Young people sit together on a lawn in Potsdam, historic buildings in the background.

Studying in Potsdam

Potsdam offers you 55 degree programmes in English at 13 higher education institutions.

Time travel through the gardens of Potsdam's many palaces. Enjoy its surroundings by taking a trip to the Brandenburger countryside or visiting the capital with a 40-minute train ride to Berlin. This city has beauty and culture, while also being a scientific hub with numerous research facilities. If movies pique your interest, head to the Babelsberg film studio. Potsdam has something for everyone.

Potsdam is the biggest city in the state of Brandenburg and its capital. With a population of over 180,000, 20,000 students make up around one in six residents. As with most popular places to study, make sure you get a head start when looking for housing. Potsdam is just as competitive, if not more so, as other cities. Living in Berlin is also an option with the quick commute, however, the housing market there is just as tense. Getting in contact with your higher education institution is a sure way of getting all the information you need.

Potsdam used to be the imperial capital and garrison town of the Prussian Kings. This fact has left Potsdam with some impressive sights. Numerous palaces, 17 in fact, make up one of the largest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany. Strolling through these parks and palaces after class will give you a feeling of what life was like for the Prussian aristocracy. If that isn’t your way of disconnecting, then heading to grungy and diverse Berlin is also an option since it’s very close. However, staying in Potsdam won’t leave you short of options.

Life in Potsdam

186,000 residents

High-speed train connections
Berlin train station in 27 km distance
International airport
Berlin airport in 31 km distance
Coast
Baltic Sea in 190 km distance
Mountain range
Saxon Switzerland in 260 km distance
Other countries
Poland in 120 km distance
Attractions within 100 km
- Brandenburg an der Havel in 37 km distance
- Lake Havelsee in 42 km distance
- Königswald forest in 5 km distance

Study in Potsdam

13 higher education institutions in Potsdam

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Subject groups of degree programmes in Potsdam

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

1
Agricultural and Forest Sciences
65
Humanities and Social Sciences
48
Mathematics, Natural Sciences
19
Art, Music, Design
57
Language and Cultural Studies
26
Medicine, Health Sciences
69
Economic Sciences, Law
19
Engineering Sciences
66
Teaching Degrees

A peaceful watercourse with a tour boat, surrounded by green nature and historic buildings

Not only rich in beautiful parks and palaces: the city is also characterised by water.

The biggest collection of legendary painter Monet outside of Paris resides in Potsdam’s Barberini Museum!

If you enjoy movies and the business surrounding it, Potsdam couldn’t be more perfect for you. The Babelsberg Film Studio is a Weimar-era large-scale film studio that has produced films for decades, including the new Matrix movie and Captain America: Civil War, and the Film Museum in Potsdam explores the history of the film industry. This sets the stage for the international student film festival known as Sehsüchte which takes place at Babelsberg. It is organised completely by students! There are also many open-air movies shown at the Waschhaus concert hall.

Movies aren’t your cup of tea? Then the nature surrounding Potsdam will give you plenty of opportunities to take a break from studying or classes. Potsdam is encircled by lakes, forests, and expansive city parks, offering a perfect getaway from academic stress. You and your friends can explore numerous nearby lakes for watersports, boat rides, and serene waterside relaxation. Even if you're new to water activities, there are beginner courses available, such as at the Hermannswerder Water Sports Center. Alternatively, you can unwind at the Templin lido while having a picnic and observing windsurfers.

While Berlin is just a short S-Bahn ride away, Potsdam’s cultural offerings can match those of any big city. Check out Schiffbauergasse. This is a hub for arts and culture, featuring venues like the Hans Otto Theater, and the fabrik, an international centre for dance. For socialising at the start of your studies, head towards the student pubs in the centre of town. Some of them are organised by the student association and host numerous events, especially in the early weeks of the semester.

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

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

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