Fountain in the sunshine in front of the Old Town Hall and the theatre in Bielefeld

Studying in Bielefeld

Bielefeld offers you 19 degree programmes in English at 7 higher education institutions.

“But Bielefeld doesn't even exist!” You will hear this joke over and over if you study in Bielefeld. However this is complete nonsense: the city has existed since the 9th century, is considered the centre of East Westphalia-Lippe and is the headquarters of global corporations. Its independent cultural scene, medieval city centre, numerous parks, green surroundings and modest living costs make Bielefeld a city worth living in.

If you don't want to miss out on the advantages of a big city and at the same time, appreciate rural life and the proximity to nature, then Bielefeld is the right place for you. With around 338,000 inhabitants and almost 38,000 students, Bielefeld is one of the larger cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. The many students in Bielefeld really liven up the city!

Siegfriedplatz, also known as "Siggi", is one of the most popular places in the city for students to meet. Many cosy cafés and bars, a weekly farmers’ market with fresh food and charming bookshops invite you to browse and linger. Here you can enjoy the warm summer evenings and quickly meet new people.

A practical advantage of studying in Bielefeld is the low rent for flats and shared flats. You can also find affordable rooms near the city centre and close to most higher education institutions. Many students are drawn to the district of Schildesche, the oldest one of the city. From here, you can quickly reach the city centre and all other districts by public transport, which you can use cheaply with the Deutschlandsemesterticket. Most students, however, get on their bikes to get to their lectures.

Life in Bielefeld

338,000 residents

High-speed train connections
In close vicinity
International airport
Dortmund airport in 86 km distance
Coast
North Sea in 150 km distance
Mountain range
Teutoburg Forest in close vicinity
Other countries
The Netherlands in 105 km distance
Attractions within 100 km
- Hameln in 58 km distance
- Lake Hücker Moor in 17 km distance
- Externsteine (rock formation) in 32 km distance

Study in Bielefeld

7 higher education institutions in Bielefeld

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Subject groups of degree programmes in Bielefeld

There is a wide range of degree programmes in Bielefeld. Here you can see the main subject groups. Currently, degree programmes in Bielefeld are mainly offered in the subject group Teaching Degrees, followed by Economic Sciences, Law and Humanities and Social Sciences. Find out more information here about the subject groups and degree programmes offered in Germany.

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Agricultural and Forest Sciences
61
Humanities and Social Sciences
48
Mathematics, Natural Sciences
12
Art, Music, Design
38
Language and Cultural Studies
27
Medicine, Health Sciences
63
Economic Sciences, Law
24
Engineering Sciences
75
Teaching Degrees

Busy Christmas market between historic buildings with atmospheric illumination

Don’t miss out on the romantic Christmas market at the Alter Markt.

Bielefeld does not exist? Born out of a conspiracy theory, this joke claims that the existence of the city has been faked.

If you like to stroll through colourful markets and look for small treasures, you are in good hands in Bielefeld. Flea markets and weekly markets with many stalls await you in several parts of the city. Those interested in culture will also be pleased in Bielefeld: there are many museums, independent theatres and art exhibitions.

Bielefeld is not known for its unique location in nature for nothing; the south side of the city is covered by several nature reserves and the Teutoburg Forest is right on its doorstep. Here you can go hiking, climbing and mountain biking. One of the most famous hiking trails is the 160 km long Hermannsweg, which is one of the most beautiful high-altitude trails in Germany. But you don't have to leave the city at all to find a idyllic scenery in nature. Some of the most beautiful places in Bielefeld are the picturesque Botanical Garden and the Olderdissen Animal Park. In the north of the city lies the popular Obersee Lake, which is simply the perfect place to end the evening by the water with friends after a busy day.

The Sparrenburg Fortress, Bielefeld's landmark, offers a great panoramic view of the city. A medieval festival happens here every year - you shouldn't miss it. In summer, the "Carnival of Cultures", a colourful carnival parade in the city centre with great music, takes place. In December, the Christmas market at the Alter Markt is a popular meeting spot. Here you can enjoy the beautiful ambience with friends and drink a warm mulled wine or punch. Bielefeld also has an independent pub scene and a variety of clubs and bars where you can dance with friends until the early hours of the morning. Admission is always cheap!

In addition to your studies, you have many opportunities to find a part-time job and gain some work experience in Bielefeld. The food industry, trade and service companies and the mechanical engineering field are particularly well represented in Bielefeld. Some well-known global companies have their origins here.

You can find more information at study-in-germany.de

For more information on living and studying in Bielefeld, visit the city portraits at study-in-germany.de

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