Newsletter from the Welcome Centre

Dear international academics,

As spring has arrived in Passau, we hope that you are all well and enjoying the first warmer days of the year. Our Newsletter will inform you about upcoming research related opportunities and exciting events and activities in and around Passau this summer. We hope you enjoy reading!

For those who are new to Passau or do not know us yet: We at the Welcome Centre are your first point of contact for all non-academic questions about life on campus and in Passau. If you need support, feel free to reach out to us. We are happy to help you and your family settle in and feel at home.

P.S. To make your start in Passau as smooth as possible, we have created a city map for you. It includes important points of contact (such as local authorities), as well as practical tips, including an overview of discounters, sports and swimming opportunities, and much more. Please take a look at it here.

Warm regards,

Your Welcome Centre Team

Our upcoming Event: Get together at Hacklberg Beergarden

To kick off the beergarden season, catch up with old friends and meet new people, we warmly invite you to our first get together of the year at Hacklberg beergarden. Join us for a relaxed evening in a traditional beer garden atmosphere and enjoy Bavarian and seasonal specialities.

We are planning a short 25-minutes walk to get there, starting from the Central Bus Station (ZOB) at 17:00. If you prefer taking the bus, use line 5 (direction Patrichinig or Fattinger Straße) and get off at "Schulstraße".

We are looking forward to spending a nice evening with you! As always, your family and friends are also invited.

Please register for the event by sending us an email: researchmobility@uni-passau.de.

P.S. As the event will take place outdoors, we are hoping for good weather. However, in case of rain, we would unfortunately have to reschedule.

Date: Wednesday, 13 May

Meeting Point: 17:00 at ZOB

Calls for Applications: PICAIS Research-in-Residence Fellowships and Academic Event Funding at the University of Passau

The Passau International Centre for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (PICAIS) at the University of Passau invites applications worldwide from internationally established academics as well as from promising junior researchers at the postdoctoral level for Research-in-Residence Fellowships and Academic Event Funding at the University of Passau, Germany.

Research-in-Residence Fellowship

  • Funding of a visiting position for Junior or Senior researchers at the University of Passau
  • Funding includes cost of accommodation and living expense, travel costs/mobility allowance, research cost contribution
  • Duration: 2 - 6 months
  • Eligibility: researchers/academics holding a doctorate
  • Applications must be endorsed by a member of the University of Passau, who will act as their host

Academic Event Funding

  • Funding of academic events to be held in Passau
  • Aims at international networking and cooperation between researchers at different career stages; exchange of ideas on innovative research issues
  • Eligibility: researchers/academics holding a doctorate
  • Applications must include a member of the University of Passau who acts as the main organizer of the event, externals act as co-organizers

The next application deadline for the above mentioned PICAIS funding programmes is: Friday, 15 May 2026.

Please refer to the PICAIS website for detailed information regarding the requirements of the application, eligibility criteria, selection procedure, and application forms.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the PICAIS office (picais-office@uni-passau.de) at any time.

KSL & Lehre+ Programme for International Lecturers for the Summer Semester 2026

The team from KSL (Executive Support Unit for Competency Development in Study and Teaching) & LEHRE+ have put together a highly interesting and varied programme for International Lecturers for the summer semester 2026. For the full programme, please check the Lehre+ website.

The following courses are held in English language:

68952 Sprachkurs: English as a medium of instruction (English Conversation for professors and assistant professors) (SoSe 26)

Date: 22.04.2026

Time: 12:00 – 14:00

Location: NK, SR 412a

68962 Seminar: Teaching in Intercultural Learning Environments (in english) (SoSe 26)

Dates and Times: 09.06.2026 at 14:00 – 17:15, 12.06.2026 at 09:00 – 12:15

Location: Online via Zoom

You can register for the courses via Stud.IP.

Get together for Doctoral Students

Are you a doctoral candidate at the University of Passau? Join the get together event for doctoral students from all fields and faculties at the University of Passau. Whether you are employed, on a scholarship, not yet registered, or have just submitted your thesis—everyone is welcome! Get togethers are announced via Stud.IP. To sign up, see here.

The next get together takes place on Saturday, 25 April from 19:00 at the wine bar Chaplin. Please find more information on Stud.IP.

Plant cuttings available at the Welcome Centre

You just settled in Passau and want to make your new place feel a bit more like home? Or you have been here for a while and would like to add something green into your apartment?

At the Welcome Centre, we have a small selection of plants and plant cuttings that are looking for a new home. Feel free to stop by during our opening hours (Monday - Thursday, 09:00 - 12:00) and pick your favourite.

You find us in the Administration Building (Verwaltungsgebäude, VW), room 105.

