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Studying in the Heart of Bavaria: A Closer Look at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
Eichstätt, Bavaria, Germany, with the former Rebdorf monastery (ca. 1156) in the Altmühl Valley. © picture alliance / Caro | Bastian
For anyone considering studying in Germany, a recent Spiegel feature highlights a truly unique institution: the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU). Nestled in the historic town of Eichstätt in Upper Bavaria, KU is the only Catholic university in the German-speaking world.
Although it receives 85 percent of its funding from the state and 15 percent from the Catholic Church, the university welcomes students of all faiths, cultural backgrounds, and nationalities.
Eichstätt itself looks as if it stepped straight out of a storybook. Baroque architecture, quiet green spaces, and the gently flowing Altmühl River create an atmosphere that feels both picturesque and serene. Students can hike up to the Willibaldsburg fortress for panoramic views, visit the impressive Eichstätt Cathedral, wander through the beautifully preserved old town, or explore the “Figurenfeld,” an open-air memorial artwork that invites reflection on history and humanity.
Despite its idyllic setting, Eichstätt is very much a student town. With about 14,000 residents and roughly 5,000 students, everyday life feels close-knit and accessible. Distances are short—most places can be reached within a five-minute walk. The campus stretches along the riverside, offering green spaces such as the Seminarwiese and the historic Hofgarten, a landscaped park with fountains and shady benches perfect for a break between classes.
Studying in Eichstätt is also remarkably affordable. The semester fee is currently only €78, and students typically pay around €300 per month for housing, with some residence hall rooms available at even lower rates. The university cafeteria is known for its good and inexpensive meals; a warm dish costs about €2.50, and during the summer months students can enjoy lunch outdoors on the terrace.
Eichstätt offers plenty of leisure opportunities as well: a public outdoor pool, free swimming spots along the Altmühl, poetry slams, creative evenings, concerts, and student-organized parties. Traditional Bavarian beer gardens invite visitors to enjoy a drink for just three or four euros—another reminder that this picturesque town remains refreshingly student-friendly.
For those seeking an academically strong, welcoming, and intimate study environment in one of Germany’s most beautiful natural regions, the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt offers an exceptional option.
Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
Left to right: Former prince-bishop's cavalier house, 17th century, Baroque; Restaurant in a medieval house in the old town; Leonrodplatz in the old town with the Cathedral of the Assumption (cathedral church of the Catholic Diocese of Eichstätt)
© picture alliance / imageBROKER | Helmut Meyer zur Capellen, picture alliance / Caro | Bastian
Willibaldsburg Castle reflected in the Altmühl River, Altmühltal, Eichstätt, Upper Bavaria.
© picture alliance / imageBROKER | Andreas Vitting; picture alliance / imageBROKER | Joachim Stingl
Left to right: Eichstätt Cathedral with café on Cathedral Square; Collegium Orientale in Eichstätt
© picture alliance / imageBROKER | Helmut Meyer zur Capellen; picture alliance / KNA | Christopher Beschnitt
Ornbau in the evening light, medieval stone bridge over the Altmühl River, Altmühl Bridge with wayside shrine, city gate, and St. James Parish Church in Ornbau, Bavaria.
© picture alliance / imageBROKER | Andreas Vitting