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Meta title: Leipzig University: Admission, Quotas and Costs
Meta description: Leipzig University guide: no tuition, $390 semester fee, uni-assist, non-EU quotas and per-country places, B2 German to apply, Studienkolleg Sachsen.
Last modified: 2026-09-30

# Leipzig University (Universität Leipzig)

Leipzig University was founded in 1409 and is one of Europe's oldest universities; today it has 14 faculties and more than 31,000 students. Saxony charges no general tuition fees, so an international student pays only the semester contribution, $390 (€342.30) in the first semester (winter 2026/27) including the student card and transport pass. International applicants apply through uni-assist. For most programmes a B2 German certificate is enough to apply, with C1 due by enrolment. Restricted programmes reserve a quota for non-EU citizens and usually admit one person per country, or up to two for countries with populations above 83 million. The university also hosts Studienkolleg Sachsen, which accepts applicants with a B2 German certificate or 800 hours of German lessons.

Leipzig University's Paulinum on Augustusplatz. Photo: Wilhelm Thomas Fiege / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Universit%C3%A4t_Leipzig_-_Paulinum_%E2%80%93_Aula_und_Universit%C3%A4tskirche_St._Pauli_(Juli_2012).JPG), [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0).

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Location | Leipzig, Saxony |
| Founded | 1409 |
| Faculties and programmes | 14 faculties, 152 degree programmes |
| Students | 31,232; Russia is the third-largest country of origin among international students (226), after China and Ukraine |
| Tuition fees | none in general; possible for second degrees and some master's programmes |
| Semester contribution, winter 2026/27 | $390 (€342.30) for new students, $380 (€332.30) if you already have a UniCard |
| How to apply | uni-assist for foreign qualifications; results in the AlmaWeb portal |
| German at application | B2 for most programmes; C1 (DSH-2) by enrolment |
| Preparation | Studienkolleg Sachsen at the university; "FIT für das Studium" German course |

## Who Leipzig suits {#section-1}

Leipzig works for students who want a large, tuition-free classical university, with medicine, law, the humanities and the sciences, and comparatively moderate living costs. The university estimates about $1,140 (€1,000) a month, with rent at $280–480 (€250–425), lower than in Cologne or Stuttgart.

| Leipzig fits if | Compare alternatives if |
| --- | --- |
| you want free tuition and a moderate cost of living | you need a wide choice of English-taught bachelor's degrees |
| you are at B2 now and can reach C1 before enrolment | you are applying for medicine or pharmacy without a C1 certificate yet |
| you are a school leaver ready for a Studienkolleg at the same university | your school grades are average and your programme is restricted: competition happens inside a small quota |
| you are interested in physics, mathematics, area studies or sport psychology in English | you want an engineering-focused technical university |

In the same state, TU Dresden is the main option for engineering; for classical universities in the capital, see our guide to [universities in Berlin](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-berlin).

## How selection works for non-EU applicants {#section-2}

This is Leipzig's key difference. In restricted-admission programmes, places for non-EU/EEA citizens come from a quota:

- 5% of places in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine;
- 10% of places in all other restricted programmes.

Within the quota three criteria apply: your school grade converted to the German scale (reported by uni-assist after review); citizenship, with typically one place per country of origin per programme, or up to two for countries with at least 83 million inhabitants (Germany's population); and a lottery number if rankings are tied.

A TestAS result can improve your converted grade by up to 0.4 points if both modules are completed with excellent results, which makes it a real lever for restricted programmes. Unrestricted programmes admit everyone who meets the formal requirements and applies on time.

## Bachelor's degrees: deadlines and documents {#section-3}

You may apply for at most two programmes at once, and only one of them may be unrestricted.

| Programmes | Winter semester (via uni-assist) | Summer semester |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Restricted admission | early April to 15 July | early November to 15 January |
| Unrestricted admission | early April to 1 September | early November to 1 March |

Some programmes hold aptitude tests before the application window closes, so check your programme page. Applying early gives uni-assist time to request missing documents before the deadline.

In the "My assist" portal you upload your school certificate with subject grades, language proof and, where relevant, university entrance exam results, a Feststellungsprüfung, previous study records and an aptitude test result. Each document goes in the original language with a certified German or English translation; English documents need no translation. Decisions appear in AlmaWeb, with login details emailed after the uni-assist review; for restricted programmes starting in winter, decisions usually come in mid-August. See our guide to [applying through uni-assist](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-german-universities-uni-assist).

## German and English requirements {#section-4}

German-taught programmes require one of the following by enrolment: DSH-2, TestDaF 4 in all parts, DSD II, Goethe C2, interDaF C1 (level 2), ÖSD C2, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or the Feststellungsprüfung. A degree completed in German does not by itself count as proof.

For most programmes a B2 certificate is enough when you apply; the C1 certificate is due by enrolment. Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine are the exception, requiring the full level by the application deadline. English-taught programmes require B2 English, with details on each programme page. See our [German language tests guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-german-language-tests-testdaf-dsh-goethe).

