Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt traditionally ranks high in international rankings of research universities and is famous for its wide choice educational programs. The university includes a whole group of research institutes, and its hallmark is an interdisciplinary approach to solving complex problems. The university is named after Johann Wolfgang Goethe, a famous scientist born in Frankfurt, known for his outstanding contributions to literature, science and philosophy.
Today, Goethe University is one of the few universities in Germany that receives an impressive amount of funding from the government, has autonomy in management and the right to create its own funds.
Our university is located in Germany's most cosmopolitan city and attracts students and researchers from all over the world. Goethe University students benefit greatly from studying and living in Frankfurt, Europe's largest financial and commercial center, offering unlimited opportunities to learn and practice German. Today, Frankfurt is one of the ten best cities in the world to live (according to Mercer Human Resource Consulting).
With the exception of applicants to some graduate programs that are taught in English, all applicants must demonstrate proficiency in German at level B1 (basic knowledge).
The University of Frankfurt was founded in 1914 as a unique "city university", funded by wealthy residents of the city of Frankfurt. In 1932, the university received the name of one of the most famous natives of the city - Johann Wolfgang Goethe. Today, more than 38,000 students study at the university. Taking a look at the history of Goethe University, we will immediately notice that over the past decade, many changes have occurred in the work of the university, which have given it additional impetus to move forward.
Previously considered a liberal and left-wing institution, Goethe University is also known as the birthplace of the famous Frankfurt School, which is an integral part of the Institute social research. This school produced the great European thinkers of the 20th century (including Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer, Jurgen Habermas, Herbert Marcuse, Hans-Georg Gadamer, Martin Buber and Paul Tillich).
Year founded
Number of students
Student satisfaction
Academic specialization
Goethe University is always known for the high quality of teaching social sciences, but in recent years the university has new equipment and research institutes, studying natural sciences, as well as law, history, foreign languages, humanities, art and economics. These interdisciplinary research centers have made the academic specialization of the university even more pronounced, and have also contributed to the achievement of amazing results in research in various areas, from natural sciences("Macromolecular complexes"), to medicine ("Cardiorespiratory System", a research center of the Goethe University in collaboration with the University of Giessen and the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, conducting innovative research in the field of treatment of heart and lung diseases) and humanities and social sciences (“Formation of a normative order”).
Faculties and programs
- Law (teaching in German)
- Economics and business administration
- Social Sciences
- Pedagogy (teaching in German)
- Psychology and Sports Sciences (taught in German)
- Protestant Theology (taught in German)
- Roman Catholic Theology (taught in German)
- Philosophy and history (taught in German)
- Modern languages - Faculty of Linguistics, Culture and Arts (teaching in German)
- Geography and earth sciences
- Computer Science and Mathematics (taught in German)
- Physics (taught in German)
- Biochemistry, chemistry and pharmaceuticals
- Biological Sciences (taught in German)
- Medical Sciences (taught in German)
Every year in August the university hosts an International Summer School, lasting one month. Experienced teachers from German and foreign universities offer courses in German and English covering contemporary issues of economics and business management, with the possibility of including the subjects studied in a diploma. Moreover, within summer school Conduct intensive German language courses.
Frankfurt University them. Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main is a public university located in central Germany in the capital of Hesse. Founded in 1914, Goethe University was the first in Germany educational system“a university for citizens,” which was financed not by the state, but by the funds of liberal philanthropists in Frankfurt. The name of Johann Goethe, the great poet of the Enlightenment and one of the most famous natives of the city, appeared in the name in 1932. The university is the birthplace of the famous Frankfurt School.
Advantages of the University of Frankfurt
The most prestigious area at the University of Frankfurt is the Faculty of Medicine, which operates on the basis of the university hospital united with it, to which one of the campuses is completely allocated. In particular, the highest ratings are given to the directions pharmacology And general medicine. The university is also famous for its long and rich history in the field of humanities, in particular in the faculties philosophy, social sciences And linguistics. Thirdly, it is worth noting the reputation of the natural sciences, especially geosciences And oceanology.In the field of research, the University of Frankfurt is strongest in archaeology, physical geography and pharmacology - these three areas are recommended for those planning training at the researcher level. In addition, the areas of social sciences and engineering have a high research reputation.
Requirements for admission to the University of Frankfurt
- To enter the University of Frankfurt, you need a document confirming at least 13 years of education, which means that a Russian student will need to study for two years at a local university or one year at the German Studienkolleg. When entering a master's or graduate school, a bachelor's or master's degree will be required, respectively. The document must be translated into German or English and notarized.
