Lifelong learning at the University of Erfurt

Learning doesn’t stop when you finish school, nor does it end with your first job. At the University of Erfurt, you can attend lectures as an auditor, gain a certificate whilst working, or simply spend an evening experiencing academia. Here you’ll find all the options at a glance, organised according to what you’re looking to do.

Continue further education whilst working

Have you already completed a degree and would like to further your specialist knowledge – perhaps to teach another subject or develop a new area of expertise in your career? Our certificate programmes lead to a university certificate and can be completed whilst you work.

Certificate courses in 15 subjects

• Duration: 6 semesters, part-time
• Cost: from €501.80 per semester, including the Germany Semester Ticket
• Requirements: a completed university degree
• Start date and deadline: usually the winter semester; enrolment from 1 May to 15 September
• Who is it for? working professionals, teachers

Study a subject equivalent to a Bachelor’s minor, ranging from English Studies to History, Philosophy and the Social Sciences. You will attend the same courses as our Bachelor’s students, sit examinations and, upon completion, receive a certificate for 60 credit points (ECTS).

view all certificate programmes

Distance Learning Certificate Course in Mathematics

• Duration: 4 semesters, part-time whilst working
• Cost: for teachers in the state school system, a semester contribution of just €90
• Requirements: first university degree and preliminary consultation
• Start date and deadline: winter semester only
• Who is it for? teachers, career changers

Teach Mathematics without taking a break from teaching: through the certificate courses, you will acquire the subject-specific qualifications required to teach Mathematics at secondary schools or vocational schools. You will study predominantly independently using study materials and online, supplemented by six to eight face-to-face modules per semester on Fridays and Saturdays.

about the certificate courses in Mathematics

Try out university

Would you like to find out what a lecture is like without having to enrol straight away? Then just come and sit in on one. You don’t need a school-leaving certificate – just a bit of curiosity.

Visiting student programme

• Duration: 1 semester, renewable indefinitely
• Cost: €50 per term
• Requirements: none (no A-levels required)
• Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 30 April (summer term) or 31 October (winter term)
• Who is it for? all adults

As a guest student, you put together your own timetable and sit in the lecture hall alongside our students. There are no examinations, but plenty of material to get you thinking. Many people also use the guest student programme to find out whether a regular degree course is right for them.

become a guest student

Theology for curious people: Studying in Later Life

• Duration: 1 semester or 1 academic year
• Cost: €50 per semester (auditor’s fee)
• Requirements: registration as a guest student
• Start: summer and winter semester
• Who is it for?: adults, particularly volunteers in the church and wider society

The Faculty of Catholic Theology opens its courses to anyone who wishes to explore fundamental philosophical and theological questions in greater depth. Anyone who attends four courses from the four theological areas can obtain a certificate of attendance.

studying in later life

Erfurt College

• Duration: 1 semester
• Cost: from €60
• Requirements: registration via “Universitätsgesellschaft Erfurt”
• Start: summer and winter semester
• Who is it for? adults

Each semester, the “Universitätsgesellschaft” organises a series of events in which academics from various disciplines explore a common theme. Ideal for anyone who would like to attend regularly and join in the discussions.

view the Erfurt College programme

Experience science

One evening, one topic, many perspectives: you don’t need to register or have any prior knowledge for these events. Do come along, have a listen and join in the discussion.

Lecture series organised by Erfurt’s universities

• Duration: 1 semester: currently every two weeks on Thursdays, 6.15 pm to 7.45 pm
• Cost: free of charge
• Location: Erfurt Town Hall Ballroom
• Who is it for? Everyone

The 2026/27 winter term will focus on ‘War and Peace’. Researchers from Erfurt’s universities will explore the topic from the perspectives of politics, history, psychology and ethics, followed by a Q&A session. The lecture series is a joint initiative of Erfurt’s universities and the City of Erfurt.

Dates of the lecture series

Long Night of Sciences

• Duration: 1 night in autumn (every two years)
• Cost: free of charge
• Who is it for? Adults and children

Once a year, universities, research institutions and businesses in Erfurt open their doors until late in the evening. The University of Erfurt is also taking part with its own programme of events. A great opportunity to explore the campus with the whole family.

Long Night of Sciences

For young explorers

Why is the sky blue? How is a book made? Even children can get a taste of university life with us, in real lecture halls and with real professors. It’s a lovely opportunity for parents, grandparents and schools to visit the campus together.

Children's University

• Duration: various events during the summer and winter semesters
• Cost: free of charge
• Who is it for? Children aged 7 to 14, including school classes

At the Children’s University, academics give lectures specifically tailored to young listeners. The topics are chosen so that children aged between 7 and 14 can join in the discussion, and questions are very much encouraged.

Erfurt Children’s University

Children’s University: ‘All About Books’

• Duration: one week each in March 
• Cost: free of charge
• Requirements: Registration via the form
• Who is it for? School classes (Years 3 to 5) and children

As part of the Erfurt Children’s Book Days, the Faculty of Education invites primary school children every spring to rediscover books and stories. The Children’s University sparks an interest in literature and shows just how much research goes into a children’s book.

visit the Children’s University “All About Books”