Nearly 5,500 new students are beginning their studies in the 2025/26 winter semester at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). KIT traditionally greets them at a welcoming ceremony for first-semester students, which is taking place this year on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 18:00 hrs in the Audimax lecture hall on KIT’s Campus South (Straße am Forum 3, building 30.95).
“Teaching is a key pillar of KIT because our more than 22,500 students particularly shape and enrich the KIT family”, says Professor Jan S. Hesthaven, President of KIT. “Early during their studies, they are given the opportunity to participate actively in excellent research, input their own ideas, and contribute to solutions to the challenges of our time. For this, KIT creates an inspiring environment, in which science, teaching, and innovation are closely linked. I am delighted that we are once again welcoming more than 5,000 first-year students this year. Before they start their courses, I wish them curiosity and the vigor to make their studies a success.”
45 Bachelor’s and 58 Master’s Degree Programs at KIT
The number of first-semester students at KIT, including those beginning master’s degree programs, will be around 5,500 in the 2025/26 winter semester; the total number of students will be over 22,500 (as of October 20, 2025). Registration and wait-list procedures are still in progress; the reporting date for student statistics is November 30, 2025. Students at KIT can choose from among 45 bachelor’s and 58 master’s degree programs.
Student Involvement at KIT
One of the ways to ease the start at KIT is the orientation phases (O-phases) organized by student representatives of the departments before the beginning of the semester. Campus life at KIT is enriched by more than 90 student associations for culture, sports, politics, and much more. At the welcome event for first-semester students, KIT honors many students for their outstanding efforts in these associations, in the departmental student representations, and in the General Students’ Committee.
“KIT – That’s Why” Shows Why Studying at KIT Is Something Special
What makes KIT special and what it means to study at KIT are the subjects of a five-part video series called “KIT – That’s Why” in German language with segments on the KIT campus, mobility, energy, sustainability and the climate as well as digitalization.
“KIT – That’s why” video series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk9Jc1t-Cx0XYut6mhahxOZkqLmJJGnpo
Information Stands in the Audimax Lobby
Various KIT institutions, student associations, and partners will present their offerings and answer questions at stands in the Audimax lobby starting at 18:45 hrs. Besides that, short lectures are given. A selection of products from the KIT Shop will also be available, including new sweatshirts and T-shirts, Christmas stockings, and sustainably produced and practical study aids. All of the products are also available at https://www.kit-shop.de/en/.
KIT Backpack for First-semester Students
First-year students can pre-order their KIT backpack at a special price online at https://www.cse.kit.edu/english/4995.php and buy it during the Welcome Day event on October 30, 2025, in the Audimax lobby on KIT’s Campus South starting at 09:30 hrs.
Online Dossier with Information for Starting Studies
To keep new students from becoming overwhelmed by questions such as how to organize their studies, where to get counseling, how to get involved in campus life, or what sports and cultural activities are available, a dossier entitled “Starting Your Studies at KIT” provides a clear and compact summary of the most important information at https://www.studienstart.kit.edu/english/.
KIT on TikTok and Instagram: Experiencing Campus Life up Close
All those who want to get a digital view on KIT are invited to have a look at the KIT social media channels. On TikTok and Instagram, we publish regular features on campus life, tips on studying at KIT, exciting research projects, and events. Follow us now on Instagram and TikTok.
KIT is also present on Mastodon and other platforms:
https://www.kit.edu/kit/socialmedia.php
Program of KIT’s 2025 Welcome Event
Thursday, October 30, 2025, 18:00 hrs
Audimax, Straße am Forum 3, Building 30.95, Campus South of KIT
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17:45 hrs |
Admission
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18:00 hrs |
Opening of the Welcome Event
KIT Big Band
Welcome from the Executive Board
Welcome speech of the General Students Committee (AstA) Tobias Deeg, Chairman of the AstA managing board
Awards for outstanding student commitment Prof. Marc Hiller, Vice Provost Higher Education Science Slam Christian Scharun KIT Big Band
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18:45 hrs |
Exhibition opened in lobby
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19:30 Uhr |
After-show party with food trucks and DJ Audimax lobby and courtyard
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Moderation: Christian Scharun
Being “The University in the Helmholtz Association”, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 10,000 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,800 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.
Erstsemesterbegruessung