The University of Potsdam is a public research university based in Potsdam in Brandenburg, very close to Berlin, which is the capital of Germany. Founded in 1991 after reunification in Germany, it is one of the largest institutions in Brandenburg and has an excellent reputation in research and internationality.

The university is distinct in being dispersed over three main campuses: Golm, Griebnitzsee, and Neues Palais, with a combination of old architecture and state-of-the-art learning facilities. The proximity to Berlin provides students with a wealth of learning connections, research opportunities, internship, and work opportunities, among other benefits associated with Berlin, yet Potsdam remains a quiet learning space.

Emphasizing research-oriented learning, the University of Potsdam balances theoretical learning with application in practice, especially in Master’s and Ph.D. programs. The university attracts students not only from various parts of the world but also from within Germany because of its excellence in law, economics, social sciences, natural sciences, computer sciences, and teacher education.

Why Study at the University of Potsdam?.

Strategic Location in Berlin: Being able to leverage access to Berlin, where all of Germany’s politics takes place, from a smaller city with a relaxed atmosphere.

Tuition-Free Education: No tuition fees are being charged in most Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.

Strong Research Profile: Especially in law, economics, social sciences, geosciences, and computer science.

International Study Environment: Lots of exchange agreements and Master’s programs in English.

Interdisciplinary Methodology: Expressed as cross-school integration and new forms of academism.

Outstanding Student Services: Specialized international office and student services for international applicants.

Programs Offered

The University of Potsdam offers a broad academic portfolio across Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral levels.

Popular Bachelor’s Fields

Business Administration & Economics

Law

Political Science & International Relations

Computer Science

Psychology

Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)

Teacher Education & Education Studies

Popular Master’s & International Programs

International Economics and Economic Policy (M.Sc.)

Data Science (M.Sc.)

Cognitive Systems: Language, Learning and Reasoning (M.Sc.)

Astrophysics (M.Sc.)

Polymer Science (M.Sc.)

Public Policy and Management (M.A.)

International War Studies (M.A.)

(Availability, language of instruction and intake periods vary by program.)

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s Programs

Recognised secondary school qualification equivalent to the German Abitur

Subject-specific eligibility depending on program

German language proficiency for German-taught programs (TestDaF / DSH or equivalent)

English language proficiency for English-taught programs (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)

Master’s Programs

Recognised Bachelor’s degree in a relevant academic field

Minimum academic performance as per program criteria

Proof of language proficiency (English or German, depending on program)

Academic transcripts, CV and motivation letter (program-specific)

Fees & Living Costs

Tuition Fees: There are no tuition fees for standard public degree programs.

Semester Contribution: Roughly €300–€330 per Semester (includes admin fees and transport ticket Berlin-Brandenburg area)

Living Expenses

Students should plan a monthly budget of €900–€1,050, covering

Accommodation

Food

Health insurance

Study materials & personal expenses

Non-EU students are required to show financial proof of approximately €11,904 per year for visa purposes.

Application & Admission Process

Select Program – Choose the desired Bachelor’s or Master’s course.

Check Eligibility – Review academic and language requirements.

Submit Application – Through Uni-Assist Application System or online platform of university (program-specific).

Evaluation – Academic records and documents are evaluated by the university.

Admission Decision – Receive conditional or final offer.

Visa & Enrollment – Applying for student visa if necessary and completing enrollment procedures.

Application deadlines vary with programs and intake dates. Early application is highly recommended.

Student Life in Potsdam

Potsdam provides a good quality of life with affordable living expenses when compared with Berlin, excellent transport connections with Berlin, and a very rich cultural and historical background. Students will benefit from an atmosphere with green areas, lakes, and palaces with easy access to opportunities available in Berlin.

Is University of Potsdam a Good Option for International Students?

Yes. The University of Potsdam is an excellent option for international students desirous of getting education without tuition fees in an internationally networked academic set-up. Being very close to Berlin, with a variety of English Master’s programs, a research-oriented and affordable education system, make this university a very appealing option for students from countries such as India and other non-EU nations.