Bachelor of Arts in European Studies / Bachelor of Arts in European Studies (Major) University of Passau

Mostly German, but some English, Spanish, French or other languages, depending on the regional specialisation chosen by the student

If you are interested in different countries, languages, cultures and academic disciplines, then the BA European Studies and the BA European Studies Major programmes are a perfect match for you: they are international, interdisciplinary, multilingual and customisable. You will study social sciences and cultural studies related to Europe and a focus area of your choice. You will specialise in one European cultural area and two foreign languages, as you analyse various topics and problems concerning Europe from different disciplinary perspectives using scientific principles. You will also acquire intercultural skills over the course of your studies and in a study visit abroad. This provides you with an ideal preparation for your future work in an international environment. Depending on your chosen focus, this Bachelor's degree opens up entry-level positions in companies and organisations in a wide variety of roles and regions.

The BA European Studies Major programme differs from the BA European Studies programme in that it is longer – with a duration of eight semesters rather than six – and it involves a full year of study abroad.

The application round for the April intake starts in mid-November of the previous year. For the October intake, the application round starts in early April. As the application deadlines can change on short notice, we ask that you check our application pages closer to the time for the specific dates (and what documents you need to submit).

The programme is divided into four module areas:

A: European introductory modules: These convey the foundation for understanding the political and legal systems of Germany and the European Union. In addition, you will gain an overview of topics related to European culture, philosophy and intercultural communication.

B: European cultural studies: You will choose one of the following cultural areas: English Studies, French Romance Studies, Spanish Studies or Slavic Studies. Within your chosen cultural area, you will acquire knowledge in cultural studies, linguistics and literature.

C: European social studies: You will study one of the following subjects from the perspective of Europe and its societies and institutions: history, sociology, political science, geography, art history or philosophy.

Module groups B and C form the two specialisations of your degree programme, whereby you can determine the weighting yourself. You will write your Bachelor's dissertation on a European issue in one of your chosen focus areas.

D: European languages and internship: You will study two of the following foreign languages, taking into account any previous knowledge: Czech, English, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish or German as a foreign language (for non-native speakers).

This module group also includes a compulsory visit abroad.

BA European Studies Major: You will complete a three-month internship abroad and a two-semester course of study at a foreign university where you will have the opportunity to deepen your focus or acquire knowledge in previously unselected areas.

BA European Studies: You can choose between a three-month internship abroad or a two-month internship with a period of studying abroad.

For this degree programme, you are required to complete a minimum of three months of work experience abroad (three-month internship or two-month internship plus study abroad). The internship will not be arranged for you; rather, you are responsible for searching for the internship, negotiating the outline (i.e., the job description) and making all of the necessary arrangements. However, the university can help you with information and hands-on advice.

Related links:

• Future: Careers and Competencies Section
• iStudi Coach
• kuwi.netzwerk international

No tuition fees

The semester contribution fee is around 120 EUR per semester. This covers the student services association and bus pass fees. At the time of writing (January 2026), the University of Passau does not charge tuition fees.

You should budget a minimum of 992 EUR per month for your living expenses. If you need a visa to come to Germany, this is the amount you must have available to you (e.g. paid into a blocked account) for each month. Nevertheless, your actual cost of living will vary depending on your lifestyle, and so you should treat this figure as an absolute minimum.

A recognised university entrance qualification (e.g., German "Abitur" or a foreign equivalent)

Knowledge of German at level C1 CEFR or higher, evidenced by the DSH-2 or TestDaF TDN4×4 certificate (or equivalent), is required.

The application round for the April intake starts in mid-November of the previous year. For the October intake, the application round starts in early April. As the application deadlines can change on short notice, we ask that you check our application pages closer to the time for the specific dates (and what documents you need to submit).

The International Office awards a small number of scholarships to international degree-seeking students who have been enrolled in a Bachelor's programme for at least two semesters or in a Master's programme for at least one semester. You may also apply for a Deutschlandstipendium scholarship, which is open to students of all nationalities. This scholarship has a stipend of 300 EUR per month and runs for one year. You may reapply in subsequent years. Finally, there is a one-off emergency hardship grant available to international students in exceptional cases of unexpected financial difficulties.

For international students, a dedicated career adviser is on hand: the "iStudi Coach" will help you with all your questions about finding work or placements in Germany.

Please note that students from non-EU countries must apply for a work permit at the national job centre if they work more than 240 half-days per year. Students from EU member countries do not require a work permit.

The International Office has set up an accommodation service, which assists international students in finding accommodation.

Rooms in the halls of residence cost between 270 EUR and 550 EUR per month and are fully furnished. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are usually shared, although some rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities. However, please note that the demand for the rooms in the student halls is very high, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to rent one.

Luckily, there is a large number of flats and flatshares available on the open housing market. On average, you should expect to pay somewhere in the vicinity of 350 EUR to 550 EUR a month for these. Landlords usually require a two-month or three-month deposit when you move in, which will be returned to you at the end of the rental period, provided you leave your accommodation in good condition.

• Further details on housing in Passau
• Accommodation service for international students

The university provides advice on job hunting, jobs and career-entry positions at German and international companies, here and abroad. These include personal interviews, advice, and training courses on how to apply as well as intercultural and soft skills training.

International students have access to a dedicated career adviser – the "iStudi Coach" – who helps them find internships and apply for student jobs and career-entry positions at German companies. The iStudi Coach also coaches international students on German labour market practices, how to write applications, and so on.

Related links:

• Future: Careers and Competencies Section
• iStudi Coach