Universität Freiburg

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Not only is Albert-Ludwig University physically located in the heart of the city of Freiburg - its students, professors, and staff are also an integral part of daily life in the ‘Capital of the Black Forest’. This is also one of the reasons why Freiburg has become such a popular place to study. Aside from the numerous leisure activities which may be enjoyed in and near the city and its proximity to the Alsace and Switzerland, it is above all the variety of academic progams which attracts so many students to Freiburg. The university boasts a variety of degree programs in any of more than 60 fields in 11 faculties.

Upon its foundation in 1457, the university already offered courses of study at the Faculties of Theology, Law, Medicine, and Humanities. Matthäus Hummel, the first rector of the university, chose the leitmotif, “wisdom has built itself a house”, for his inaugural address. Archduke Albrecht VI of Western Austria, on the other hand, had the education of young law and theology students for governmental posts and the church in mind when founding the university. Following the integration of the Jesuits into the faculty in 1620, the University of Freiburg developed into a bastion of Catholic doctrine. The resulting restrictions in the curriculum were not lifted until Empress Maria Theresa introduced an educational reform which opened the way to new academic fields.

Grand Duke Ludwig insured the continued existence of the University of Freiburg in the unstable times at the beginning of the 19th century. From this point on the university has carried the names of its two benefactors in its name in gratitude to their generosity. The foundation of the Prussian Empire brought about an increase in enrollment. As a result of the influx of students from northern Germany, the university soon expanded well beyond its medieval walls. Between 1870 and 1885 enrollment increased from 200 to 1000 students, and by 1904 there were already 2000. Each of these milestones was commemorated and celebrated by the city. Today more than 21,500 students are enrolled at the Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg.

With humanities and the University Library in the city center, the Natural Sciences Campus (Institutsviertel) in the north, and the large University Hospital at the west end of the old city, the university has grown together with the city. The recent acquisition of a 40 hectare area on the grounds of the airfield assures that it will be able to continue to do so in the future as well.