If your school certificate gives direct access but your German is not yet at C1, the six-month "FIT für das Studium – Deutsch" course at Studienkolleg Sachsen may help:

| Feature | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Level | B2 to C1 course for holders of a B1 certificate; ends with the DSH or TestDaF |
| Format | 6 months, 20 hours a week, up to 22 participants |
| Start | October or April |
| Application | via uni-assist: early April to 15 June, early November to 15 December |
| Cost (2026/27) | from $1,480 (€1,300): $85 (€75) uni-assist, $850 (€750) course fee, $170–240 (€150–215) exam fee, plus the semester contribution |

Participants are enrolled students with access to university facilities, the semester ticket and student housing applications.

## Studienkolleg Sachsen: the route after school {#section-5}

A school certificate from Russia, Belarus or Kazakhstan issued since 2015 usually gives indirect access, meaning a Studienkolleg first. In Leipzig the college is part of the university: one year of subject-specific and language preparation ending with the Feststellungsprüfung, which qualifies you for degrees matching your course.

1. German proof. B1 is the formal minimum, but the accepted documents are B2-level certificates (Goethe, telc, ÖSD, ECL, interDaF), DSH-1, TestDaF 3, DSD II or a language school's confirmation of 800 hours of lessons.
2. Apply via uni-assist from early April to 15 June (winter start) or early November to 15 December (summer start). Select the degree you want to study afterwards, for example "Geschichte, Bachelor of Arts", and tick the Studienkolleg option; only one programme is allowed.
3. Selection for the entrance exam. Each specialisation course has about 20 places per semester and more applicants than places. Invitations depend on your school grade and citizenship, with at most three people per country per course, or up to six for large countries.
4. Entrance exam in person in Leipzig, once per semester: late August to early September, or late February to mid-March. It cannot be taken online. Invitations arrive in mid-July or mid-January.

Without an invitation you can reapply, gain direct access through several semesters at a university at home, or sit the Feststellungsprüfung externally with DSH-2 German and self-study. With private colleges, the university advises checking that the final exam qualifies you for universities and not only for universities of applied sciences. See our [Studienkolleg guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studienkolleg-germany).

## Master's degrees with a foreign qualification {#section-6}

Apply through uni-assist, for at most two master's programmes at once.

| Master's programmes | Winter semester | Summer semester |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Restricted admission (all applicants with foreign degrees) | early April to 31 May | early November to 31 December |
| Unrestricted admission, non-EU applicants | early April to 31 May | early November to 31 December |

You need your school certificate, bachelor's certificate or confirmation that all exams are passed, an official transcript, your university's grading system, language proof, a CV in German or English and, where required, an aptitude test (EFP) or a subject-requirement review (FZV). Institutes often schedule these before the application window closes. German-taught master's programmes follow the same rule as bachelor's: B2 to apply, C1 by enrolment.

## English-taught programmes {#section-7}

Most programmes are taught in German. The university's course catalogue lets you filter by language of instruction; some programmes run fully or mainly in English, others only include some English-taught courses. The English-taught options include the eight-semester International Physics Studies Program (Honours) bachelor's and master's programmes in American Studies, Anthropology, biodiversity and evolutionary research, the International Physics Studies Program, Japan in the Asia-Pacific, Mathematical Physics, Mathematics, Physics and an international sport psychology programme. The university still recommends learning German for daily life. Our overview of [English-taught master's degrees in Germany](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-germany-in-english) lists comparable options.

## Costs {#section-8}

| Item (2026/27) | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Semester contribution, new students, including $11 (€10) for the UniCard | $390 (€342.30) |
| Semester contribution with an existing UniCard | $380 (€332.30) |
| Rent for a room | $280–480 (€250–425) a month |
| Health insurance | $160–200 (€140–180) a month |
| Study materials | about $79 (€70) a month |
| Food and other living costs | about $340 (€300) a month |

There are no general tuition fees, but second-degree fees can apply and some master's programmes charge tuition, as stated in their descriptions. Add one-off costs: a housing deposit of two to three months' rent, the blocked account set-up fee and the residence permit fee.

The visa requires $13,520 (€11,904) for the year; with two semester contributions, budget about $14,280 (€12,579) for year one. See our guides to the [blocked account](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-blocked-account-germany) and [tuition-free study in Germany](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-free-university-education-germany).

Pay the contribution by 15 September, but not before you have your visa: it is non-refundable. Your bank may charge for international transfers, and crediting can take up to 14 days.

## Housing and first steps {#section-9}

You can apply online for a Studentenwerk Leipzig residence as soon as you receive your admission letter; doctoral researchers are not eligible. Without a hall or shared-flat room, rent may be much higher than the university's estimate. After arrival, register at the citizens' office and then apply for your residence permit, which in Leipzig can be done online. See our [student housing guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-housing-germany).

