The Kiel waterfront promenade with a view of the city from above

Studying in Kiel

Kiel offers you 30 degree programmes in English at 4 higher education institutions.

Kiel, the capital of Germany’s northernmost state, Schleswig-Holstein, is best known for the annual “Kiel Week”, one of the world’s largest sailing events. On any day of the year, you can stroll along the waterfront promenade and watch the ferries from Scandinavia dock next to historic ships. Getting around is easy thanks to the short distances between lecture halls, the beach or the many clubs and bars in the city centre.

The sea and a maritime ambience belong to Kiel like wind belongs to waves: lighthouses, locks and sailing boats shape the look of the city. No matter where you are in Kiel, the calls of the seagulls accompany you in your everyday life, and the fresh sea air keeps your head clear during your studies! Surely these factors are also a reason why the people in Kiel are so relaxed, open and happy. The quality of life is very high: with just under 250,000 inhabitants, around 35,000 students and a well-connected traffic network, you are neither in a hectic city nor in a remote area. Instead, you can look forward to short distances and a lively city.

Several higher education institutions offer a wide range of degree programmes in Kiel. You can live directly on campus or find a relatively inexpensive flat. Your first professional or research experience can be obtained in one of the many scientific institutions or companies. Thanks to the cooperation between the higher education institutions, research, companies and the city, Kiel has developed into a strong business location.

Life in Kiel

248,000 residents

High-speed train connections
In close vicinity
International airport
Hamburg airport in 78 km distance
Coast
Baltic Sea in close vicinity
Mountain range
Lower Saxon Hills in 300 km distance
Other countries
Denmark in 70 km distance
Attractions within 100 km
- Lock observation platform in 5 km distance
- Germania harbour in 2 km distance
- Schwentine estuary in 4 km distance
- Flanders bunker in 4 km distance

Study in Kiel

4 higher education institutions in Kiel

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Subject groups of degree programmes in Kiel

There is a wide range of degree programmes in Kiel. Here you can see the main subject groups. Currently, degree programmes in Kiel are mainly offered in the subject group Teaching Degrees, followed by Language and Cultural Studies and Mathematics, Natural Sciences. Find out more information here about the subject groups and degree programmes offered in Germany.

4
Agricultural and Forest Sciences
26
Humanities and Social Sciences
47
Mathematics, Natural Sciences
12
Art, Music, Design
49
Language and Cultural Studies
7
Medicine, Health Sciences
33
Economic Sciences, Law
29
Engineering Sciences
80
Teaching Degrees

Sandy beach with beach loungers and a few visitors

Kiel is the right place for you if you like the sea and the beach.

The Kiel Canal is one of the busiest man-made waterways in the world.

Have you ever wanted to try out a water sport or do you like watching water sports? Then Kiel is the right place for you! Here you can fully immerse in the sport and give, for example, sailing, surfing or kitesurfing a try. Beginners are just as welcome as advanced talents – so take the plunge! And if you just want to relax after class, the numerous beaches are the perfect place to do so. The Kiel Fjord in particular is ideal for both sports and relaxation: the 17 km long fjord stretches from the Baltic Sea into the city centre and offers many cafés and restaurants to enjoy in between.

Kiel places great emphasis on sustainability and climate protection. It is Germany’s first certified "zero-waste city" and has established many measures for waste avoidance, for example. There are not only many companies here that are committed to sustainability, but also student initiatives. Kiel is also a bicycle-friendly city and the bicycle is ideal for getting around or exploring the surrounding area. Numerous cycle paths and routes take you to beautiful places in nature and on the water.

Have you ever heard of Kiel Week (Kieler Woche)? The summer festival with sailing and water sports as well as numerous art and music events lasts almost ten days and also attracts international visitors. After the festival, the party atmosphere is by no means over, because you have a varied range of bars and dance options during the rest of the year.

What would a port city be without fish and the Baltic Sea without fish sandwiches? Here in Kiel, among other things, the Kieler Fördermuscheln (mussels) or the Zuckertang (seaweed) are farmed. Kiel is rich in maritime cuisine and has plenty of regional specialities to offer. And if you need a culinary variety, international dishes are just as popular.

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

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

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