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People stroll across a square in Paderborn surrounded by historic buildings.
©Sina Ettmer – stock.adobe.com

Studying in Paderborn

Paderborn offers you 7 degree programmes in English at 4 higher education institutions.

Paderborn is a computer science centre in Germany: computer pioneer Heinz Nixdorf founded his company there, many IT companies settled down and the town’s Heinz Nixdorf Museum Forum is the world’s largest computer museum. But even students less interested in IT will feel comfortable with the city’s historic centre, the many cultural offerings, and the short walking distances between living, learning and partying.

Paderborn is a city of springs: This is where the Pader River begins which gives this beautiful city its name. The area of town where the springs are – the Paderquellgebiet – is the green lung in the middle of the city and might just be Paderborn's most popular meeting place. Here you can relax with friends on the green meadows after a successful day in lectures or end the day in one of the numerous restaurants and beer gardens. Incidentally, the Paderquellgebiet is - along with the harbour district - also ideal for going out: In the many bars, pubs and clubs you can meet fellow students and have a lot of fun. And if you want to see more of the Pader and experience its nature, you can take the easy Pader hike along the river on a sunny weekend.

Paderborn is a compact yet lively city with a population of approx. 155,000. You can stroll through the many picturesque alleys and spacious pedestrian zones, admire the half-timbered houses and perhaps soak up the atmosphere with a local beer, brewed right here in the city.

Life in Paderborn

155,000 residents

  • High-speed train connections

    In close vicinity

  • International airport

    Dortmund airport in 83 km distance

  • Coast

    North Sea in 300 km distance

  • Mountain range

    Lower Saxon Hills in close vicinity

  • Other countries

    The Netherlands in 130 km distance

  • Attractions within 100 km

    • Neuhaus Palace in 5 km distance

    • Observation tower at Steinhorster Becken in 19 km distance

    • Münster in 83 km distance

Study in Paderborn

4 higher education institutions in Paderborn

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Subject groups of degree programmes in Paderborn

There is a wide range of degree programmes in Paderborn. Here you can see the main subject groups. Currently, degree programmes in Paderborn 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.
  • 0

    Agricultural and Forest Sciences

  • 15

    Humanities and Social Sciences

  • 24

    Mathematics, Natural Sciences

  • 10

    Art, Music, Design

  • 39

    Language and Cultural Studies

  • 2

    Medicine, Health Sciences

  • 19

    Economic Sciences, Law

  • 12

    Engineering Sciences

  • 162

    Teaching Degrees

A crowd at the AStA summer festival, a stage in the background
©Universität Paderborn

A highlight in the city’s party calendar is the AStA Summer Festival!

On average, about 5,000 litres of water per second flow from Paderborn's more than 200 springs!

There are several higher education institutions in Paderborn with very different specialisations, so you have a broad choice of degree programmes. By the way, one of the many highlights is the library of the largest university in the city! Here you can prepare for your next exams in peace and quiet while also using the various workrooms as needed - even if you are not enrolled at this particular university. And when there are no exams coming up, a colourful student life awaits you in Paderborn: student groups often organise various parties and events for the more than 20,000 students in town! A special highlight is the AStA Summer Festival, where you can dance, have fun and make new friends.

But there is also a lot going on in Paderborn outside of the student events. The Confluence Music Festival on the Pader is well worth a visit. It takes place in the spring, and you don't have to pay admission! You might get to know completely new music genres - the festival doesn't stick to one style, but always surprises its visitors. And if you prefer culinary events, then the Hochstift à la carte in September is just right. Make yourself comfortable in style in the pagoda tents, enjoy the special atmosphere of the park in the Paderquellgebiet and sample the delicacies and various creations.

As you can see, Paderborn is just bursting with creativity. In addition to the numerous events, the "Secret City" festival has been taking place for several years. Artists get to design the facades in the city over the month of August. This creates interesting and colourful works of art that you can discover and admire all year round.

You are never far from water in Paderborn and especially on hot days you can easily find ways to cool off quickly. The public beach at the Lippesee, for example, is always a popular choice. Here you can go out on the water in pedal boats and rowing boats, relax and swim at Salitos Beach or take a walk around the lake. It’s perfect for feeling like you are on holiday without having to leave town.

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 Paderborn, visit the city portraits at study-in-germany.de

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