- To study in German, before enrolling you must pass the DSH test with a DSH-2 result or provide one of the following certificates: TestDaF with a score of 4 for all test components, Goethe-Zertifikat level C2 or KMK-Prüfung with a DSD II result.
- To study in English you must successfully pass entrance examination or one of the following language tests: TOEFL with a score of at least 79, IELTS with a score of at least 6.5 in each component of the test, or Cambridge First with an Advanced or Proficiency result (at least “Good” in each component).
Tuition fees and scholarships at Frankfurt University
Most of the programs at the University of Frankfurt are free of charge; only the student fee is paid (€357.60 per semester), which allows the student to benefit from social benefits for travel and accommodation. Among the master's programs there are paid ones (business and finance), their cost ranges from €15,000 to €30,000 per year. The university offers both dormitory accommodation (€170–€300 per month) and rental assistance (€300–€400 per month).In Germany, there are special organizations offering grants and scholarships for students at German universities. To receive a scholarship at the University of Frankfurt, you must submit an application accompanied by evidence of high academic achievement and/or active participation in the life of the university. State grants are available for study at each of the 16 faculties of the University of Frankfurt and amount to about €300 per month.
Arrangement of the University of Frankfurt
The University of Frankfurt has four large campuses. Bockenheim, the very first building erected, serves as the main building of the university, but is planned to be closed after the completion of the new building. The medical faculty and the university hospital settled in Niederrad, and Riedberg was reserved for the faculties of natural sciences. Westend, the newest of the campuses, is home to the social sciences and humanities departments. Each campus is equipped with modern laboratories, libraries and recreational facilities, and also has access to a public transport network.Famous teachers and students of Goethe University
- Max Horkheimer is one of the founders of the Frankfurt School, an important movement in sociology and philosophy of the 20th century. He studied philosophy and psychology at the University of Frankfurt, and later took the position of professor of philosophy and rector of the university;
- Adolf Loewe - German sociologist and economist, held the position of professor of sociology at the University of Frankfurt from 1931 to 1933;
- Karl Mannheim - German sociologist and philosopher, one of the creators of the sociology of knowledge, professor of sociology and economics at the department of F. Oppenheimer;
- Theodor Adorno - German philosopher, sociologist and composer, one of the main representatives of the Frankfurt School;
- Karl Ludwig Siegel - mathematician, specialist in number theory and celestial mechanics, Wolf Prize laureate (1978), professor of mathematics at the University of Frankfurt;
- Helmut Kohl - German statesman, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany from 1982 to 1998, who played an important role in the unification of Germany and the end cold war. Studied law at the Faculty of Jurisprudence of the University of Frankfurt;
- Otto Stern is a German physicist who was nominated for the Nobel Prize 82 times and still received it in 1943 for the discovery of the magnetic proton. Graduate of the University of Frankfurt;
- Günter Blobel - biologist, Nobel Prize laureate in 1994 for the discovery of targeted protein transport, graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Frankfurt;
- Reinhard Selten - economist, winner of the 1994 Nobel Prize for his fundamental analysis of equilibrium in the theory of non-cooperative games. Studied at Faculty of Economics Frankfurt University.
Frankfurt University Goethe - Photo
The Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main occupies a leading position among international research centers. This is one of the few German universities that are funded by the federal government and have the right to autonomous management and the creation of their own funds.
Historical background
The financial basis for the University of Frankfurt, which opened in 1914, was provided by wealthy residents of the city. Since 1932, the unique “city” university has been named after the world famous Johann Wolfgang Goethe (a native of the city), who left an outstanding mark on philosophy, natural sciences and literature.
The sponsorship tradition has not been lost to this day. Funds for the university come from foundations, firms, organizations, and private capital, which provides students with sufficient academic freedom, unlike other universities.
Directions and admission
Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt is known to the world for teaching social sciences at its finest. high level, For example:
- sociology,
- jurisprudence,
- psychology,
- stories,
- philosophy,
- pedagogy,
- other social disciplines.
Frankfurt University School is known for its alumni such as the great European thinkers of the last century, Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer, Jurgen Habermas, and Herbert Marcuse.
However, over the last decade, scientific centers have appeared at the university for the study of natural sciences, art, economics, foreign languages, which gave additional momentum to the development of the university.
Teaching is conducted in German; for admission it is enough to speak it at a basic level (B1). An exception is some master's programs at Goethe University Frankfurt in English.
