Paderborn University is a modern research and educational institution in Ostwestfalen-Lippe (East Westphalia-Lippe), one of the major economic regions in Germany. With an innovative mindset and our commitment to freedom, democracy, and social values, we are heading for a bright future. We promote diversity at all levels and, as a campus university, offer short distances in every respect. Interdisciplinary cooperation, regional and international collaborations, a research- and practice-oriented range of courses and a culture of open communication are the hallmarks of our university. Through joint projects with companies and a lively start-up culture, Paderborn University is also an important player in the development of the region and closely linked to the city of Paderborn. In research, teaching, studies, and administration, we offer a wide range of opportunities to break new ground together and contribute to societal progress.
Paderborn University is one of the mid-sized universities in Germany with a strong focus on research and transfer. Our five faculties - Arts and Humanities, Business Administration and Economics, Mechanical Engineering, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Mathematics - offer 70 study programmes. In addition, there are about 166 subject combinations in the field of teacher training.
Within our key research areas, Paderborn University has made a name for itself with internationally recognised excellence in research. While always keeping society's needs in mind, scientists at Paderborn University are working on the technologies of the future. Research at Paderborn University is characterised by the development of sustainable solutions for the pressing challenges of our time. Cooperations with other universities, companies, and research associations - nationally and internationally - contribute to our University's excellent networks and infrastructure.
| Nickname | Paderborn University |
| Motto / Slogan | Die Universität der Informationsgesellschaft The University for the Information Society |
| Colour | Dark blue and light grey |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Location | Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| Address | Warburger Str. 100 33098 Paderborn Germany |
Paderborn University is a mid-sized research university in Germany. We view ourselves as an institution for research and education, which vouches for the communication of liberal, democratic, and social values, with the aim of encouraging all University members to positively impact the future. Due to the history of our University and its evolved disciplinary structure, we are in a particularly good position to critically and reflectively accompany as well as constructively co-create upcoming tasks in society, economy, academia, and culture.
It is our mission to comprehensively fulfil the guiding principles and diverse tasks of the university as an institution in today's society on the basis of a common set of values:
In order to meet these diverse requirements and take on the responsibility they entail, we strive to create Paderborn University as an open space in which social encounters between the individual member groups as well as a lively exchange with society are experienced.
To achieve this, we rely on our strengths:
In accordance with our University’s identity, we want to:
Seize opportunities – by exploring the potential of academic knowledge and productively using it on a variety of levels: a) in a concrete sense, e.g., by researching the digital transformation, for instance, with regard to the development of innovative conceptual solutions for climate change, in the field of mobility, or with regard to social aspects, b) in the sense of analysing and shaping universal social and economic issues, and c) in the sense of critically questioning established ways of thinking as a prerequisite for the development of a boundary-transcending mentality.
Drive innovation – by shaping the future with research: discovering new spaces for research and teaching, opening up innovative opportunities for academic inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, and conducting targeted research into solutions and perspectives for current and future challenges facing our society, economy, and culture.
Take responsibility – by living up to our mission of excellence and diversity in research, teaching and education, as well as transfer of knowledge, thus fulfilling the complex set of roles of a university in today's world. It is our mission to realise the active dialogue between research and society and to fulfil the resulting responsibility and self-obligation of academia.
At Paderborn University, we attach great importance to the compatibility of family and career. We want to ensure a good balance between work or study-related commitments and responsibility for children or dependants in need of care.
Paderborn University prioritises healthy living and working conditions. Our Healthy University Task Force initiates and supports respective measures. Health management combines occupational and student health management under the umbrella of the Healthy University. The goal is to promote healthy living and working conditions for all members of the university community – from staff to students.
We are working together to take responsibility for the here and now, as well as for future generations. When it comes to sustainability, the scientific community also has a role to play. We, the science, study and work at Paderborn University, align our actions sustainably in order to do justice to global responsibility and a sustainable shaping of society, intergenerational justice, and the preservation of the natural foundations of life.
Paderborn University considers the inclusion of diversity to be an important factor for excellent research. It is committed to a non-discriminatory research environment and a diversity of perspectives in research. Diversity as a research topic is anchored in various research projects at the university. A particular focus is on the topics of inclusion, interreligiosity, and technology.
