Giessen, the city with the highest student density in Germany relative to its population, hosts an academic tradition of over 400 years with the Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), founded in 1607. This prestigious institution, named after Justus von Liebig, one of the founders of modern chemistry, is one of Europe's top research centers in the fields of medicine, veterinary medicine, life sciences and cultural studies.
Featured Faculties
- Veterinary Medicine — One of Germany's best and largest veterinary faculties, an authority in Europe.
- Medicine (Humanmedizin) — A Cluster of Excellence with its centers for biomedical research, infectious diseases and lung research.
- Law and Economics — Modern legal education and in-depth analyses on EU law.
- Natural Sciences and Biology — Enormous laboratories that carry on the legendary legacy of Justus von Liebig.
Application Requirements
In addition to a high school diploma, candidates applying at the bachelor's level from Turkey must have been placed into a 4-year bachelor's program in Turkey as a result of the YKS. JLU Giessen accepts the majority of international applications via the Uni-Assist portal with a VPD document.
Language Proficiency
- German: DSH-2, TestDaF (4x4), telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or Goethe-Zertifikat C2.
- English: IELTS Academic minimum 6.5, TOEFL iBT minimum 80-90.
The Hessen Ticket Advantage
One of the biggest financial advantages of being a student in Giessen is the Semesterticket scheme included in the tuition fee. Thanks to this ticket, you can use all regional trains within the state of Hessen (including Frankfurt, Marburg and Kassel) completely free of charge.
2026 Cost of Living
- Accommodation (Dormitory / WG): 350 € — 550 €.
- Health Insurance: 120 € — 135 €.
- Food and Social Life: 300 € — 450 €.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education at JLU Giessen paid?+
No, education at public universities in the state of Hessen is free. Only an administrative fee of approximately 300 € per semester is paid, and this also covers the free transportation ticket within the state of Hessen.
Is the city of Giessen safe for international students?+
Absolutely. Giessen, the vast majority of whose population consists of students and academics, is one of Germany's safest and most tolerant cities.
Can I be admitted to JLU by learning German from scratch?+
The university does not have direct language education from scratch. However, by receiving conditional admission, you can first bring your language up to the B2/C1 level in private language courses, and then begin your education by passing the DSH exam.
JLU Giessen may be a great choice, but it is best to decide with the full process in view. From choosing a programme to language exams, application timelines and budgeting, our guide to studying at a university in Germany helps you make the right call.




