The founding of the University of Bonn in 1818 fell into an era of idealism and enlightenment. Of particular importance for the new university was the spirit of Wilhelm von Humboldt's Prussian cultural policy, which has been preserved until today. Today, the University of Bonn still feels committed to the Humboldtian ideal of unity of research and teaching.
Our mission is to deliver the highest level of education and support for our students and junior researchers, and to provide an environment conducive to free academic discussion and scientific exchange.
We aim to provide optimal conditions for research in order to attract the best scientists and enable them to address fundamental research questions that underlie and define major scientific, technological and societal challenges. We believe this is best achieved by fostering a collaborative and innovative research culture in a framework that promotes individual creativity and early independence.
The University of Bonn is a globally respected and international research university with a clear academic profile and defined fields of excellence in research. Some indicators of the success of Bonn’s researchers include two Nobel Prizes, two Fields Medals, numerous Leibniz Prizes and other academic honors as well as third-party funds amounting to about 154 million euros, which are raised each year in stiff competition with other researchers. As of 2019, the University of Bonn has six Clusters of Excellence - more than any other German university and is one of eleven Universities of Excellence in Germany.
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 15 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 157 | 164 | 179 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By TopUniversities
Dropped 2 places compared to 2026
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 227 | 207 | 209 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 89 | 92 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 61 | 68 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
The International Office coordinates international activities at the University of Bonn. It is the central contact point for students and researchers from abroad – before, while and after their time spent at the University. It also supports students and researchers of the University of Bonn in all aspects around international mobility and collaboration. Lead by the Director of the International Office and comprising four sections, the division organizes the necessary resources for its activities and projects. Working closely with the Vice-Rector for International Affairs, the Director of the International Office is also responsible for the strategic internationalization of the University of Bonn.
Finding an affordable room can be a challenge for many new students in Bonn. This task may be especially difficult for international students without sufficient German language skills. The Studierendenwerk Bonn - an independent public institution – offers subsidized rooms in student residences.
Bonn University Library is one of Bonn University‘s main institutions. It supplies scholars, researchers and students with the books, publications and information needed for university studies, teaching, research and continuing education.Additionally, it lends scientific and scholarly publications to residents of Bonn and the surrounding area.
The University Computer Center (HRZ) operates the information technology services for research, teaching and study, which must be organized centrally, and as a service provider in the university, makes its expertise available in the field of information technology (IT).
The health care system in Bonn is excellent. A high density of doctors, hospitals and pharmacies guarantees outstanding treatment.
The University uses more than 350 buildings scattered all over Bonn. The most impressive site is undoubtedly the historic Main Building located in the city center. It was originally the palatial residence of the prince electors and is now home to the arts and the theological faculties. Together with the adjacent Hofgarten park, this architectural landmark is an important ingredient of the University of Bonn's unmistakable charm.
The University, its faculties, centers and facilities form a city within the city. And both of these cities are closely intertwined. Everywhere you go, you come across students and the academic world. Bonn and its University form a harmonious and intimate unity.
The university has its own gym and great sports facilities. Apart from university sports, there are many sports clubs in Bonn which you can join.
At the University of Bonn, numerous international student associations exist - and they are looking forward to your contribution.
Based on 100 reviews
I started my Master's recently, so I haven't been able to fully experience all of the facilities yet. The professors have been supportive and flexible in their teaching approach, and overall I'm satisfied with my experience so far, even though the workload can be quite demanding at times.
University of Bonn has varieties of course structure where a student can choose their preferable subjects. Quality of education is fairly good and a student can really learn a lot of practical things if he/she completed the course properly and follows the guideline. Moreover, the campus is really nice, library facilities are very good. The city Bonn is also very nice live, as a student there are opportunities for finding part time jobs during the study. Overall I suggest it if a student is really motivated and from the research background. Otherwise it is difficult to survive.
I like the professors fluency in Agriculture. They need to focused more on practical. Niether too bad nor too good.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
How would you rate your overall study experience?
How helpful were your teachers?
How simple was it to apply to your programme?
How was your everyday life?
Did the university provide support for your career development?
Wishlist