University of Tubingen Admission

Eberhard Karls Universität - Scholarly Excellence Since 1477

#175 World RankingFounded 1477Swabian Tradition7 Faculties

Abitur Grade

1.0-2.9

Program dependent

International GPA

2.9-4.0/4.0

Country specific

World Ranking

#175

QS World Universities

Total Students

28,000+

Including 3,800+ international

About University of Tubingen

University of Tubingen (Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen) stands as one of Germany's most prestigious and historically significant research universities, established in 1477 with over 545 years of unbroken scholarly tradition, academic excellence, and intellectual innovation that has fundamentally shaped European thought, theological scholarship, and scientific advancement while continuing to influence global academic standards across all disciplines. Located in the picturesque medieval town of Tubingen in Baden-Württemberg, nestled along the Neckar River with its charming half-timbered houses, ancient university buildings, and vibrant student atmosphere, the university has evolved into one of Germany's most respected academic institutions, consistently ranking among Europe's top universities while serving 28,000+ students from over 120 countries. The university's stunning historic campus, featuring centuries-old buildings alongside state-of-the-art research facilities, creates an inspiring environment where students, faculty, and researchers collaborate to advance knowledge, preserve scholarly traditions, and address contemporary global challenges while experiencing the unique charm of studying in one of Germany's most beautiful and intellectually stimulating university towns.

Distinguished for its exceptional programs in theology, philosophy, medicine, and humanities that have produced some of history's greatest thinkers, world-renowned research institutes that drive scholarly innovation, comprehensive academic offerings spanning 7 faculties with deep roots in European intellectual tradition, and strategic partnerships with leading institutions worldwide, University of Tubingen maintains its position as a beacon of scholarly excellence while serving as a vital center for theological education, philosophical inquiry, and humanistic research throughout Europe and beyond. The university's unique location in Tubingen provides students with an unparalleled atmosphere for deep learning, contemplation, and intellectual growth while its centuries-old academic traditions ensure that students receive a comprehensive education grounded in rigorous scholarship, critical thinking, and ethical reflection. Tubingen's holistic approach emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, research excellence, and moral leadership, creating graduates who are exceptionally well-prepared for leadership roles in academia, theology, medicine, public service, and cultural institutions while contributing meaningfully to human understanding, spiritual development, and social progress through innovative research, ethical leadership, and commitment to preserving and advancing the great traditions of European scholarship, philosophical inquiry, and theological reflection that have made Tubingen a cornerstone of German intellectual life for over five centuries.

University of Tubingen Excellence Indicators

#175
QS World University Rankings
#5
German Theology Rankings
11
Nobel Prize Laureates
548
Years of Tradition
€480M
Annual Research Budget

Academic & Research Excellence

  • Theology & Philosophy: World-leading programs with centuries of scholarly tradition
  • Medical Sciences: Excellent medical school and biomedical research programs
  • Humanities: Outstanding programs in history, literature, and cultural studies
  • Natural Sciences: Strong programs in biology, chemistry, and physics
  • Social Sciences: Comprehensive programs in law, economics, and political science
  • Archaeological Sciences: Leading research in archaeology and ancient studies

Tubingen & Swabian Advantages

  • Medieval Charm: Beautiful historic town with centuries-old university buildings
  • Student Atmosphere: One-third of residents are students, creating vibrant academic life
  • Cultural Heritage: Rich Swabian traditions and intellectual history
  • Small Town Feel: Intimate learning environment with close faculty-student relationships
  • Quality of Life: Safe, walkable town with excellent amenities and natural beauty
  • Academic Focus: Dedicated learning environment away from big city distractions

University of Tubingen's Distinguished Alumni Network

Tubingen's alumni network represents one of the world's most accomplished groups in theology, philosophy, medicine, politics, and academia, including 11 Nobel Prize laureates, numerous religious leaders, philosophical giants, medical pioneers, political figures, and cultural luminaries who continue to shape global thought, spiritual development, and human understanding through their groundbreaking discoveries, theological insights, philosophical contributions, and commitment to advancing human knowledge and moral development.

Nobel Prize Winners & Scientists

  • 11 Nobel Prize laureates across multiple disciplines
  • Groundbreaking medical and biological research
  • Leading contributions to chemistry and physics
  • Pioneering work in biochemistry and molecular biology

Theological & Philosophical Leaders

  • Leading Protestant theologians and biblical scholars
  • Influential philosophers and ethicists
  • Church leaders and religious reformers
  • Interfaith dialogue pioneers and peace advocates

Political & Cultural Leaders

  • German presidents and federal ministers
  • European Union officials and diplomats
  • Cultural critics and literary figures
  • Educational reformers and university leaders

Academic & Medical Leaders

  • University rectors and professors worldwide
  • Leading physicians and medical researchers
  • Archaeological and historical researchers
  • International academic organization leaders

