University of Potsdam is a German public university, located in Potsdam, capital of the state of Brandenburg. Currently, the university offers over 13 degree programs across various disciplines. Popular master’s courses at University of Potsdam includes Data Science, Computer Science, MBA, Public Management (MPM), Digital Health, and Public Health.
University of Potsdam has an acceptance rate of 45%, indicating a moderately selective admission process. Indian students applying for bachelor's degrees require a higher secondary or equivalent certificate. For master's programs, you need a recognized bachelor's degree. Indian students also require an IELTS band score of 7.0, TOEFL iBT score of 95, or 76 in PTE as a proof of English proficiency. German proficiency is not mandatory for MBA programs, but other courses may require DSH-2, TestDaF level 4, or equivalent scores.
University of Potsdam is tuition-free, which means, you do not need to pay any tuition fee to study a program at the university. However, students must pay a semester contribution of €354.80 (INR 36,763). This cost includes student services, enrolment fees, and ticket for public transportation. The average monthly cost of living for Indian students is approximately €941 (INR 97,504). University-provided scholarship options are limited for Indian students, however, University Scholarship Potsdam awards €300 (INR 31,085) per month to ±100 high-performing students.
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- Highlights
- University of Potsdam Rankings
- University of Potsdam Admissions for International Students
- University of Potsdam Language Proficiency Requirements
- University of Potsdam Courses and Fees
- University of Potsdam Tuition Fees
- University of Potsdam Cost of Living
- University of Potsdam Scholarships
- University of Potsdam Placements
- FAQs
Highlights
Category | Details |
---|---|
University type | Public |
Number of campus | 3 |
Main campus | Am Neuen Palais or New Palace Campus, located near Park Sanssouci |
Total students | 20,000+ |
Number of international students | 1,840 |
Acceptance rate | 45% |
Official website | https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/university-of-potsdam |
University of Potsdam Rankings
University of Potsdam is one of the top 250 universities according to THE World University Rankings for the last 3 years. The QS Ranking of University of Potsdam is among the top 500 in the world. The trends of University of Potsdam rankings according to some reputed agencies are as follows:
Ranking Body | 2026 Rank | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank |
---|---|---|---|---|
QS World University Rankings | #477 | #=474 | #460 | #601-650 |
THE World University Rankings | - | #201-250 | #201-250 | #201-250 |
US News and World Report Best Global Universities | - | - | #374 | #452 |
QS Sustainability Rankings | - | #233 | #=233 | #341-360 |
QS Europe University Rankings - Western Europe | - | #70 | #73 | - |
Also Explore: University of Potsdam Reviews
University of Potsdam Admissions for International Students
Admission to University of Potsdam is moderately selective with an acceptance rate of 45%. The admission requirements for prospective Indian students are provided below:
Masters Application Portal: PULS or uni-assist e.V.
Masters Application Fee: No application fee
Masters Admission Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree or an equivalent first degree from a university-level program
- Degree certificate
- Final transcript
- Diploma Supplement (If available)
- A confirmation of equivalence for foreign degrees (If you apply via PULS)
- A translation of documents by a sworn translation if the document is not in English or German.
- Proof of study content
- Updated CV in tabular format
- A placement notice with placement decision by the Examining Board (If applicable)
- Evidence of change of name (If any).
University of Potsdam MBA Admission Requirements:
- First academic degree
- Documents of at least 2 years of work experience
- B2 level of English proficiency
- German proficiency is not required
Know More: German University Entrance Qualification
Bachelors Application Portal: uni-assist e.V.
Bachelors Document Submission: Cottbus State Education Authority
Bachelors Application Fee: No application fee
Bachelors Admission Requirements:
- High school certificate
- Previous admission or deferment notice from the University of Potsdam in the desired degree program (If applicable)
- Certificate of service as proof of service completed if applicable
- General consent signed by the legal guardian, for minor applicants (Below 16 years of age)
- University entrance qualification
- Proof of name change (If applicable)
- Confirmation of successful participation in a structured study preparation program (If applicable)
- Application for placement
- Performance overview(s) of previous university studies with confirmation of the current average grade(s)
Note: School-leaving certificate earned outside Germany must be valid for university admission in the state of Brandenburg. Before applying for the first or higher semesters, Indian students must get their qualifications officially recognized as valid.
Indian students are advised to thoroughly check the program page before applying to avoid missing any additional course-specific requirements.
University of Potsdam Language Proficiency Requirements
Indian students applying for admission to University of Potsdam need to prove either English or German language proficiency as a part of the application process. The commonly accepted tests and corresponding expected scores are as follows:
Level C1 (CEFR) English Proficiency Requirements:
Level C1(CEFR) German Proficiency Requirements:
- DSH-2 or DSH-3
- TestDaF level 4 or better
- DSD 2, or, equivalent.
