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache):

• Required Level: A TestDaF score of at least TDN 4 (TestDaF-Niveaustufe 4) is required for admission to German-taught programs.

DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang):

• Required Level: The DSH exam is offered by many German universities, and the required level may vary. Generally, a DSH-2 or DSH-3 level is required for admission.

Goethe-Zertifikat C2:

• Required Level: The Goethe-Zertifikat C2 is a high-level certification accepted for admission to German-taught programs.

Telc Deutsch C1 Examination:

• Required Level: A Telc Deutsch C1 certificate is considered a strong indicator of advanced German language proficiency.

Deutsches Sprachdiplom (Level II) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs:

• Required Level: Level II of the Deutsches Sprachdiplom is typically recognized as proof of advanced German language skills.

English Language Proficiency Exams:

For English-taught programs, international applicants are often required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Commonly accepted exams include:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

• Required Score: A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 is required.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

• Required Score: A TOEFL score of around 80 to 100 (iBT) is the minimum requirement.

Cambridge English Exams (e.g., C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency):

• Required Level: A C1 or C2 level certificate from Cambridge 

The University of Paderborn offers a variety of accommodation options to cater to the diverse needs of its students. Whether you prefer the convenience of on-campus dormitories or the experience of shared flats and private accommodation, there are choices to suit your preferences and budget.

Student Dormitories: 

Student dormitories in Paderborn are managed by the "Studierendenwerk." These accommodations have a waiting period, which can be up to nine months, depending on the specific residence. Students are typically allowed to stay for a maximum of six semesters. Monthly rent for these dormitories ranges from €340 to €585 (warm rent), depending on the type of apartment or room.

Here are the different types of accommodation available: 

Studierendenwerk Residence hall

Peter-Hille-Weg 11, Paderborn

Shared Flat (WG - Wohngemeinschaft): 

Shared flats, known as "Wohngemeinschaft" or WG, offer private, furnished rooms within an apartment or flat shared among students. Common areas such as bathrooms and kitchens are shared among flatmates. The monthly rent varies between €320 and €470 (warm rent), depending on factors like room size, location, and the number of students sharing the apartment.

Private Household/Family: 

Living in a private household or with a family provides an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in German culture. Rooms are typically furnished, and students share bathroom and kitchen facilities with their hosts. The monthly rent for this type of accommodation ranges from €320 to €420.

Here are the accommodation types and their approximate costs:

Paderborn University does not have tuition fees. Instead, there is a semester contribution of 310€ to cover the cost of the semester ticket.

Cost of Living in Paderborn for International Students:

The total estimated monthly living expenses for international students in Paderborn typically range from €800 to €950.  Here is an estimate of the cost of living per month for international students in Paderborn:

These  Paderborn University Scholarships encourage international engagement, language acquisition, and cross-cultural experiences by offering financial assistance to the students of Paderborn University.

Here is an overview of the types of grants available at Paderborn University:

Erasmus Scholarships:

• Erasmus is a European Union program to support international mobility and collaboration in higher education.
• These scholarships provide financial assistance to students and staff members who wish to study, teach, or conduct research abroad within the Erasmus network.

PROMOS Scholarships:

• PROMOS scholarships are a part of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) program and are offered to German and international students at Paderborn University.
• These scholarships support students in gaining international experience through various means, including semester-abroad programs, internships, language courses, and research stays.
• PROMOS scholarships cover travel expenses, living costs, and program-related fees.

 Cross-Border-Studies Scholarship:

• The Cross-Border-Studies Scholarship is a financial aid program offered by Paderborn University to support students engaged in cross-border studies and research projects.
• It is beneficial for students conducting studies or research projects that involve collaboration and academic exchange between different countries and institutions.
• It typically lasts for three to six months and varies in amount depending on the destination and duration of the exchange.