## Notes for applicants from Russia and Kazakhstan {#section-10}

- Visa. Russians apply for a study visa at the German Embassy in Moscow; the St Petersburg consulate has been closed since 18 September 2026. If you only hold an invitation to the Studienkolleg entrance exam, you apply for an applicant visa, for which the embassy requires a blocked account of $11,150 (€9,819). See our [student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-germany).
- Money and translations. Russian bank statements are not accepted for the visa, and uni-assist accepts translations made in Russia only with a notarised translator's signature. For paying the contribution, see our guide on [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).
- Country quota. Russia, with more than 83 million inhabitants, can receive up to two places on a restricted programme and up to six on a Studienkolleg course. Kazakhstan falls under the standard rule: usually one place per programme and up to three per college course.
- Scholarships. We do not recommend DAAD programmes to Russian citizens, as Russia's Ministry of Justice designated DAAD an undesirable organisation in February 2026; citizens of Kazakhstan and other CIS countries can apply as usual.

## Common mistakes {#section-11}

- Waiting for C1 before applying: B2 is enough to apply for most programmes.
- Applying for medicine with B2: the full level is required by the application deadline.
- Selecting "Studienkolleg" as your programme in uni-assist: choose your future degree and tick the college option.
- Applying for a master's in July: the non-EU window for the winter semester closes on 31 May.
- Paying the contribution before the visa: it is not refunded.

## FAQ {#section-12}

### How much does it cost to study at Leipzig University?

There are no general tuition fees. In winter 2026/27 a new student pays a semester contribution of $390 (€342.30) including the UniCard, and the university suggests about $1,140 (€1,000) a month for living costs. Some master's programmes and second degrees can charge fees.

### What level of German does Leipzig University require?

For most programmes a B2 certificate is enough to apply, and C1 is required by enrolment: DSH-2, TestDaF 4 in all parts, telc C1 Hochschule or an equivalent. Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine require C1 by the application deadline.

### How many places are available for non-EU students at Leipzig?

Restricted programmes give non-EU citizens 10% of places, or 5% in medicine and pharmacy. Usually one person per country is admitted per programme, rising to two for countries with more than 83 million inhabitants, such as Russia.

### How do I get into Studienkolleg Sachsen?

Show a B2 German certificate (or DSH-1 or TestDaF 3) or confirmation of 800 hours of lessons, and apply via uni-assist between April and 15 June or November and 15 December, naming your future degree. An in-person entrance exam follows; each course has about 20 places, with at most three per country (six for Russia).

### Which programmes at Leipzig are taught in English?

The International Physics Studies Program (Honours) bachelor's and master's programmes including American Studies, Anthropology, Mathematics, Physics, Mathematical Physics and Japan in the Asia-Pacific. Most degrees are taught in German.

### When is the master's deadline for applicants with a foreign degree?

Early April to 31 May for the winter semester and early November to 31 December for the summer semester, through uni-assist. Aptitude tests and subject-requirement reviews often take place earlier.

### Can StudyU help with an application to Leipzig?

Programme selection with the quota in mind, a German and Studienkolleg plan, uni-assist document preparation and budgeting are provided under an agreement with StudyU. Admission is decided by the university, the visa by the German embassy and housing by Studentenwerk Leipzig.

## Sources {#section-13}

- [Leipzig University: profile](https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/university/profile), [history](https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/university/profile/history) and [facts and figures](https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/university/profile/facts-and-figures)
- [Bachelor's, Diplom and state examination: requirements, deadlines, selection, quotas](https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/international/studying-at-leipzig-university/application-and-preparing-to-study/bachelors-diplom-state-examination)
- [Master's programmes: requirements and deadlines](https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/international/studying-at-leipzig-university/application-and-preparing-to-study/masters-programmes)
- [Studienkolleg Sachsen and German courses](https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/international/studying-at-leipzig-university/application-and-preparing-to-study/studienkolleg-and-german-courses)
- [Getting started: semester fee, costs, housing](https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/international/studying-at-leipzig-university/getting-started-with-studies-and-life-in-leipzig)
- [Courses of study, including English-taught programmes](https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/studying/prospective-students/courses-of-study)
- [uni-assist: processing fees](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/faqs/pay-all-fees/) and [country information for Russia](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/tools/info-country-by-country/details-country/country/ru/)
- [German Embassy Moscow: national visa](https://germania.diplo.de/ru-ru/service/05-visaeinreise/langfristigeraufenthalt/1224364-1224364) and [study and applicant visa checklist (PDF)](https://germania.diplo.de/resource/blob/1611632/41c7219b0e955033b4b9132f6d53927b/studium-data.pdf)

We converted euros to dollars at the ECB reference rate of 29 September 2026 (€1 = $1.1355), current on our 30 September 2026 check. For other universities, see [studying in Germany](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-germany). Working out the quota rules for your case and choosing a route are provided under an agreement with StudyU; the university makes the admission decision. To start, [send us a request](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply).

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [University of Cologne (Universität zu Köln)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-koeln)
- [University of Mannheim (Universität Mannheim)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-mannheim)
- [Studying in Germany for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-germany)
- [Free University Education in Germany for International Students: Where Tuition Is Zero and What You Still Pay](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-free-university-education-germany)
- [Blocked Account in Germany 2026: Amount, Opening Steps and Alternatives](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-blocked-account-germany)
- [German Language Tests for German Universities: TestDaF, DSH, Goethe and telc Compared (2026–2027)](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-german-language-tests-testdaf-dsh-goethe)

Updated: September 2026