At the suggestion of the Senate, the Rektorat or a faculty, the Senate appoints Honorary Senators and Honorary Citizens.

Furthermore at the suggestion of the Senate, the Rektorat awarded theBadge of honour or the Medal of Honour.

The faculties of the University of Bielefeld can award the honorary doctor (doctor honoris causa, Dr. h.c.) as an award for outstanding scientific achievements or other special merits.

As a remembrance to Bielefeld's grand sociologist Niklas Luhmann Bielefeld Science Award has been conferred by Sparkasse Bielefeld Foundation in close cooperation with Bielefeld University and the City of Bielefeld since 2004.