The academic specialization of the university and the interdisciplinary research centers created on its basis made it possible to show amazing results:
- In natural disciplines (Macromolecular complexes).
- In medicine (Cardiorespiratory system).
- In social science (Formation of normative order).
About campuses
Since it is a large university, four campuses have grown up around it: Bockenheim, Westend, Riedberg, Niederrade. Each of them is unique and attractive in its own way. But they are united by such positive qualities, How convenient location and access to public transport.
The main building is located in old Bockenheim, where law, economics, pedagogy and sociology are studied. It is planned to close in a few years. After this, the faculties currently located in this building will be located in other areas of Frankfurt.
At the Westend campus they study economics, law, theology, and linguistics. This is a cozy town with an abundance of parks and white limestone buildings. There is also a so-called beer garden, many restaurants and cafes.
Biochemistry, biology, pharmaceuticals, and geography are taught at Rydberg. The Otto Stern Center - the heart of the campus, with a good library and assembly hall - is intended for meetings between students and university teachers.
The campus in Niederrad is the location of the medical faculty and clinic. The unique ancient buildings of the campus are being restored so that modern buildings create your own look for the town.
Frankfurt is the largest trading and financial center in Europe, providing ample opportunities for education and excellent accommodation for students from many countries around the world. Today, the University of Frankfurt educates almost forty thousand people.
Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main welcomes more than 40,000 students every year. Moreover, about 7,000 of them are foreign students. More than 500 professors work here who are active scientific activity. Moreover, studying at the university has other advantages:
- Over the past 100 years, 19 graduates of the university have become Nobel Prize laureates.
- The university receives large subsidies from the government - about 300 million euros. Moreover, the establishment attracts private investors - about 200 million euros per year.
- The university has an excellent library at its disposal, containing more than 8 million books, including rare works.
- The establishment is included in the rating best universities Europe. Moreover, education here is free for all students - all you need to do is pay a small student fee.
- The university is in close contact with representatives of private business. For this reason, graduates easily find work in prestigious companies. Such partnerships also provide many opportunities for the implementation of scientific projects.
Among the shortcomings, one can highlight some discrepancy between the material base of the university and its scale. Thus, there is a slight shortage of computers and research equipment.
How to enter the University of Frankfurt?
Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt is a popular option for admission. However, foreign applicants need to take into account the differences in education systems. Thus, education in German schools lasts for 13 years. For this reason, foreign students are forced to enroll in another university and study there for at least two years. In this case, the selected establishment must be listed internationally.
It is also possible to eliminate academic differences by studying at a special preparatory school - Studienkolleg. Upon admission, the applicant provides a document confirming two courses of education, an international passport, and a certificate with the results of a language test. The need for additional papers depends on the specific situation of the applicant. When applying to some specialties, the applicant will also need a motivation letter, autobiography or recommendations.
Language requirements
The university pays special attention to the level of language proficiency. For this reason, passing the test is mandatory. Education at the university is conducted in English and German languages. In the first case, the following test results are suitable:
- TOEFL paper-based (from 543 points) or internet-based (from 87 points);
- (from 6.5 points);
- CAE (from B)
- (from B).
When enrolling in a German course, several language tests are also taken. Applicants can take Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (from 4444) or Goethe-Zertifikat C2. In addition, Deutsches Sprachdiplom or Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (from 2 points) are counted.
When studying at a preparatory school, a test certificate is not required. Instead, the applicant can attach a diploma of graduation from the Studienkolleg to the package of documents. In this case, any preparatory school Germany – there is one at the university itself.
Acceptance of documents for the summer semester lasts until January 15. When applying for the winter semester, you must be on time for June 15th.
It is also worth considering that the requirements for admission to some specialties may differ slightly. You can find out the exact information on the official website of the university.
Programs and faculties
The university offers bachelor's and master's degrees. In addition, the program includes doctoral and postgraduate education. The university also provides assistance to applicants and organizes language courses every year. At the moment, the structure of the university has received a significant expansion. The following faculties offer training:
- jurisprudence, economics;
- social science;
- pedagogy and new philology;
- psychology and sports sciences;
- evangelical, Catholic theology;
- philosophical and historical direction;
- linguistics and cultural studies;
- computer science and mathematics;
- geological and geographical disciplines;
- Faculty of Physics;
- biochemistry, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, biology and medicine;
- comparative religion;
- study of Islamic religion.
