What is Jacobs University? 

Jacobs University Bremen is a federally recognized private, independent university in northern Germany, located between the larger cities of Amsterdam and Berlin. Founded in 1999, with the collaboration of Rice University (USA) and the University of Bremen (Germany), Jacobs University awards the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the natural sciences and engineering, and the humanities and social sciences in accordance with the requirements of the Bologna Accord. Approximately 1200 students (675 undergraduate and 525 graduate (Fall 2008)) from over 90 countries are pursuing their studies at the university’s 80-acre tree-lined campus in northern Bremen.The U.S.-styled admission process for each incoming class of approximately 250 undergraduate students is highly selective.

There are more than 94 world-class faculty members, visiting professors, and lecturers who are currently involved in transdisciplinary teaching and research at Jacobs University. With the recent completion of state-of-the-art laboratories, research facilities, and modern, comfortable residence halls, Jacobs University provides a superior setting for academically motivated, open-minded and engaged international students, who are serious about their studies. As graduates of the Classes of 2004 and 2005 accept jobs at prestigious international firms, or places in world-renowned graduate programs at universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Cornell, Yale, and Berkeley, Jacobs University is quickly establishing a sterling reputation worldwide.

 

Main Features

Only a small number of students from around the world are selected to join Jacobs University’s intensely diverse, intellectual community. From its strong, innovative and rigorous academic programs to the obvious advantages of a beautiful, hi-tech campus, Jacobs University offers a global university experience like no other. It is the following combination of key features that make Jacobs University such a unique institution:

Full English Language Programs: Both undergraduate and graduate programs are fully taught in English, although Jacobs University is in Germany. The advantages are clear. Attending an English-language university right after secondary school provides immediate opportunities for students who will enter the increasingly global workplace, in any professional capacity.

Internationality: With an international student population of 75% in 2006, Jacobs University provides an abundance of opportunities for students to live, learn, and collaborate together. The benefits of such an intensely multicultural environment contribute enormously to the development of tomorrow’s global leader.

Intensive Academic Preparation: The accredited degrees at Jacobs University combine elements of both European and American education. Jacobs University’s bachelor’s degree program, for example, condenses the American four-year program into three years, thus accommodating the standards of the European bachelor’s degree. The advantage is a degree that has already been recognized by some of the most reputable higher education institutions in the world.

Selectivity: Although international and cultural diversity, life experiences and the willingness to contribute to the successful functioning of our community are all important criteria in our student selection process, the admission team also focuses on the applicant’s potential ability to perform well in a rigorous academic environment. Most of our successful students were at the top of their high school class before matriculating at Jacobs University.

Transdisciplinarity: Another unique aspect to Jacobs University is that degree-seeking undergraduate students select their majors at the end of their first year, allowing them time to explore many different subjects, including some they may never have considered. For example, a biochemical engineering student is also expected to take classes in Jacobs University’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences, which offers courses ranging from literature or art history to sociology and economics. Jacobs University also provides a variety of courses taught by expert faculty members in different fields, which explore the important correlations between the worlds of science, the humanities, and beyond.

Modern Campus: A newly renovated campus, Jacobs University offers some of the most modern facilities available at a small university today. From wireless lecture halls and hi-tech laboratories to sports facilities and new residential colleges with single room accommodation, Jacobs University’s environment is ideal for the “renaissance” student, who is interested in the social and academic aspects offered by an outstanding international, intellectual community.

Bremen and Local Life: The 1,200-year-old city of Bremen, located
in the heart of northern Europe, serves as a wonderful college town. With its wide range of restaurants, pubs, museums, theaters and concert halls, students have ample opportunity to explore local culture. Host families, community volunteers, German language classes as well as campus activities help to ensure that students feel welcome and remain active citizens in their new home. The possibility of weekend trips or semester break travel to neighboring cities such as Hamburg, Hanover, Berlin, Cologne or Amsterdam further complement a university experience with an abundance of opportunities for exploration and growth.  

Undergraduate Contact Information (BA,BSc)

At the undergraduate level, applications are centrally processed.
Applicants apply to the university and not to a specific major.

Applying for an Undergraduate (Bachelor's) Program: Secondary school graduates may pursue a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree at Jacobs University. The best time to apply is approximately one year before the desired term of entrance into university. Our first round deadline is December 1st. Please refer to our website for the Round II, III, and IV deadlines. The undergraduate application requirements include:

See www.jacobs-university.de/node/235/ for more details on admission requirements.

 

Applying for a Graduate Program: For individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, following the successful completion of an undergraduate degree, Jacobs University relies on a field-specific admission process involving faculty and staff members of the particular school. In general, an application essay or a research proposal, proof of English language proficiency, writing samples and prior university transcripts will be required. We encourage you to examine the research interests of our faculty to help guide you with your program search. Please consult the following web pages for graduate-specific admission information:

See www.jacobs-university.de/graduate-admission for more details on graduate admission requirements.