Paderborn University: List of all tuition-free study programs (2026/27)

University of Paderborn, founded in 1972, is a public research university with over 20,000 students across five faculties in Paderborn (150,000 residents), North Rhine-Westphalia, specializing in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, and information technology. This relatively young university offers programs in arts and humanities, business administration, natural sciences, mechanical engineering, and notably strong computer science and electrical engineering departments, with research excellence in areas like parallel computing, photonics, and automated driving through institutes including the Heinz Nixdorf Institute and Paderborn Center for Parallel Computing. Located in eastern Westphalia approximately 50 minutes from Dortmund and two hours from Cologne, Paderborn combines small-city affordability with living costs around €650-850 monthly in a compact university town where the campus forms a significant part of local identity, though the provincial setting offers limited cultural amenities compared to larger Rhine-Ruhr cities. Programs operate primarily in German requiring B2-C1 proficiency for bachelor's degrees, with competitive admission in computer science and engineering programs typically requiring strong mathematics grades, while English-taught master's programs in computer science and electrical engineering attract international students to this technology-focused institution.