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View across a river to historic buildings in Mainz
©iStock.com/querbeet

Studying in Mainz

Mainz offers you 35 degree programmes in English at 5 higher education institutions.

Almost like the Mediterranean: with sociability and a joy for life, the city of Mainz always shows its cosy and festive side. Numerous wineries and festivals have made the city the wine capital of Germany. But the Roman city can also offer historical assets: between the half-timbered houses in the old town and numerous museums, you can immerse yourself in the long history of Mainz.

Mainz is the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and home to over 200,000 inhabitants - including around 40,000 students at higher education institutions and various research institutes. They shape the city by making it more international, and many institutions and companies have adapted to this: in addition to student discounts at some cultural, sporting or culinary places, you can even get a student price on certain products at some pharmacies.

In Mainz, you can stroll along the Rhine promenade, and directly opposite on the Hessian side you can marvel at where the Main flows into the Rhine. Mainz enjoys a mild climate all year round, and in summer many people - especially students - spend their free time on the banks of the Rhine or in one of the many parks.

You will probably feel it quickly when you are out and about in the city; the so-called Mainzgefühl (Mainz feeling). This is what locals and also newcomers call the atmosphere of sociability that is typical of this city. The people of Mainz are also widely known for their open nature, their love of indulgence and culinary delights.

Life in Mainz

221,000 residents

  • High-speed train connections

    In close vicinity

  • International airport

    Frankfurt airport in 24 km distance

  • Coast

    North Sea in 350 km distance

  • Mountain range

    Hunsrück in 50 km distance

  • Other countries

    France in 100 km distance

  • Attractions within 100 km

    • Carnival in Mainz in close vicinity

    • Rhine Valley in close vicinity

    • Rhine Romanticism Route in close vicinity

5 higher education institutions in Mainz

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Subject groups of degree programmes in Mainz

There is a wide range of degree programmes in Mainz. Here you can see the main subject groups. Currently, degree programmes in Mainz are mainly offered in the subject group Language and Cultural Studies, followed by Teaching Degrees and Economic Sciences, Law. Find out more information here about the subject groups and degree programmes offered in Germany.
  • 0

    Agricultural and Forest Sciences

  • 39

    Humanities and Social Sciences

  • 55

    Mathematics, Natural Sciences

  • 37

    Art, Music, Design

  • 82

    Language and Cultural Studies

  • 17

    Medicine, Health Sciences

  • 57

    Economic Sciences, Law

  • 25

    Engineering Sciences

  • 60

    Teaching Degrees

Sun loungers on a city beach, a bridge spans a river in the background
©Harald Landsrath – stock.adobe.com

Dig your toes into the warm sand and relax at the city beach in Mainz-Kastel.

The city's unofficial mascots are the Mainzelmännchen, cartoon characters from a national TV station that is headquartered in Mainz.

Mainz has a vibrant and diverse nightlife, but things get even crazier and more colourful during the so-called fifth season: you are in one of the strongholds of the Rhenish Carnival! Unlike in other cities in the region, the street carnival is not as busy, instead, the "Määnzer Fassenacht" has a more political-literary touch.

Mainz has many beautiful spots, with Kirschgartenplatz considered the most beautiful square in the city – even if the name is a little misleading because there are no more trees. Instead, the splendid half-timbered idyll of the old town can be seen here; the nearby Augustinerstraße even has monument status because of the many well-preserved buildings. It’s reason enough to recharge your batteries in one of the cafés between classes. Thanks to the size of the city, you can get everywhere easily – especially by bike. And if you do have to take public transport, you can simply take your bike for free on most buses and trams!

Mainz offers many opportunities to buy regional food, and there are differences in prices here and there. But what you shouldn't miss is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in Germany, which takes place several days a week on the central market square by the cathedral. Locals also like to come here and buy fresh fruit, vegetables and local delicacies.

Even though Mainz is nowhere near as expensive as some other major cities in Germany, rents are rising here too – and places in student halls of residence are limited. But with a little patience, you're sure to find a place. In the city, you can already gain your first professional experience in numerous companies, from the biotechnology sector to the media and television industry: Mainz is at the forefront, especially in the life sciences! In addition to looking forward, the city also looks back on a long history: Gutenberg invented book printing here and even the Romans knew how to enjoy themselves in Mainz – or at least they built what was once probably the largest stage theatre north of the Alps.

A young woman walks through the city
A young woman walks through the cityJan von Allwörden / DAAD

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

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