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Study in Freiburg

A sunny, green university city at the edge of the Black Forest, close to France and Switzerland, with some of the state's higher rents.

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In short

Freiburg has 6 universities and colleges offering 343 degree courses (173 Bachelor's, 161 Master's), and 24% of them are taught in English or bilingually. A student flat costs about €643 a month (30 m² flat incl. utilities (WG room ≈ €609), MLP Studentenwohnreport 2026). Tuition for non-EU students: €1,500 — Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester at public universities such as the University of Freiburg. EU students pay only the semester contribution.

Freiburg im Breisgau is one of Germany's sunniest cities and a byword for green living, from its solar research to the car-free Vauban district. The University of Freiburg, founded in 1457, is the big draw, alongside the University of Music and Catholic and Protestant universities of applied sciences. The Black Forest starts at the edge of town, and France and Switzerland are less than an hour away.

Universities in Freiburg

Every university and college in Freiburg in our catalogue, biggest first.

See all 343 courses on the map

Cost of living

What studying in Freiburg costs, from the latest figures we could source.

Rent for a student flat
≈ €643 / month30 m² flat incl. utilities (WG room ≈ €609), MLP Studentenwohnreport 2026
Tuition for non-EU students
€1,500 / semesterPlus the semester contribution every student pays. The rules are summed up in In short.
Proof of funds for a visa
€992 / monthThe proof of funds German missions currently ask of student-visa applicants (€11,904 a year) — confirm with the German embassy or consulate handling your application.

Good to know

  • Freiburg's rental market is tight — apply to Studierendenwerk Freiburg halls early and consider towns along the tram and train lines.
  • The regional RegioKarte covers trams, buses and trains across the region; compare it with the Deutschlandticket before buying.
  • Cross the border for weekend trips: Basel, Colmar and Strasbourg are all easy day trips.

Industries & employers

Big names that hire graduates, and offer internships and working-student jobs, in and around Freiburg.

  • Fraunhofer ISE

    Solar research

    Europe's largest solar energy research institute, based in Freiburg.

  • SICK

    Sensors

    Sensor maker headquartered in Waldkirch, about 20 km north.

  • Haufe Group

    Software & media

    Business software and publishing group headquartered in Freiburg.

  • Pfizer

    Pharma

    Production site in Freiburg.

Culture & people

Freiburg is laid-back, outdoorsy and environmentally minded. Little water channels called Bächle run through the old town streets — locals say if you step in one, you will marry someone from Freiburg.

Students hike and bike in the Black Forest, swim in the Dreisam river, and drink local Baden wine on the Schlossberg. The Alemannic Fasnet carnival brings wooden masks and parades every winter.

Events & festivals

  • Zelt-Musik-Festival

    July

    Big-tent music festival with international acts and a free festival village.

  • Freiburger Weinfest

    Early July

    Baden wines and food on the Münsterplatz.

  • Fasnet

    Jan – Feb

    The Alemannic carnival with masked guilds and street parades.

  • Christmas market

    Late Nov – Dec

    Stalls around the Rathausplatz and in the old town.

Places to see

  • Freiburg Minster

    Church

    Gothic cathedral with a lacework spire and a daily market on its square.

  • Schlossberg

    Viewpoint

    Hill right above the old town, reached by a short walk or cable car.

  • Schauinsland

    Mountain

    Black Forest peak with Germany's longest circulating cable car.

  • Titisee

    Nature

    Black Forest lake about 40 minutes away by train.

Getting around

Trams and buses (VAG) cover the city; most students cycle on Freiburg's excellent bike network. ICE trains reach Basel in about 45 minutes and Frankfurt in about two hours. The nearest airport is EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, about an hour away by bus.

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Studying in Freiburg: FAQ

Is Freiburg expensive for students?

It is on the pricier side. A 30 m² student flat costs about €643 a month and a shared-flat room about €609 (MLP Studentenwohnreport 2026).

Which universities are in Freiburg?

The University of Freiburg, the University of Music Freiburg, and the Catholic and Protestant universities of applied sciences — 6 institutions with 343 courses in our catalogue.

Can I study in English in Freiburg?

Yes. 24% of the courses in our Freiburg catalogue are taught in English or bilingually, including Master's programmes in environmental sciences, renewable energy and the life sciences.

Is Freiburg a good place to study?

Yes — it combines a highly ranked university with sunshine, nature and a relaxed lifestyle, though finding a room takes time and patience.

More guides in Baden-Württemberg

The whole state: Study in Baden-Württemberg

Other university cities

Sources

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