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University of Passau
University of Passau

University of Passau

Strongly international from the start, the University of Passau is a public research university that has developed into a first address in German academia in the first four decades of its existence. It scores highly in international academic rankings: it is among the world’s best 20 per cent of universities according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking 2019. In addition, the latest THE “Young Universities” ranking of universities aged 50 or younger put the University of Passau in 16th place worldwide and 2nd place in Germany. Some 13,000 students hailing from 100 countries are currently studying towards their degrees on our bright, modern campus located next to the river Inn, a mere stone's throw from the town centre and the historical Old Town.

Interdisciplinarity
One of the strengths of the university is its consistent interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching; the University of Passau is currently increasing its range of degree programmes to further strengthen its position at the intersection of technology and the humanities. Its national and international renown is partly due to its unique blend of cross-disciplinary degree programmes with an international focus.

Internationalism
Most of the university's degree programmes have a strongly international focus, which leads many students to go abroad to complete part of their degree programme or an internship, often to far-flung locations. In this they are aided by the university's popular language courses and, in particular, the acclaimed subject-specific language programmes open to the vast majority of students in Passau: Designed to be studied alongside the degree programmes and offered for nine languages, these programmes allow students of Law, Economics and Business Administration, Cultural Studies and Computer Science to develop advanced foreign language skills in programmes tailored to their degree subjects. There is even a German-as-a-Foreign-Language programme, which is open only to international students. To help international students ease into life and study at Passau, the university holds so-called Orientation Weeks at the beginning of each semester; this and the university's student buddy scheme have proven a highly effective way to get international students up to speed when studying here.

Business links
The Centre for Careers and Competencies organises and holds the Campus Meets Company recruitment fair every November. This brings numerous renowned companies from Germany and further afield to the university campus who wish to recruit students as future employees. For international students at the University of Passau, there is a special adviser who provides guidance and support for all matters related to job market induction: the iStudi Coach maintains a network of regional companies who are willing to take on board international students and graduates, as well as providing face-to-face consultations and delivering numerous structured job market workshops to get international students acquainted with the German labour market and to help them find work placements and entry-level career positions.

Faculties

  • Law
  • Business, Economics and Information Systems
  • Arts and Humanities with the Department of Catholic Theology
  • Computer Science and Mathematics

Contact Address and Useful Links

University of Passau
Academic Advice Service
Innstraße 39
94032 Passau
Tel: +49 (0) 851 509-1153/-1154
advice(at)uni-passau.de
www.uni-passau.de

Academic Advice Service
International Office
Centre for Careers and Competencies
Accommodation in Passau

About Passau

View of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Passau
View of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Passau

Widely considered one of the loveliest cities in Germany, Passau is a unique combination of Bavarian savoir-vivre and Italian charm. The historic Old Town, most of which was designed in the 17th century by Italian architects, is situated between three rivers: the Danube, Inn and Ilz. The unique townscape with its picturesque alleys, the eye-catching cathedral in the centre and the natural beauty of the surrounding area draw in many visitors from all over the world year after year.

Although steeped in tradition, Passau is also youthful and cosmopolitan: one in five inhabitants is a university student, and that is reflected in the vibrant cultural scene. Passau is an ideal student town, with a lower cost of living than the big cities. Rooms in the halls of residence start from around €220 (including bills). The local amenities – shopping centres, cinemas, the theatre and the Old Town itself – are just a short walk from the university campus. Moreover, Passau has one of the lowest crime rates in Germany.

Passau is not only situated between three rivers; it is also close to the borders of three countries: Austria can be reached on foot by crossing the river Inn and it’s just a short trip by car to the Czech Republic. The regional cuisine features specialities from Bavaria, Austria and Bohemia, which are best sampled at one of the many popular beer gardens.

The Danube valley and the Bavarian Forest National Park – which together with its Czech counterpart, Šumava National Park, forms the largest consecutive forest in Central Europe – is a major recreational area with plenty of opportunities for climbing, hiking, skiing and cycling.

More information about Passau

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Student advice
Student advice
At work
At work
In the library
In the library
Refectory
Refectory
Campus in winter
Campus in winter
International students
International students
University campus
University campus
Seminar
Seminar
Halls of residence
Halls of residence