1 518 of the newly enrolled students are starting their first year of studies. 35 % of the new enrolments come from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, 65 percent from the remaining federal states, or from abroad. The degree courses in law, medicine, and secondary school education were particularly popular. 207 students, that’s an increase of approximately 70 percent in comparison to last year, chose to study the reformed degree course in secondary school education.
There is also an international side to the University of Greifswald: 162 students from 55 countries enrolled for the first time this winter semester. A total of 931 international students from 110 countries are now studying at the University of Greifswald.
Rector Prof. Dr. Katharina Riedel encouraged the new students to remain curious, to ask questions, and not to be disheartened by initial difficulties. “I hope you will experience the joy of suddenly understanding something that was previously unfathomable to you,” said Riedel. Studying is also about discovering one’s own interests, engaging with previously unfamiliar topics, and maybe even getting involved in research projects. Riedel encouraged the freshers to take a look beyond the boundaries of their own subject areas, to discuss matters with members of teaching staff, and gain new perspectives. The University provides them with the freedom to approach questions, whose answers and immediate application are yet to have been determined. They should use this freedom as a chance.
In addition to a good turnout of freshers, Susanne Bowen, State Secretary in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Ministry of Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs, representing Minister of Science Bettina Martin, and Dr. Stefan Fassbinder, Mayor of the University and Hanseatic Town of Greifswald, attended the ceremony.
The official ceremony was followed by the traditional Student Welcome Event on the cathedral square, which is organised jointly by the University and the University and Hanseatic Town of Greifswald. The stalls provided students with information on study-related offers and campus life, as well as the opportunity to connect with new contacts.
Final enrolment numbers at the end of October
The freshers were able to find out more about student life in Greifswald, get to know their fellow students, and become acquainted with the town and campus during Freshers Week, which took place the week before the Opening Ceremony. A special thank you must go to the Students’ Union (AStA), which organised a varied programme and helped the new students settle into life at the university and in the town.
Applicants with educational backgrounds in Germany can still enrol for certain degree courses at the University of Greifswald until 16 October 2026, in individual cases and upon request, even until 30 October, which means that the final enrolment numbers will not be available until November.
Contact at the University of Greifswald
University Communications
Domstraße 11, Entrance 2, 17489 Greifswald
Tel.: +49 3834 420 1150
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