Also Check: German Language Proficiency Tests for 2025
University of Potsdam Courses
University of Potsdam offers 13 programs at various levels of study. The university stands out by offering single-subject as well as dual-subject bachelors programs. It also specifies a few bachelors and masters programs as ‘teaching related’. Some popular programs at University of Potsdam include Master of Data Science, Computer Science, Public Management (MPM), Digital Health, Public Health, Exercise, and Nutrition.
University of Potsdam Tuition Fees
The university charges no tuition fees from its students. However, students must pay the University of Potsdam fees per semester of €354.80 (INR 36,763), twice a year. A breakdown of the semester fees at University of Potsdam is provided below:
Fees | Amount (EUR) | Amount (INR) |
---|---|---|
Student Service fees | 80.00 | ₹ 8,289.60 |
Student body fees | 15.00 | ₹ 1,554.30 |
Enrollment and re-registration fees | 51.00 | ₹ 5,284.62 |
Deutschlandsemesterticket | 208.80 | ₹ 21,635.86 |
Total | 354.80 | ₹ 36,764.38 |
University of Potsdam Cost of Living
The average monthly cost of living in University of Potsdam for Indian students is €941 (INR 97,504). A breakdown of the average cost of living in Germany for students of University of Potsdam is provided below:
Expense Category | Amount (EUR) | Amount (INR) |
---|---|---|
Rent (incl. utilities) | 410 | ₹ 42,484.20 |
Food | 198 | ₹ 20,516.76 |
Clothing | 46 | ₹ 4,766.52 |
Learning materials | 31 | ₹ 3,212.22 |
Public transportation (Semester Ticket) | 0 | ₹ 0.00 |
Health insurance & medical expenses | 100 | ₹ 10,362.00 |
Communication (phone, internet) | 31 | ₹ 3,212.22 |
Leisure, culture & sports | 65 | ₹ 6,735.30 |
Semester fee (avg. monthly) | 60 | ₹ 6,217.20 |
Total | 941 | ₹ 97,506.42 |
University of Potsdam Scholarships
As University of Potsdam does not charge any tuition fee, scholarship options are minimum for Indian students. University Scholarship Potsdam offers €300 (INR 31,085) per month to approximately 100 students per year. Furthermore, you will get the opportunity to network with sponsors and other scholarship holders. This award is provided to high-performing students of University of Potsdam. The new application phase for this scholarship is open from July 1, 2025.
Also Read: Popular Scholarhsips for Indian Students in Germany
University of Potsdam Placements
University of Potsdam support students in finding individual career path. You can get assistance with professional development, internships, and application procedures at the University of Potsdam campus. Some career assistance services available to all students are as follows:
- Counseling Session: Get personalized advice to help with career orientation.
- Application Documents: The university reviews your documents for free and help you improve them.
- Workshops: Join the current workshops led by professional trainers.
- Praxisportal: Discover career paths and different professional fields with the university.
- Job Application Tips: Find useful tips for your cover letter, CV, and interviews.
- UPtransition: Join the qualification program focused on diversity and career planning.
Read More: Jobs in Germany for Indian Students
University of Potsdam stands out as a tuition-free, research-driven public university in Germany. The university offers an accessible route to study in Germany with a moderate student acceptance rate. Furthermore, you can benefit from comprehensive career support and guidance services of the university, making it a firm choice for Indian students.
FAQs
Ques. Is the University of Potsdam good?
Ans. Yes, the University of Potsdam is a good university, know for research and interdisciplinary studies. The university currently ranks among the top 250 universities globally as per THE World University Rankings 2025 and is placed in the top 500 by QS World University Rankings 2026.
Ques. Is it hard to get into University of Potsdam?
Ans. Admission to the University of Potsdam is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 45%. Indian applicants must meet course-specific academic and language requirements, such as a recognized bachelor's degree and a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 for English-taught programs. You may need German language proficiency of TestDaF level 4, DSH-2 or equivalent for German taught courses.
Ques. Is University of Potsdam free?
Ans. Yes, the University of Potsdam does not charge any tuition fees. However, students must pay a semester contribution of €322.40 (~INR 31,307), which covers enrolment, student services, and public transportation.
Ques. Does University of Potsdam teach in English?
Ans. Yes, University of Potsdam offers several full-time and partial English-taught programs. Mostly, the master's courses at University of Potsdam are English-taught. Top programs like Data Science, MBA, and Public Management (MPM) are available entirely in English.