Find out about the individual admission requirements for your desired degree programme – e.g., specific subjects, grade point averages, or necessary internships. The admission requirements can be found in our study offer or on the faculty webpage of the study course.
Please check the information of the International Office on specific language and academic prerequisites.
1. Choice of study program
Choose a degree program. You can find our course overview and the admission requirements in our study offer!
2. Check applicant group
Do you have to apply via uni-assist or directly to the university? Check your applicant group!
3. Application documents
Prepare your application documents.
4. Observe deadline
Apply by the end of the respective application deadline!
* If these documents are required, but not submitted, then the application cannot be processed.
NOTE: It is no longer necessary to send physical documents to uni-assist.
Information about our degree programmes and admission requirements can be found in our study offer and admission requirements.
Please check the "Applicant groups" and “uni-assist courses,” to see if you have to apply via uni-assist or directly to Paderborn University!
Start the application for your desired study programme. Fill in all sections and make sure you provide correct information.
Depending on the application, few or no documents may be required. Most of the supporting documents are required as part of the enrolment process.
Please note: Once the application has been sent, you can no longer make any corrections. You only have the option of requesting that your application be reset by email([email protected]) within the application deadline (!).
Information for restricted degree programmes/subject areas:
Email: [email protected]
Phone : +49 5251 60-1818
Accreditation agencies with which the Paderborn University is currently working:
AQAS, ZEvA, ASIIN
Other accreditation agencies:
AAQ, AQ Austria, FIBAA, ACQUIN, evalag
Since 2017: Full Professor at the University of Paderborn
2018 - 2024: Dean of Reseach of the Faculty of Science
2017: Offer for full professor at the Saarland University (declined)
2013 - 2017: Associate Professor at the University of Pad... read more
2011 - 2013: Carl-Zeiss assistant professor at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern
Since 2007: Professor of Automotive Lightweight Design, Paderborn University
20... read more 2005 - 2007: Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Physics, Faculty of Automotive Systems and Production, TH Köln (University of Applied Sciences)14 - 2015: Research visit, Nelson Mandela University, Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
1961
The state government of the time takes the formal decision to establish a state engineering school in Paderborn.
1963
Foundation of the "Society of Friends and Sponsors of the Paderborn State School of Engineering"... read more
1968
The branch of the Bielefeld School of Economics is opened in Paderborn. Also sponsored by the "Gesellschaft der Freunde und Förderer der staatlichen Ingenieurschule Paderborn e. V." (Society of Friends and Sponsors of the Paderborn State School of Engineering).
1970
Foundation of the "Fördergesellschaft Gesamthochschule Südost-Westfalen in Paderborn e. V." (Society for the Promotion of the Comprehensive University of South-East Westphalia in Paderborn)
1971
The engineering school and the branch of the technical college became the "Fachhochschule Südost-Westfalen". Now two sponsoring societies exist in parallel.
1974
Renaming of the "Fördergesellschaft Gesamthochschule Südost-Westfalen in Paderborn e. V." to "Fördergesellschaft der Gesamthochschule Paderborn e. V."
1975
Renaming of the sponsoring societies of the former School of Engineering and the School of Economics Society of Friends and Sponsors of the Paderborn State School of Engineering to “Sponsoring Society for the Engineering and Economics Training Areas at Paderborn Comprehensive University e. V.”
1983
Renaming of the "Fördergesellschaft der Gesamthochschule Paderborn e. V." to “Fördergesellschaft der Universität-Gesamthochschule Paderborn e. V.”
1985
The associations "Fördergesellschaft für die Ingenieur- und wirtschaftswissenschaftlichen Ausbildungsbereiche an der Gesamthochschule Paderborn e. V." and the general "Fördergesellschaft der Universität-Gesamthochschule Paderborn e. V." dissolve in a joint meeting.
They transfer their members to the newly named "Universitätsgesellschaft Paderborn - Verein der Freunde und Förderer der Universität-Gesamthochschule Paderborn e. V.".
2006
Adaptation of the name to "Universitätsgesellschaft Paderborn - Verein der Freunde und Förderer der Paderborn University e. V." (University Society of Paderborn - Association of Friends and Sponsors of Paderborn University)