GrIStuF — Greifswald International Students Festival
One of only two international student festivals in Germany
About GrIStuF
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About the Festival
The Greifswald International Students Festival — GrIStuF for short — has been organized by the non-profit association gristuf e.V. since 2002. It is aimed at young adults aged 18 and over, primarily students, and brings together around 150 participants from numerous countries in the Hanseatic city of Greifswald. This makes the festival one of only two international student festivals in Germany.
Concept
The festival takes place every two years and is dedicated to a different societal theme each time. Over five days, students, activists, artists, and scientists jointly shape a program of workshops, lectures, panel discussions, group work, and cultural evening events. The focus is on intercultural dialogue between participants and the local population.
History and Hiatus
Since 2002, nine editions have been held, with themes such as global responsibility, marine conservation, or borders. The tenth edition in 2018 bore the motto »Beyond Borders«. Following the pandemic and shortages of volunteer helpers, the festival went on hiatus from 2020 — its revival in 2026 with the 11th edition is an important signal for student festival culture in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Local Context
The main venue is the socio-cultural center STRAZE on Stralsunder Straße. Additionally, lecture halls and rooms of the University of Greifswald (founded in 1456, one of the oldest universities in Europe) and other cultural venues in the city center are used. Participants are accommodated with Greifswald host families.
GrIStuF — edition 2026
After an eight-year break, GrIStuF returns to Greifswald with its 11th edition from June 17 to 21, 2026. Around 150 international students will be guests in the city.
The motto »Shaping Spaces — Creating Communities« revolves around the idea of »Third Spaces«: places beyond the private and work spheres where society meets, exchanges, and grows — from cafés to socio-cultural centers. Over five days, these spaces in Greifswald itself become a laboratory for experimentation: workshops, discussions, cultural evenings, and group work reflect on how healthy societies emerge and can be shaped.
The main venue is the socio-cultural center STRAZE at Stralsunder Straße 10. The application deadline for international participants was early 2026; local Greifswald residents can still apply via apply.gristuf.org. Confirmations will be sent by March 31, 2026.
Programme GrIStuF 2026
Program Structure (5 Days)
- Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — Arrival day, welcome of participants at Greifswald host families, evening Opening Ceremony at STRAZE
- Thursday, June 18, 2026 — First workshop slots on the festival theme »Shaping Spaces — Creating Communities«, introductory lectures, cultural evening
- Friday, June 19, 2026 — Further workshops, panel discussions with patrons, Long Night of Community
- Saturday, June 20, 2026 — Workshops, group work, participatory formats in Greifswald's public spaces, joint evening finale
- Sunday, June 21, 2026 — Final presentations of workshop results, reflection, official closing at STRAZE
The festival is organized entirely by volunteers from gristuf e.V. The detailed program and final list of patrons will be published in spring 2026 on students-festival.de.
Highlights GrIStuF 2026
- 11th edition after an 8-year break
- Motto »Shaping Spaces — Creating Communities«
- ~150 international students from Europe and beyond
- Workshops, lectures, panel discussions, Long Nights
- Accommodation with Greifswald host families
- Free admission
Prices GrIStuF 2026
Participation is free (including accommodation, meals, admission to all events). Minimum age 18. Application required via apply.gristuf.org.
Practical information — GrIStuF
Participation
International participants must be at least 18 years old. Apply via apply.gristuf.org. Participation is free, including accommodation, meals, and admission to all events. Local students and Greifswald residents can also apply.
Getting Here
By train to Greifswald Hauptbahnhof (Hamburg — Stralsund — Sassnitz line). By car via the A20.
Get Involved
Volunteers (setup, bar, event coordination), hosts (for participants), and sponsors are sought via the festival website. Bar staff require a health certificate.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place GrIStuF
STRAZE und Stadt Greifswald
Stralsunder Straße 10, 17489 Greifswald