Farmers' Markets and Flea Markets in Summer

If you enjoy visiting farmer's markets to buy fresh vegetables, fruits or other food, or if you would like to stroll through a flea market on the weekend, we have some great suggestions for you:

Weekly Farmer's Market at Klostergarten

Every Tuesday and Friday, the farmer's market takes place at Klostergarten from 07:00 to 12:30. Thanks to its central location right next to the central bus station (ZOB), it is easy reachable by bus or on foot. Here, you will find fresh vegetables, fruits, and baked goods from local vendors.

Weekend Market in Front of the Passauer Cathedral

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Passau Cathedral, this weekly market takes place every Saturday. Between 07:00 and 14:00, you can shop for fresh delicacies.

Flea Market at the Inn Promenade

During the summer months (March - October), the well-known flea market at the boardwalk of the River Inn takes place every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Between 08:00 and 18:00, you can stop by during a city stroll.

ORA-Fleamarket in Andorf (Austria)

If you fancy a short day trip to Austria, you can easily reach the Ora-Fleamarket by train. Covering an area of around 400 square meters, you will find a wide range of everyday items, clothing, furniture, books, and much more. You can also enjoy coffee and cake. Opening hours are every Tuesday from 09:00 to 13:00, every Friday from 09:00 am to 17:00, and every first Saturday of the month from 09:00 am to 12:00. P.S. When booking your train ticket, make sure to use the Austrian railway provider ÖBB.

Recommendation Corner: Events In And Outside Passau This Summer

Passauer Maidult Festival

The Passau Maidult is back! At this typical folk festival, guests are welcomed in beer tents and offered a variety of Bavarian delicacies, funfair rides and live music. Every year, the latest attractions as well as the classics pay a visit to Passau. Do not miss out and book your place well in advance.

Date: 30 April - 10 May 2026

For more information, see here.

Music Night (Nacht der Musik)

Music Night is a great way to experience Passau's musical side. During this special night, the whole Old Town turns into a music festival. Stages are placed at the most beautiful spots and invite you to listen to a broad variety of music. From rock to classic and folk to jazz, you can enjoy a wonderful evening within a stunning scenery.

Date: 16 May 2026

Umsonst & Draußen (Free & Outdoor) Festival

For this music and food festival, the courtyard of Hacklberg Brewery is becoming an open-air stage - free of charge and outdoors. Enjoy live performances in a cosy atmosphere, for example while trying local food at various food trucks or sitting at traditional beer tables. For families, there is a children's porgramme to keep younger guests entertained.

Date: 22 May - 25 May

Location: Hacklberg Bräuhausplatz

Oide Dult Passau

This traditional folk festival at Klostergarten is smaller than the Maidult and offers nostalgic attractions like the "Schiffschaukel" (swing boat) and brass band music without amplification.

Date: 1 June - 7 June 2026

European Weeks Festival (Festspiele Europäische Wochen)

Since 1952 this festival is Europe's largest cultural festival in the border region of Eastern Bavaria, Upper Austria and Bohemia. Over several weeks, the programme includes a concerts, theatre and exhibitions. For more information, see here.

Date: 20 June - 26 July

Traditional Bridge Festival (Brückenfest)

This small festival turns the Prinzregent-Luitpold Bridge, popularly known as the "Hängebrücke" (suspension bridge) into a festival site. Guests can enjoy not only various small stages for music, but also delicious and traditional food and drinks.

Date: 12 June - 12 July 2026

Art Night (Kunstnacht)

Passau Art Night is another annual summer highlight. For one night, galleries, studios and exhibitions open their doors, accompanied by art installations and performances. This is a great opportunity to dive into Passau's art scene on a city stroll.

Date: 18 July 2026

Eulenspiegel Zeltfestival

At the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz (the so-called “Three Rivers Corner”) Eulenspiegel Tent Festival has been held for over 30 years. Well-known cabaret artists from across the region and international musicians perform in the circus tent, while outside there is a beautiful beer garden with a beach-like atmosphere.

For more information, see here.

Date: 8 July - 26 July 2026

Around and Outside Passau

Ars Elektronica Linz

If you are passionate about both art and technology, the Ars Electronica Festival 2026 in Linz (Austria) is well worth a visit. The festival brings together media art, creativity and innovation and is a globally unique festival for art, technology, and society.

For more information, see here.

Date: 09 September - 13 September 2026

Travel to the State Exhibition "Music in Bavaria" in Freyung by Ilztalbahn

This year, the city of Freyung is hosting the Bavarian State Exhibition "Music in Bavaria". You can take a day trip to Freyung on the historic Ilztalbahn. On weekends and public holidays, the Ilztalbahn takes you directly from Passau to Freyung. Timetables and further information can be found on the Ilztalbahn website.

Date: 25 April - 8 November (travels with Ilztalbahn from May to mid October)

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V.i.S.d.P.: Universität Passau, Innstraße 41, 94032 Passau
Welcome Centre, Tel.:0851/509 -1169
Contact for any queries: researchmobility@uni-passau.de