The Goethe University in Frankfurt makes another interesting offer to students - an MBA, which includes not only educational lectures, but also courses personal growth. The main feature of the program is direct contact between students and potential employers. The MBA has the format of a business school with an international focus.
Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt: history
The Goethe University in Germany has a rich and interesting story. The establishment has existed since 1484. However, at that time it did not have university status. For this reason, the opening year is considered to be 1914. At the same time, the university received a unique format. It was opened with great support from the townspeople themselves (including financial). Consequently, the management of the university was carried out not only by rectors and deans, but also by city residents.
The war period was the most difficult for the university. At this time, the composition of teachers was significantly reduced, because some of them were of Jewish origin. Moreover, many students left the institution (most often for political reasons). Several university buildings were also damaged during this period.
However, after the end of the war, the university managed to fully recover. Its structure was significantly expanded and over time the institution received state status. At the moment, the institution is one of the five largest universities in Germany. It has a prestigious status, because its diplomas are highly valued around the world. Every year the university accepts more than 45,000 students. Moreover, 15% of them are foreigners.
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How to enter the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University (part 1)
What to do if you are not admitted to university at a certain stage, how do students save 180 EUR monthly, and why should you study finance at Goethe Universit?t? And we will continue to communicate with Russian students who study in Germany. Today, a student from the Russian city of Yekaterinburg, continuing her studies in Germany, gives us answers to the questions that interest us. This time we will talk about the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University.
-Where do you study and why at this university?
I study at Goethe University (Goethe Universit?t) in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. In the master's program “M.Sc. International Economics and Economic Policy".
University (Goethe Universit?t) of Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
— How did you choose this country? When did you start preparing?
Studying in Germany was not my primary goal. I decided to study abroad and initially considered both European countries, America, and Scandinavian countries. But the situation that is now developing in the financial market in the world has made Germany, and Frankfurt in particular, the center where the most important economic decisions are made, where the European Parent Bank, the Federal Bank of Germany, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, as well as the headquarters of the largest German banks are located , including the “big three” - Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank and DZ Bank. Therefore, I think there is no better place to study finance.
— Are there grants or scholarships for students? Which?
The university itself does not provide any grants or scholarships, but Russian citizens have the opportunity to take part in the DAAD program. In particular ERP. The scholarships are paid by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs (BMWi) using funds from the European Recovery Program (ERP). This encourages foreign graduates of finance and economics to study in a postgraduate program in economics and finance at German universities and receive a diploma (usually a master's degree). More information can be found on the DAAD website.
— Tell us about the documents required for entry, preparation time, difficulties.
Each university in Germany has its own requirements for incoming students, as well as its own subtleties with submitting documents. All this can be found in the “Admission and Requirements” section of each program. Among my requirements were: 1) a statement of grades (at the time I applied, I did not yet have a bachelor’s degree), 2) recommendations from university teachers, a motivation letter. All universities are understanding of the fact that students who are still finishing their bachelor's degrees apply to them. And since documents are usually submitted six months before the start of the semester, or even more, the student will not yet have the diploma itself, and perhaps not all exams have been passed yet. Therefore, you can simply take a transcript of grades from the university, translate it and have it certified by a notary.
Financial center of Europe.. Frankfurt am Main, Germany
The program in which I am studying M.Sc IEEP has its advantages, documents are attached online, they will need to be provided in paper form upon enrollment. Of course, the earlier the application is submitted, the greater the chances of admission, so my advice is to apply at the very first deadline in March. When to start preparing is a personal question for everyone. A letter of motivation, letters of recommendation and other paper certificates and translations can be completed within a month. But you need to take exams (IELTS and GRE) seriously, start preparing in advance, pass, and then wait 3-4 weeks for the results, you need to keep this in mind and start preparing earlier.
— What did the entry process look like, what were its features?
The entry process is quite easy, Goethe has online form an application consisting of several pages; there is also a section where a resume, scanned originals of a diploma (or transcripts of grades), exam results and other documents are attached.
The recommendations are a bit confusing, because there is only room for email address teacher, according to which the system sends him a form for recommendation, and the student can only see when the recommendation has already been filled out, but cannot see the content.
Waiting for exam results
Next comes the hardest part—the waiting period. You can expect the first response 3-4 weeks after the first deadline. If a student does not pass the first selection, he will receive a letter either with a refusal or with a request to wait until the second deadline, which means that there are still free places in the program, and there is an opportunity to be enrolled, but from the next selection. With each subsequent one, there are fewer and fewer places available, so my advice is to apply on the first deadline.
To be continued…