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Studying just across the border from Czechia

Studying just across the border from Czechia

If you're Czech and interested in studying in Germany, let us welcome you in Passau. Look through the information below to get an overview of everything you need to know.

Find out which degree programmes we offer, how straightforward it is to secure a place, and why it's definitely worth studying in Passau.

In our FAQ, especially for potential students from the Czech Republic, you will find useful information about studying in Germany (insurance, student status, etc.)!

Your study options in Passau

At the University of Passau, you can choose between 21 undergraduate degree programmes from the following subject areas:

Languages and cultures

Languages and cultures
Studierende unterhalten sich im Hrsaal

Languages and cultures

Computer science and mathematics degree programmes

Computing & mathematics

Computing & mathematics

Computer science and mathematics degree programmes

Gruppe Studierender schaut auf einen Laptop

Computing & mathematics

Teacher education programmes in Passau

Teacher education at the University of Passau covers four types of school teacher qualifications. The degree programmes culminate with a German state examination.

Teacher education

Teacher education

Teacher education programmes in Passau

Teacher education at the University of Passau covers four types of school teacher qualifications. The degree programmes culminate with a German state examination.

Studierende am Lesen

Teacher education

Are you looking for a master's programme?

It's easy to secure your place in Passau:

Good news: it is just as easy to enrol at our university with a Czech Maturita and German certificate (B2) as with a German Abitur.

You can enrol directly online via our campus portal during the enrolment period and secure your place. Currently, all undergraduate degree programmes at the University of Passau are admission free, which means there is no NC (numerus clausus). There are only entrance tests for the teacher education programmes for the subjects sports and art.

If you have a Czech high school diploma or a diploma from another country outside the European Economic Area, you can find out more about the application process here:

www.uni-passau.de/en/apply

(This includes information about the deadlines and your personalised application guide).

Live your best life in Passau:

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This is why you may want to choose to study in Passau:

  • Exciting interdisciplinary degree programmes
  • Passau, as a study city favoured by many students, offers:
    • Scenic city by three rivers with "holiday destination" vibes
    • Huge campus with many opportunities for students
  • An opportunity to study abroad without moving way too far away from friends & family
  • Direct contact with the Czech community of students in Passau – Communitas Bohemica
  • Very good train and bus connections - straight bus connection from Prague to Passau
  • International opportunities in every degree programme – exchange semesters, Erasmus
  • Amazing choice of foreign language classes taught by native speakers
  • Very good reputation of the University
  • Direct enrolment is possible – without entrance test, without NC!

Not sure yet? Read our FAQs – frequently asked questions by applicants from Czechia

Application and enrolment

The German language requirements vary depending on the degree programme you are applying for.

  • Programmes taught in German will require you to include a German certificate with your application
  • Programmes taught in English accept applications without needing a German language certificate. However, you will have to take some German classes once you are here. By the end of the first year of study, you'll need to attain a certificate showing basic language skills.

Of course! The university offers a wide range of German classes, from the level of A1 to C2. You can check out the Language Centre.

You can easily enrol with your German high school diploma.

In principle, all undergraduate degree programmes at the University of Passau (programmes which end with a Bachelor's degree or state examination) are NC-free; you do not have to take an entrance exam to be admitted.

You only have to pass an admissions test for the teacher education programmes specialising in sports and art. Details are explained on the pages about the study requirements for each teacher education programme.

Recognition of academic achievements

Yes, but you’ll need to apply for it. To be acknowledged as a regular Czech student, you’ll have to send a copy of your matriculation to the Czech Ministry of Education and wait for about two months for the confirmation.

It’s easier than it seems! You can fill out a form and send it directly per post to the Czech Ministry of Education (MŠMT). You can get more information on the MŠMT website.

Travel and accommodation

Arrival by train: The city of Passau is very well connected to the rail network. You can buy tickets for student prices through IDOS or mujvlak.cz. You will probably change trains in Linz or Regensburg.

Travel by coach: A cheap alternative costing around €15 is to travel by Flixbus, which connects Passau directly with Prague.

Arriving by car: Passau is also easy to reach by car from the Czech Republic via the highway or main roads. It takes about three hours from Prague to Passau via the town of Strakonice.

In order to enrol at the University of Passau, you must provide proof of health insurance. Travel health insurance is not sufficient. You have two options:

  • You can have your existing insurance recognised: If you already have health insurance in the Czech Republic and your insurance also covers you during your studies in Germany, then you can have your Czech insurance ‘recognised’ by a German statutory health insurance company. The University will then be informed electronically about this so-called ‘exemption from compulsory insurance’ for enrolment.
  • You take out new health insurance in Germany: You can join a statutory health insurance company or take out private health insurance with a German provider, provided the private insurance fulfils certain criteria.

Please note that your decision at the beginning of your studies is valid for the entire duration of your studies. After a short period of time, it will be impossible to change your type of health insurance until you graduate.

You can find more information on our website on health insurance for international students.

Find out more about the various housing options on our page about student accommodation in Passau. You can choose between state, religious, or private student halls, shared flats, or single apartments. Compared to large cities, the housing market in Passau is relatively affordable and stable.

Organising your studies

If you move to Passau, you must register your new place of residence with the city of Passau within the first two weeks.

Yes, there are study programmes that offer courses in English as well. For example, International Cultural and Business Studies/Kulturwirtschaft offers many lectures combining both languages. However, for most bachelor's degrees, German remains the sole teaching language.

No, all foreign language classes are completely free! So, if you ever thought about learning one of the languages we offer, don’t hesitate to start!

Yes, you can spend one or two semesters at a college or university abroad as part of your studies in Passau. The University of Passau has more than 260 partner universities worldwide, including eleven institutions in Czechia. Find out more about studying abroad.

Students from Czechia can work under the same conditions as German students.

Find out online how much you can work alongside your studies and what requirements there are for working during and outside lecture periods.

Community and job opportunities

Of course! We are delighted to have a vibrant Czech community in Passau - Communitas Bohemica. A community of the same people – sharing the same struggles and helping each other in a foreign country.

The University of Passau provides great careers skills courses, helping each student to enter the career path they’ve always dreamed of. Furthermore, there is a careers fair on campus, which takes place twice a year and opens doors to many local and international organisations. Don’t hesitate to stop by if you are looking for a job or suitable internship!

How much does it cost to study in Passau?

Visit our page about costs of living in Passau and funding options to get an overview of how much you need to budget. Generally, everyday living costs are comparable to those in Czechia. Accommodation in Passau may be slightly more expensive than in comparable Czech cities, but lower than in Prague and lower than in larger German cities. 

Besides the living costs, you will have to pay a semester contribution fee twice a year - currently 118 euros - which includes a season ticket for buses in the city of Passau.

Any other questions?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Academic Advice Service: Just contact us by e-mail at advice@uni-passau.de or by phone at 0851/509-1154. We look forward to your questions! You can find more information on the Academic Advice Service web page​​​​

Communitas Bohemica: Czech group connecting the Czech, German, and Slovak cultures together. Contact us via Instagram DM @communitasbohemica or e-mail at communitasbohemica@gmail.com

Find us on social media

Want to see more about studying in Passau? Then find us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube!

Our stunning university campus

Have an online stroll around our beautiful campus: visit  virtualtour.uni-passau.de

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