University of Potsdam Program Fees & Deadlines
Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility |
---|---|---|---|
M.S Data Science 2 years | Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake (1st Dec 2025) Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake (1st Jun 2026) | USD 418 /Yr EUR 354 /Yr | TOELF: 95| IELTS: 7 | PTE: 59 |
M.A Computer Science 2 years | USD 1,097 /Yr EUR 930 /Yr | - | |
B.A Computer Science 3 years | USD 1,097 /Yr EUR 930 /Yr | - | |
M.S Toxicology 2 years | USD 1,097 /Yr EUR 930 /Yr | - | |
M.A European media studies 2 years | USD 1,097 /Yr EUR 930 /Yr | - | |
M.A School and Education Management 18 months | USD 1,097 /Yr EUR 930 /Yr | - | |
B.S Life Sciences 3 years | USD 1,097 /Yr EUR 930 /Yr | - | |
B.S Nutritional Science 3 years | USD 1,097 /Yr EUR 930 /Yr | - | |
USD 1,097 /Yr EUR 930 /Yr | - | ||
USD 1,097 /Yr EUR 930 /Yr | - |
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Overall 477 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
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University of Potsdam Student Profiles
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University of Potsdam Reviews
3 Reviews Found
Likes
- Good Environment in Town area. Located near Berlin capital of Germany.
- I liked the atmosphere, nearby silence and opportunities. You can take practical courses at HPI.
Dislikes
- Could be more practical oriented a bit.
Overview
It was good.
Campus Life
Yah you can participate in sports club, there are many to choose from each semester. Libraries are also quite n pleasant to study, there are also cafeteria n Mensa where you can grab lunch at student affordable prices
Likes
- I didn't choose. I was applying blindly to every university in europe. I got selected here and took it.
- "University sports. nice offices Research equipments and wide variety of course options. You also get regular consultaion for future career, mental health, work life, visa issues, etc"
Dislikes
- It would be really hard to think of something that i dislike. May be the administration can be less diplomatic.
- There is lot of paper work and they take long to reimburse your business trip expenses
Overview
The working culture here is super relaxed. Saturday and sundays are completly work free. Proffessors and group leader are also very cooperative. I feel very much comfortable in implimenting my own ideas in to research which I find best part of me being here.
Campus Life
University sports is what I use the most. Its cheap and really accesible. Its a huge university with 3 campuses so they have almost everything for extracurriculam activities. They have high tech labs. We have LAN connections in our office computers, we can use either university wifi or eduroam.
Likes
- They have the best computational modeling research group in area (Psycholinguistics) and I wanted to learn modeling in my PhD. I also got PhD offers from UC San Diego, University of Southern Carolina, and interview call for Max Planck. But I chose Potsdam over them because I knew what exactly I wanted to learn during my PhD and other factors did not matter to me.
- Fewer evaluations during PhD, research freedom, research facilities, work culture, peer group, location, German culture, access to travel in Europe, Berlin nightlife
Dislikes
- No cafeteria, too much bureaucracy
Overview
The German universities have very different academic system compared to US and India. Their academic institutions are decentralized in decision making, research, and teaching. That means, only your advisor is responsible for your PhD with zero interference from the department and the institute. Teaching also goes like that. The department rarely decides on something regarding your research evaluation. It gives you a lot of research freedom and lesser stress. The work culture is also really cool. It is a norm that you don't work beyond work hours and on the weekends. The professors respect students in the same way as they respect their colleagues. Plus, German culture has a lot to teach Indian students, e.g., respecting other's time, discipline, work integrity. Overall, it was a wonderful experience for me.
Campus Life
Facilities were all good. It is a very small campus. There are not cafe inside the campus, rest is good.
University of Potsdam Scholarships
Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
---|---|---|---|---|
VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
MAWISTA Scholarship | Scholarship per student$6,691 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeEasy-to-Apply | |
Kurt Hansen Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeNeed-Based | |
Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
Google's Women Techmakers Program | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |
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University of Potsdam Exam Scores
Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
---|---|---|---|---|
Graduate | ||||
GRE | 302.5 | - | - | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
University of Potsdam Campus Location
Nearby This Campus
- Bus Station
- Pharmacy
- Book Store
- Shopping Mall
- Airport
Bus Station
Book Store
Airport
Pharmacy
Shopping Mall
● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary
Comments
Found 7 Comments
You can apply for admission to the university through its online application portal.
Good day! I am in Berlin and am interested in any Bachelor Programme with an English proficiency letter, so if any programme is suitable for me, please let me know. I need to continue my studies as soon as possible; thank you.
The University of Potsdam offers a variety of Bachelor's programs taught entirely in English! However, You can explore the University of Potsdam courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.