You have received your education outside Germany? You would like to study either Mathematics, Meteorology, Computer Science or Physics in Mainz? Or do your doctorate in one of these subjects? We are looking forward to meeting you!
What would you like to do at Mainz University? Please select your field of interest.
Exchange students: You are already studying Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or Meteorology at a university outside Germany and would like to study at Johannes Gutenberg University during a stay abroad.
International students: You went to school and/or university outside Germany and would like to do your entire Bachelor's and/or Master's program in Mainz.
International PhD-students: You received your graduate degree from a university outside of Germany and would like to do your PhD in Mainz.
General information on studying and living in Mainz can be found further down on this page.
Good to know
Tuition fees: As a public university Johannes Gutenberg University is financed by the federal state Rhineland-Palatinate. Thus, it does not charge any tuition fees. There are only a few minor exceptions to this rule e.g. if you take up a Bachelor's program after already having completed a Bachelor. Furthermore, there is a semester contribution of approximately 320 € (winter term 2019/2020). It is used to subsidize the student's body of self-government, the student's ticket for public transportation and the meals in the cafeteria. More... (available in German only)
Lecture periods: At Mainz University lectures start mid-October and continue to mid-February for the winter term. The summer term lectures start mid-April and are finished by mid-July. If you need to know the exact dates, please click here (available in German only).
Work: Students, who are non-EU citizens, are allowed to work 120 days or 240 half days every year - different restrictions apply for participants of language classes or preparatory classes. If you graduate from Mainz University successfully and would like to stay in Germany, you have 18 months to search for an appropriate job in Germany. During your search you are allowed to work without restrictions to support yourself. If you want to know more details, please consult the leaflet from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Language of instruction: The language of instruction for the Bachelor's programs in Mathematics, Meteorology, Computer Science and Physics is generally German. Master's programs are held in German (Computer Science, Mathematics) or English (Meteorology, Physics). Nevertheless, for all German taught programs there are possibilities to take selected classes are taught in English, to switch the language (if the instructor agrees to do so), to hand in assignments, take exams or give presentations in English etc. Please do not forget to consult with your instructor beforehand. here are German classes taking place every semester at the International Preparatory and Language Center.
What you should know about Mainz University besides...
Student housing: The student service organization (Studierendenwerk) in Mainz is the only one in Germany, that will guarantee all exchange and international students as well as enrolled PhD-students a room in one of its student residences. All you need to do is to apply by July, 15th for the following winter term and by January, 15th for the following summer term. But don't worry, if you missed this deadline. There often are vacancies later on. More information about the student housing...
Public transportation: Part of the semester contribution is a ticket for the public transportation system valid from October, 1st to March 31st (winter term) or April, 1st to September, 30th (summer term). It is valid in busses and trams within Mainz and Wiesbaden as well as in trains of the entire Rhine-Main and Rhine-Nahe region. Please find more details here (available in German only).
Cafeteria: In the central cafeteria and all other cafeterias on campus students and enrolled PhD-students get their meals at reduced cost. To find out what is on the menu today, check here.
Basic room equipment: If you are going to live at one of the student residences you can get a basic room equipment set for just 50 €. This way you don't have to bring bed linen, towels, pots, cutlery etc. with you or go shopping first thing in Mainz. Get more information...
Social life: It's your choice! Trying one of the more than 70 sporting activities offered by our college sports center (available in German only)? Getting involved in one of many student's political, social, cultural or international clubs (available in German only)? Browsing the university's upcoming events (available in German only)? Getting to know everyday life in Mainz by participating in the program "Foreigners become friends"? Or would you rather like to go out with your ToM-Buddy (Tutor of Mainz) to discover the university, Mainz and its nightlife?
Living in Mainz
With its 200 000 inhabitants Mainz is a beautiful city to live and work in. As capital of the federal state Rhineland-Palatinate and so close to the metropolitan region Rhine-Main, it offers cultural diversity, a great variety of freetime activities and places to discover. Also, there are many nice shops and great destinations for a day trip. Here are just some examples:
The official web site of the city of Mainz offers a great deal of facts in its section Mainz in numbers (available in German only) and impressions with its image film and image booklet (German-English).
The tourist office offers a lot of information as well, e.g. about sightseeing, history and the Mainz way of life.
Mainz is one of the Great Wine Capitals - among other cities like San Francisco, Florence, Bordeaux and Porto.
Right to the north of Mainz the UNESCO world heritage Upper Middle Rhine is located with its stunning castles and picturesque ruins.
Mainz is in the vicinity to the metropolitan region Rhine-Main, with cities like Frankfurt and Wiesbaden.
Foto © Landeshauptstadt Mainz