History
New beginnings for higher education on the continent in the (then) German-speaking world were the foundations of Prague (1348), Wien/Vienna (1365) and Erfurt (1379), the oldest university in Germany. The burghers of Erfurt had requested this privilege during the Western Schism from Pope Clement VIII. in Avignon, not from pope Urban VI. in Rome, who confirmed the privilege ten years later.
Education
The close ties between the Faculty of Humanities; Faculty of Education; Faculty of Economics, Law, and Social Sciences; Faculty of Catholic Theology and the Max Weber Centre for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies help the university as a whole to forge new paths in teaching and research.
Research
Research at the University of Erfurt is characterized by close ties between the four faculties and the Max Weber Center as well as numerous interdisciplinary projects. The university-wide areas of specialization in Religion and Education are of key importance in shaping the university’s diverse research profile.
These areas of specialization have been intensified by the creation of graduate schools and centers.
Career
The University’s mentoring system, its required general education program, and its integrated career orientation program make it a model for other schools. It offers students from Thuringia, other German states, and countries around the world a variety of degree programs at the bachelor, master, Ph.D., and post-doctoral levels.
University of Erfurt Key Statistics & Highlights
- 32 Scholarships
- 400 Academic Staff
- 5,700 Students
- 528 Students (int'l)
University of Erfurt Overview
University of Erfurt Scholarships
University of Erfurt Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to University of Erfurt. 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
1300 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Fully Funded DAAD EPOS Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
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Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
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Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
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
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
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
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
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship
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
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
80 ZAR
Deadline
Not specified
DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
DAAD-ACEH Scholarship of Excellence
Read more about eligibility
Student services
After their arrival in Erfurt all international students must register with the city's Registration Offices (Bürgerservice). In addition, non-European students must apply for a residence permit from the local Foreigners' Registration Authority (Ausländerbehörde).
Housing services
Conveniently situated near the capital city’s downtown area, the University of Erfurt encourages direct communication among all members, and facilitates educational exploration as well as interdisciplinary research both on campus and at international partner schools.
Library services
The University's research activities are based both in the faculties and in the “Max Weber Kolleg” (an Institute for Advanced Studies), the "Willy Brandt School for Public Policy", and the famous library and Perthes archive in neighbouring Gotha,. The University of Erfurt is at the same time the oldest and the youngest state university in today’s Germany.
Medical services
Every student is required to have adequate health insurance coverage at all times. Documentation for health insurance must be provided when enrolling at the University. As a student, you have the right to statutory health insurance at the lowest rate of contribution (at present appr. 82 Euro per month).
Campus life
The campus is close to Erfurt’s downtown area, making the University of Erfurt a lively part of the Thuringian capital with its low cost of living and its wide range of cultural and recreational activities.
Sports facilities
The University Sports Centre (USV) provides students and employees with the opportunity to increase their levels of fitness with a wide range of activities, all of which are listed on the university sports centre website and in a brochure that is published at the beginning of each semester.
Student clubs
The student association Anti-Racist Campus Erfurt aims to prevent any racist action on the campus of the university.
You can contribute to that by being an active member of the association. You can report incidents with racist background as well as receive professional help in case you were affected by a racist incident.
Accreditation
Founded in 1379, closed during the 19th century, and reopened in 1994 following German reunification, the school has acquired recognition due to the quantity and quality of its academic achievements in the fields of education, religion, and other key disciplines. All curricula, including those for teacher training, have been accredited as best-practice models for the implementation of the Bologna system.
University of Erfurt Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
Germany Country
Erfurt City
University of Erfurt Student Reviews & Awards
4.3
Based on 12 reviews
- 5 Star 4 Reviews
- 4 Star 7 Reviews
- 3 Star 1 Review
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
Great sourcing for programs
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Small courses, good lecturers
I liked that there were lots of small courses, which provided plenty of opportunities for interesting discussions about the course content. In general, most lecturers are on an equal footing with the students and always have an open ear. Unfortunately, the German foundation course didn't work out quite so well, as the courses there were often very full and not focused on special needs education, but only on primary education. In combination with my minor in English/American Studies, I was well prepared for a Master's degree in Special Needs Education.
My University Experience
My University is a diverse community that is welling to help student to prepare them for the better tomorrow and that they may have an impact on the developmental agenda of the world. My university needs to improve on the human capacity building of students.
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