Paderborn University

Paderborn University is one of the mid-sized universities in Germany with a strong focus on research and transfer. Our five faculties - Arts and Humanities, Business Administration and Economics, Mechanical Engineering, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Mathematics - offer 70 study programmes. In addition, there are about 166 subject combinations in the field of teacher training.

Within our key research areas, Paderborn University has made a name for itself with internationally recognised excellence in research. While always keeping society's needs in mind, scientists at Paderborn University are working on the technologies of the future. Research at Paderborn University is characterised by the development of sustainable solutions for the pressing challenges of our time. Cooperations with other universities, companies, and research associations - nationally and internationally - contribute to our University's excellent networks and infrastructure.

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Find a suit­able de­gree pro­gramme

We offer numerous Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes with various subject combinations. Discover our attractive range of degree programmes and find the right option for your future. Curious?

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16980
students
Date: November 2024
66.2 MM €
in third-party funding
Date: December 2024
350 +
spin-offs from our university
Date: March 2025

News

09.10.2025

In­creas­ing tax com­plex­ity: grow­ing bur­den for com­pan­ies world­wide

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08.10.2025

"Con­tem­por­ary Ger­man Lit­er­at­ure": Well-known au­thors as guests at Pader­born Uni­ver­sity

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08.10.2025

Pader­born Uni­ver­sity sci­ent­ist elec­ted Vice Pres­id­ent of the Ger­man Nu­tri­tion So­ci­ety

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07.10.2025

More than 3,000 stu­dents start at Pader­born Uni­ver­sity

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02.10.2025

New in the winter semester 2025/26: Pub­lic lec­ture pro­gramme at Pader­born Uni­ver­sity

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02.10.2025

"Sys­tem­at­ic­ally set­ting the course for the fu­ture": MEP Ver­ena Mer­tens vis­its Pader­born Uni­ver­sity

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29.09.2025

EU pro­ject "IN­NOVADE": Op­por­tun­it­ies and risks of di­git­al tech­no­lo­gies for demo­cracy

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22.09.2025

Busi­ness Spon­sor­ship Prize: Pader­born Uni­ver­sity hon­ours 265 young tal­ents

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19.09.2025

Dead­line ex­ten­ded: study entry for last-minute stu­dents at Pader­born Uni­ver­sity

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18.09.2025

Di­git­al top­ic series: Ori­ent­a­tion in study­ing in OWL

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17.09.2025

In­tel­li­gent op­tim­isa­tion mod­els for sus­tain­able neigh­bour­hoods

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16.09.2025

Pader­born Uni­ver­sity re­search­er chairs the jury of crit­ics for the Ger­man Youth Lit­er­at­ure Prize

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Events

13.10.2025 - 17.10.2025

Au­tumn uni­ver­sity "girls only" and "all gender"

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13.10.2025

Can­celled: Postdoc Lunch

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13.10.2025 - 16.10.2025

Erasmus Days 2025: Work­shops and in­form­a­tion events

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13.10.2025 - 13.10.2025

PPIK col­loqui­um series: hy­brid kick-off event

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14.10.2025

Film screen­ing of "Naus­ica? of the Val­ley of the Wind" at the Licht­blick art­house cinema

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15.10.2025 - 16.10.2025

Dur­ing the au­tumn hol­i­days: Work­shop on study choice ori­ent­a­tion for pu­pils at Pader­born Uni­ver­sity

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Study pro­grammes, Teach­ing and PAUL

The range of courses offered at Paderborn University is very diverse. With study programmes that are, to date, unique in Germany, we provide offers that are just as exceptional as our students. Many study programmes also have international profiles ¨C which means that our graduates make a good impression all over the world.

Teaching at Paderborn University is defined by quality ¨C as well as by the dedication and motivation of our academics.

Our campus management system ¡°PAUL¡± guides you through your studies and teaching.

A scientist sits behind an experimental apparatus that is out of focus in the foreground and follows the course of the experiment.

Re­search

Fundamental, application-oriented, interdisciplinary and internationally oriented: research at Paderborn University is a team effort dedicated to the great questions of the future. We are building sustainable values and innovations, making them accessible to society, business, and industry.

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Two interlocked gears are held by one hand, a third gear engages from the right. In the background, a very blurred part of the lettering attached to Building O of Paderborn University "... best way to predict THE FUTURE" is visible in the background.

Trans­fer

At Paderborn University, researchers and students work together in numerous collaborations with partners in business, society, politics, and culture. We create space for open discourse and pave the way for innovative ideas. Our University has one of the highest spin-off rates in the state of North-Rhine Westphalia.

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A rotating globe is placed on the floor of the spacious entrance area of Paderborn University. In the background, a part of Building I can be seen out of focus.

In­ter­na­tion­al

A strong network around the globe: we want to tackle societal challenges in cooperation with international partners. In order to advance our internationalisation, we at Paderborn University make an effort to focus on global orientation and create a campus that provides space for intercultural encounters.

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Key top­ics in re­search

Quantum Research

Quantum Re­search

For many years, the study of the smallest particles of light has been one of the key research areas of Paderborn University. Recognized experts conduct excellent fundamental research in order to shape the future through concrete applications. Thus, they are decisively advancing quantum research in Germany and beyond.

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Artificial Intelligence

Ar­ti­fi­cial In­tel­li­gence

Artificial intelligence has long been a part of our lives. At Paderborn University, academics from various disciplines are researching the fundamentals and effects of AI in order to make human-machine interaction both useful and transparent for society.

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High Per­form­ance Com­put­ing

The "Noctua 2" and "Otus" supercomputer are the hearts of Paderborn University's high-performance computing centre. Our scientists use high-performance computing to set international standards in computer systems research. Researchers throughout Germany benefit from the computing capacities to conduct science at the highest level.

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Work­ing at Pader­born Uni­ver­sity

Paderborn University employs around 2,600 people from over 20 different nationalities in a lively working environment. We offer exciting employment opportunities, support for your personal development, and an inclusive working culture. Become part of a dynamic, international team!

 

Cer­ti­fic­ates

Audit Family-Friendly University

In 2005, Paderborn University underwent the audit family-friendly university and was awarded a certificate as the first university in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The certificate was confirmed with distinction in June 2025 in recognition of the university's long-standing commitment.

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HR Excellence in Research

In February 2025, Paderborn University was honoured with the ¡®HR Excellence in Research Award¡¯. With this award, the European Commission recognises universities and research institutions that systematically work to improve the working conditions of their researchers.

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DHV seal of approval for fair and transparent appointment negotiations

Paderborn University was awarded the DHV seal of approval for fair and transparent appointment negotiations by the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (DHV) on 1 June 2024.

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HRK-Audit Internationalisation of Universities

Paderborn University has successfully completed the HRK-Audit Internationalisation of Universities on 27 November 2023.

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Charter for the Reconciliation of Career and Care

In April 2023, Paderborn University signed the Charter for reconciliation of career and care.

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Audit Diversity-Friendly University

On 15 March 2023, berufundfamilie¡¯s board of trustees awarded Paderborn University with the audit certificate.

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Diversity Charter & Association

In October 2011, Paderborn University signed the Diversity Charter.

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TOTAL E-QUALITY

Paderborn University received the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for its equal opportunities-oriented personnel policy for the first time in 2009.

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[Translate to English:] Logo Zertifikat ?audit familiengerechte hochschule¡°
HRK-Audit
Charter on Reconciliation of Work and Care
Logo "audit vielfaltgerechte hochschule" certificate
Logo of the "Charter of Diversity" voluntary commitment
Logo of the "TOTAL E-QUALITY" initiative