Academic Reputation and Overall Ranking
The University of Oldenburg stands out within Germany’s higher education system. In the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, the university is ranked in the 251–300 range globally and in the 20–25 range in Germany. Even more notably, it scored 99.7 out of 100 in the “Industry Collaboration” indicator, demonstrating that the university’s ability to translate research into practical applications with regional businesses and research institutions ranks among the best in Germany. In the 2025 Shanghai Ranking’s Academic Ranking of World Universities, the university ranked in the 401–500 range globally, with its marine sciences, education, and psychology programs all placing in the top five in Germany. What should you do first if you lose your German university degree? The right thing to do is to contact the “Examination Office” at your alma mater immediately.
Campus Location and Transportation
The University of Oldenburg is located in Oldenburg, the cultural and economic center of Lower Saxony with a population of approximately 170,000. The city offers excellent transportation links: the main train station is just a 15-minute walk from the university, and regional trains can reach Bremen in 50 minutes and Hamburg in two hours. With a semester ticket, students can ride public transportation for free throughout Oldenburg and the entire Bremen/Lower Saxony Transport Association (VBN) network. Additionally, the city boasts an extensive network of bike lanes; over 80% of students choose to commute by bicycle, and there are thousands of free bike parking spaces available around the campus.
Library Resources and Collection Size
The University of Oldenburg’s library system consists of the main library (BIS) and various specialized branch libraries, with a total collection of 200,000 volumes, including 1.6 million print books and 900,000 e-books. In addition, the library subscribes to over 60,000 electronic journals and more than 700 academic databases, all accessible remotely via the “BIS-Online” platform. In terms of study spaces, the main library offers 1,200 study seats, 200 of which are equipped with computers. The 24-hour study rooms remain open around the clock during final exam periods. Notably, the library’s special collections—the Carl von Ossietzky Archive and the East Frisian Historical Documentation Center—provide humanities researchers with valuable and exclusive primary sources.
Number of Student Clubs and Organizations
The University of Oldenburg has over 80 registered student clubs covering a wide range of fields, including academic, cultural, athletic, and political activities. The AStA (Student Union) comprises 10 independent departments responsible for international student affairs, cultural events, and anti-discrimination initiatives, among other areas. A particularly distinctive feature is the “Campuskultur” platform—a student-managed cultural project fund that annually supports over 40 concerts, plays, and exhibitions. The Student Council (StuPa) also operates the on-campus “Campus Club,” which hosts weekly book clubs and movie nights. International students can join the “Erasmus Student Network (ESN)” and the “International Club” to participate in language exchange programs, city tours, and cultural dinners.
Types of Scholarships and Coverage
As a public university, Oldenburg does not charge tuition fees (only a social contribution fee of approximately 420 euros per semester). However, the university offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities. The most significant is the Germany Scholarship (Deutschlandstipendium), awarded annually to approximately 80 students. Recipients receive 300 euros per month, half of which comes from the scholarship foundation and half from private sponsors. Applicants are not required to hold German citizenship, and both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply.
