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Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen (University of Tubingen)


Overview

At a glance

Founded in 1477, the University of Tübingen is one of the best-renowned research universities in Europe and a prime location for academic studies and research. A full range of disciplines and a high standard of research, both in sciences and humanities, contribute to its international reputation. Its outstanding schools and departments are consistently ranked among Germany's best. The University's academic reputation is determined by the research achievements of more than 400 professors and about 2000 academic staff.


Established : 1477
Student Population : 27100
History : The Eberhard Karls Universität Tubingen is one of Europe’s oldest universities. The University's history began in 1477, when Count Eberhard “the Bearded” of Württemberg founded the University. In Tubingen’s historical centre there is hardly a building or a square that is not linked to a renowned scholar. Tubingen notables include Hegel, Hölderlin and Schelling, Mörike and Uhland, Johannes Kepler and Wilhelm Schickard.
Rankings : #82 QS Europe University Rankings


Overview of Facilities and campus : The University of Tübingen is not a campus university, but is spread throughout the town: Tübingen is one of five classical "university towns" in Germany. The university uses a number of buildings in the old town of Tübingen, some of which date back to the foundation of the university. Today, these are mainly used by smaller humanities departments, as is the adjacent medieval castle, Schloss Hohentübingen. Northeast of the old town, the Wilhelmstraße area surrounding the street of the same name is home to larger humanities departments as well as the university's administration. The main university library and main refectory are also in this area. A new campus for the sciences was built in the 1970s at Morgenstelle, a hill north of the historic centre of Tübingen.

Website and links

Website : Tübingen homepage

Study abroad page : Exchange Students Webpage

Academic information

Who can go

Students on degree programmes in the following subject areas may apply to study abroad during their Junior Honours year at Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen (University of Tubingen):

School of Divinity requirements: please note that this exchange is only open to postgraduate research students.

  • Divinity
  • International Relations
Semesters Available
  • Second Semester
  • Full Year
Note: Joint Honours students may only apply for a full year abroad if BOTH subjects are listed above. Joint Honours students applying for one semester must seek permission from both Schools.

Study abroad coordinator

Each School has a designated Study Abroad Coordinator.

Semester dates

Semester dates are as follows

2023/4
Semester 1 Oct 2023 to Feb 2024
Semester 2 Apr 2024 to Jul 2024
2024/5
Semester 1 Oct 2024 to Feb 2025
Semester 2 Apr 2025 to Jul 2025

Your studies abroad

St Andrews academic requirements
  • Minimum Credit in Academic year : 48
  • Minimum Credit in Semester : 24
  • Maximum Credit in Academic year : 60
  • Maximum Credit in Semester: 30
  • Module Weighting : 3,5,8

Partner Course Catalogue : The Tubingen course catalogue will outline the current module options. Please note that not all will be suitable for study abroad students.

There are classes in both English and German. You will have full access to the library facilities at Tubingen.

See our Credits and Modules Abroad webpage for information on the number of credits we expect students to take at our partner institutions. St Andrews expects students to attend all classes as part of their programme abroad. Assessment methods may vary across partners and could include class participation, continuous assessment in the form of homework and final exams. All courses must be agreed with your Study Abroad Coordinator. See our academic information webpage for further details, as well as information about credit and grade conversion.

Application and selection

Application and selection

This is a School Abroad programme.

Places available

Places available : 4 semester places or 2 full year places for International Relations. 4 semester places or 2 full year places for Divinity.

Please note that due to the Tubingen semester dates, students wishing to study abroad for only one semester must do so in semester two.

Places available may vary from year to year depending on the exchange balance. Numbers for the following academic year will be confirmed at the information meeting.

Living there

Getting there and getting around

The easiest way to get to Tubingen is to fly to Stuttgart. British Airways fly to Stuttgart from most major British airports. From the airport, a bus to Tubingen is easy: the Airportsprinter (828) runs hourly to the main station in Tubingen and the journey takes around 50 minutes.

Many students cycle around Tubingen. There is also a good bus service. Day passes offer unlimited travel and are relatively inexpensive. The Tubingen City Bus will allow you to travel easily around the city. Semester-long and monthly bus passes are also available.

Accommodation

Please refer to the Application and Preparation for International Exchange Students for accommodation options.

The dormitories are managed by the Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim, a partner company. The university itself does not own any dormitories. A certain number of rooms are reserved for exchange students. If you apply to the Studierendenwerk in time, your chances of getting one of these rooms for exchange students are very good.

Please find further details on accomodation here: Accomodation

Please note that St Andrews is unable to guarantee housing at any of our partner institutions. Guidance on finding accommodation abroad is available on the Global Office webpage.

Student services and orientation

There are a variety of support services on offer at Tubingen.

Tübingen offers a free 10-week Virtual Intercultural Programme Virtual Intercultural Programmeonline. It includes German language lessons, subject area courses, a buddy programe and the chance to meet students before your arrival.

Please find orientation information here: Orientation

Please be aware that student support services will be different across all of our partner universities.

Finance and insurance

Living costs

Discover the cost of living in Tubingen.

Insurance

Please note that health insurance is mandatory at Tubingen.

St Andrews students authorised to study or work abroad as part of their degree programme will be covered by the University’s insurance policy. Please reference to our travel insurance pages for further information.

Passports and visas

Please refer to our passports and visa page for further information.

Student experience

See profiles and photos of St Andrews students who have studied abroad.