Abitur & German Requirements 2025

Detailed Abitur Requirements by Faculty

Study ProgramAbitur Grade (NC)Waiting SemestersAdditional Requirements
Medicine (Humanmedizin)1.0-1.314+ semestersTMS, Interview
Psychology1.0-1.512+ semestersMathematics, Statistics
Law (Rechtswissenschaft)1.2-1.96-10 semestersGerman LK, Essay
Protestant Theology1.5-2.22-6 semestersReligion LK, Languages
Philosophy1.8-2.40-4 semestersGerman, Philosophy LKs
Biology2.0-2.60-4 semestersBiology, Chemistry LKs
History & Archaeology2.2-2.70-2 semestersHistory LK, Latin
German Literature2.4-2.90-2 semestersGerman LK
Physics & Mathematics2.6-2.90-1 semestersMathematics, Physics LKs
Modern LanguagesFree AdmissionNo waitingLanguage proficiency

Tubingen Excellence Standard: University of Tubingen maintains scholarly admission standards reflecting its 548-year tradition of academic excellence. Numerus Clausus (NC) grades from 1.0 (excellent) to 4.0 (sufficient). Theological and philosophical programs emphasize classical education foundations. LK = Leistungskurs (Advanced Course). Always verify current requirements on Tubingen's official website.

Highly Competitive Programs

  • Medicine: Extremely competitive with 1.0-1.3 and comprehensive testing
  • Psychology: Very competitive with 1.0-1.5 and strong mathematics
  • Law: Highly competitive with 1.2-1.9 and excellent German skills
  • Veterinary Medicine: Limited spaces with high competition

Moderately Competitive Programs

  • Protestant Theology: Strong tradition with 1.5-2.2 requirements
  • Philosophy: Deep thinking and analytical skills required
  • Biology: Science foundation with moderate competition
  • Economics: Growing field with analytical requirements

Accessible Programs

  • History & Archaeology: Rich scholarly tradition and research
  • German Literature: Strong linguistic and cultural focus
  • Physics & Mathematics: Foundation sciences with good availability
  • Modern Languages: International focus with language requirements

Tubingen Academic Excellence & Scholarly Tradition

Classical Academic Standards

  • Scholarly Rigor: 548 years of uncompromising academic excellence
  • Classical Education: Strong emphasis on languages, philosophy, and theology
  • Research Integration: Early involvement in scholarly research projects
  • Critical Thinking: Emphasis on analytical reasoning and intellectual development
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Cross-faculty collaboration and broad education
  • International Perspective: Global outlook with European scholarly traditions

Tubingen Town & Academic Life

  • Historic Atmosphere: Medieval town with centuries-old university buildings
  • Student Community: One-third of residents are students creating vibrant academic life
  • Intimate Learning: Close faculty-student relationships in small town setting
  • Cultural Heritage: Rich Swabian traditions and intellectual history
  • Quality of Life: Safe, beautiful environment ideal for study and reflection
  • Alumni Network: Connections to influential leaders in theology, academia, and culture

Your Gateway to Swabian Scholarly Excellence

University of Tubingen represents the pinnacle of German scholarly tradition and one of Europe's most historically significant academic institutions, where students gain access to unparalleled research opportunities, distinguished faculty, centuries-old scholarly traditions, and over 545 years of unbroken academic excellence while experiencing the extraordinary advantages of studying in one of Germany's most beautiful and intellectually stimulating university towns. As one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious universities with exceptional programs in theology, philosophy, medicine, and humanities, Tubingen empowers students from around the world to pursue their academic passions while contributing meaningfully to human understanding, spiritual development, and cultural preservation through rigorous intellectual inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to the highest standards of scholarly excellence rooted in centuries of European academic tradition.

Whether your aspirations lie in advancing theological scholarship, exploring philosophical inquiry, pursuing cutting-edge medical research, delving into historical and archaeological studies, or contributing to the humanities through any academic discipline, University of Tubingen's comprehensive programs and unmatched scholarly resources provide the perfect foundation for transforming your intellectual potential into meaningful contributions to human knowledge and understanding. With its extraordinary combination of academic prestige, research excellence, medieval charm, and the unique advantages of Tubingen's intimate scholarly community, studying at Eberhard Karls Universität offers an incomparable university experience that prepares students for leadership roles in academia, theology, medicine, and cultural institutions while maintaining the highest standards of scholarly integrity, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to preserving and advancing the great traditions of European learning and human understanding.

Ready to Join Tubingen's Historic Scholarly Community?

Take the first step toward an extraordinary academic journey at one of Germany's most prestigious universities, where 548 years of scholarly tradition meets cutting-edge research in a magical medieval setting.

Historic Prestige
548 years of unbroken scholarly tradition
Medieval Charm
Beautiful historic town with vibrant student life
Scholarly Excellence
11 Nobel Prize winners and distinguished alumni

Tubingen Success Formula: The university seeks students who combine exceptional academic achievement with genuine intellectual curiosity, appreciation for scholarly tradition, and commitment to rigorous academic inquiry. Your journey to Tubingen begins with outstanding academic performance, mastery of German language, meaningful engagement with ideas and culture, and clear understanding of how Tubingen's extraordinary scholarly resources, historic atmosphere, and distinguished faculty will enhance your education and prepare you for significant contributions to your chosen field through rigorous scholarship, ethical reflection, innovative research, and lifelong commitment to advancing human knowledge and understanding in the great tradition of European scholarship and academic excellence.