History
Bielefeld University was founded in 1969 with an explicit research assignment and a mission to provide high-quality teaching.
Education
It encompasses 13 faculties covering a broad spectrum of disciplines in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and technology. Research and teaching are characterized by a highly networked interdisciplinary profile: A transparent course structure with great permeability between subjects, flexibility of study combinations, and elective elements allow students to create their individual profile that paves the way to an excellent career in new occupational and research fields.
Research
Five main research fields are committed to research and the promotion of young academics on a top international level within the framework of first-class interdisciplinary collaborative research projects, central academic institutes, and systematic individual funding. The university’s strong research performance is underlined in a host of ways by, for example, the Excellence Initiative (Cluster, Graduate School), Collaborative Research Centres (SFB), DFG Research Units, ERC grants, Heisenberg Professorships, and participation in the German Federal Ministry of Research and Education's ‘It’s owl’ technology network..
Career
Career Service: provides numerous services, such as seminars, trainings, meetings with employers, helping you to start your career.
Bielefeld University Key Statistics & Highlights
- #710 Ranking
- 7 PhDs
- 29 Scholarships
- 357 Academic Staff
- 25,182 Students
- 2,015 Students (int'l)
- 14,606 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
Bielefeld University Overview
Bielefeld University Scholarships
Bielefeld University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Bielefeld University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1400 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) • DAAD
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1200 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Karl Schmidt Rottluff Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Aug 2026
ICM Innovation & Entrepreneurship Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jan 2027
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
649 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship of the German National Academic Foundation
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1400 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) • DAAD
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1200 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Karl Schmidt Rottluff Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Aug 2026
ICM Innovation & Entrepreneurship Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jan 2027
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
649 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship of the German National Academic Foundation
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1400 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) • DAAD
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1200 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Karl Schmidt Rottluff Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Aug 2026
ICM Innovation & Entrepreneurship Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jan 2027
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
649 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship of the German National Academic Foundation
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1400 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) • DAAD
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1200 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Karl Schmidt Rottluff Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Aug 2026
ICM Innovation & Entrepreneurship Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jan 2027
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
649 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship of the German National Academic Foundation
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1400 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) • DAAD
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1200 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Karl Schmidt Rottluff Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Aug 2026
ICM Innovation & Entrepreneurship Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jan 2027
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
649 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship of the German National Academic Foundation
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1400 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) • DAAD
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1200 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Karl Schmidt Rottluff Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Aug 2026
ICM Innovation & Entrepreneurship Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jan 2027
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
649 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship of the German National Academic Foundation
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Bielefeld University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 8.2% Germany
Top 8.1% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
710
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 23 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 649 | 687 | 710 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
1001
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1001 | 1001 | 1001 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
No 2026 Ranking
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 601 | 701 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
- International Office helps all international students with adjusting to the new environment and provides continuing support that enhances their learning. It offers assistance on arrival, with accomodation, diverse administrative issues and integration. A varied programme of leisure time activities is organized and a bicycle rental service is also available.
- Brother-Sister programme is a personal tutoring programme for all foreign freshmen and participants of the German language courses, local students support people new to Bielefeld during their first semester.
- PunktUm: Counselling and Training for International Students
Housing services
Welcome Center:
A pivotal service at the university for international researchers and their families provides information on a wide range of non-academic issues such as visa and residence requirements, health insurance, accommodation, language courses, family matters, as well as general information about Bielefeld University and the Bielefeld area.Library services
Print jobs can be sent from every PC in the library, from your private laptop or USB flash drive.Printing is possible at any of the provided copy machines in the library. You can find them in the departmental libraries in C, D, T, U, V and in building X. The amounts are debited to your UniCard (Student ID card), Servicecard (Mensakarte) or Guest Card.
ICT services
In the university computing centre (Hochschulrechenzentrum-HRZ) terminals with internet access are available to the students. Every semester the HRZ offers introductory and training course. Apart from this, every faculty has its own computers, which are connected with the HRZ.
Campus life
As the architectural expression of its interdisciplinarity, the unique university campus unites almost all faculties and services under one roof which creates a great atmosphere for interfaculty networking, cooperation and new friendships.
Bielefeld is a lively and diverse university city, with numerous parks and some little lakes here and there. The "Sparrenburg", a castle from the 13th century and the Teutoburger forest are great places for relaxing or hiking after lessons, the city center offers lots of shopping opportunities together with large number of bars, cafés, clubs, restaurants and seasonal cultural and international events in parks and plazas, all this at an easily accessible distance from campus.
Sports facilities
University Sports Service: offers more than 60 different kinds of sports on Campus - a service ranked among the Top5 worldwide in the International Student Barometer 2011.
Doing sports is free of charge for students and you can join all kinds of sports groups - football, basketball, lacrosse, tennis, various dancing styles, martial arts, swimming, ballet, fitness etc.If you prefer going to the gym, you can join the UNIFIT on campus.
Student clubs
- International Student Association
- AIESEC
- Enactus Bielefeld: Fresh!
- Amnesty International
Accreditation
All international programmes are accredited by internationally recognized accreditation agencies.
Bielefeld University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
Germany Country
Bielefeld City
Bielefeld University Student Reviews & Awards
4.3
Based on 20 reviews
- 5 Star 8 Reviews
- 4 Star 10 Reviews
- 3 Star 2 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.4
- Student Diversity 4.2
Positive First Impressions
I haven’t started my studies at Bielefeld University yet, but the communication and support I’ve received so far have been great. The admission process was clear and well-organised, and I’m looking forward to beginning my studies soon.
A step towards my career goals
Choosing where to study was an overwhelming task, especially with so many options to choose from. What helped me most was finding a program that truly aligns with my goals. For one i believe it's best to focus on what fits your long-term goals, not just the rankings or location. It definitely makes the decision much easier.
Nice
Professional and strong academic staff but small city. It’s really hard to find student jobs with English.
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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