Living & Working in Kiel
Happiness lives in the North
The happiest people in Germany live in Schleswig-Holstein! The latest results of the SKL Happiness Atlas 2023 once again show Schleswig-Holstein at the top of the list for life satisfaction in Germany. With an impressive score of 7.21 out of 10, the inhabitants of the northernmost federal state have defended their top position.
Kiel is a relaxed city by the sea – enjoying the wide expanse of the Baltic Sea, but also the short distances of a compact city, with a great deal of tradition and a city image that has developed continuously over the years.
Kiel has a lot to offer away from its waterfront, too: with its theatres, museums, galleries and a broad range of restaurants and events, Kiel is also the cultural centre of Schleswig-Holstein. Every year the city celebrates Kieler Woche, the biggest summer festival in northern Europe and the world’s largest sailing event.
Please find more information on Kiel Sailing City.
Useful information for international employees
The International Center (IC) at Kiel University establishes and promotes the University’s relationships with other institutions internationally. It coordinates all questions concerning partnerships between universities and international contacts. It supports international researchers, manages international student registration, advises and assists international students, and provides advice to Kiel University’s students about study and internship abroad.
The Graduate Center (GC) provides information about the doctorate, consulting about funding, interdisciplinary qualification free of charge, support for networking with other doctoral candidates, career advice, and helpful tips concerning specific questions on the doctorate. The Postdoc Center supports and promotes postdocs during their next career steps after the doctorate.
The Welcome Center assists international scientists and scholars coming to Kiel University, either as an employee of the university or as a guest professor, visiting researcher, scholar, or fellowship/scholarship recipient. The Welcome Center informs on matters such as visas and residence permits, housing, health, liability and accident insurance, registering as a resident, how to open a bank account, the tax office and matters regarding accompanying family members.
Kiel University’s Guest Houses are where international researchers reside during their limited stays at the University, whether they are in Kiel to teach, do research or undergo specialized training. Kiel University has more than three guest houses that provide a total of 74 residential units containing 120 beds in a choice location in Kiel.
The administration of the three guest houses is handled directly by the Kiel University’s International Center.
Contact for Guest Houses:
Frau Isolda Ritter
International Center
Westring 400
24118 Kiel
Tel.: +49-(0)431-880-3721
Fax: +49-(0)431-880-1666
Email: iritter@uv.uni-kiel.de