Introducing Heidelberg University
„Zukunft. Seit 1386.“
Heidelberg University’s motto, translated as “Future. Since 1386.”, gets right to the point. Its unique blend of history and innovation, the traditional and modern, make this seat of learning a fascinating one. Founded in 1386 and the oldest university in Germany, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (its official title) has an unparalleled flair that draws a wealth of scientists, academics and students from all over the globe. The facts speak for themselves: Over 30,000 students are enrolled in the twelve faculties of Heidelberg University.
Teaching and research without limitations
Students in Heidelberg have a wealth of options to choose from. There are over 160 programmes: the humanities, the social, natural and life sciences, and medicine, among so many others. This broad spectrum and the interdisciplinary ties with research give one a broader perspective, beyond one’s own field of endeavour. Add to that the sizable number of students, young researchers and professors from abroad who give the city an international ambience and invaluable momentum. This global orientation has quite an impressive foundation – 19 international university partnerships and exchange agreements with over 350 universities throughout the world.
A national and international leader
With its commitment to being a comprehensive university, Heidelberg became one of an auspicious group of universities whose institutional strategy to promote top-level research prevailed in the federal and state Excellence Initiative. The university also achieved high honours in the international rankings. Perhaps because the findings produced by top-notch research flow back into education. Or because business and science build groundbreaking alliances, such as the Organic Electronics Leading-Edge Cluster Forum. And last but not least, prominent scholars make their mark on the character of Heidelberg University, such as the philosopher Hans-Georg Gadamer, who taught here. Or Prof. Dr. Harald zur Hausen, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2008, and is ,by the way, one of the many Heidelberg laureates. In fact, there are 55 personages whose lives touched or were touched by the city of Heidelberg who have been honoured with this prestigious award.
