Germany is known for its long history and rich tradition in the field of higher education. Many of the German universities are among the oldest and most renowned in the world. In this article, we take a look at the eleven oldest universities in Germany, their founding years, their development over the centuries and their importance in today’s academic landscape.
Starting your studies, continuing them and completing them successfully is not an easy task. Every college and university not only offers a wide range of courses, but also presents students with challenging tasks, examinations and scientific papers. In order to overcome every hurdle of studying, it is advisable today to consider all options – whether it’s sitting over textbooks for hours, asking ChatGPT or contacting a ghostwriting agency . An experienced term paper ghostwriter or a scientific coach can help you to finish your studies stress-free and successfully. Don’t neglect to ask for help during your studies to achieve the best possible result.
“Education is what is left over when you have forgotten everything you have learned at school.” Albert Einstein
University of Erfurt
The University of Erfurt is both the oldest and the youngest university in Germany. It was opened in 1379, but closed its doors to students in 1816. In 1994, the university was given a new lease of life. Today, the University of Erfurt is particularly known for its strong educational sciences and interdisciplinary research at the renowned Max Weber Kolleg. It is also characterised by innovative courses of study and a modern orientation.
✔️ Bachelor – 25
✔️ Master – 19
✔️ Degree Programs – 45
✔️ Students in the winter semester 2023/2024 – 5,795
University of Heidelberg
The University of Heidelberg, founded in 1386, is one of the oldest universities in Germany. It was founded by Elector Ruprecht I and named after him and Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor. The university is known for its excellent research and is now ranked among the best universities in the world. Heidelberg University is a member of the “German U15”, a group of leading research-intensive universities in Germany.
✔️ Bachelor – 72
✔️ Master – 102
✔️ Degree Programs – 182
✔️ Students in the winter semester 2023/2024 – 29,534
University of Leipzig
Leipzig University was founded in 1409 and is the second oldest university in Germany. It was founded by renegade professors and students of the University of Prague. Leipzig is known for its strong research in the humanities and natural sciences. This university has a state-of-the-art university hospital, which is one of the largest medical centers in Germany.
✔️ Bachelor – 89
✔️ Master – 79
✔️ Diploma – 3
✔️ Degree Programs – 205
✔️ Students in the winter semester 2023/2024 – 29,582
University of Freiburg
The University of Freiburg (1457) has established itself as one of the leading research universities in Europe. She is particularly known for her contributions to medical research and environmental sciences. The university operates the “Freiburger Materialforschungszentrum (FMF)”, a leading research center for materials science. The city is known for the “Uniseum”, a museum that shows the history of the university and its important scientists.
✔️ Bachelor – 85
✔️ Master – 106
✔️ Degree Programs – 197
✔️ Students in the winter semester 2023/2024 – 24,197
Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen
The University of Tübingen has existed since 1477 and is renowned for its research in the fields of medicine, theology and philosophy. Many well-known scientists, including some Nobel Prize winners, have taught and researched here. Tübingen is home to the “Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research”, a globally recognized center for neurological research. The university has one of the oldest university libraries in Germany, founded in 1499, which owns over 3.8 million media.
✔️ Bachelor – 102
✔️ Master – 132
✔️ Degree Programs – 242
✔️ Students in the winter semester 2023/2024 – 28,239
University of Rostock
The University of Rostock, founded in 1419, is the oldest university in the Baltic Sea region. It has made a name for itself through its maritime research and close cooperation with the Scandinavian countries. The university has the “Leibniz Institute for Catalysis”, a leading research center for catalysis and chemical processes. Rostock offers special courses of study in the field of shipbuilding and marine technology, unique in Germany.
✔️ Bachelor – 102
✔️ Master – 132
✔️ Degree Programs – 242
✔️ Students in the winter semester 2023/2024 – 28,239
University of Greifswald
The University of Greifswald was founded in 1456 and is recognised for its research in the fields of life sciences and environmental research. This university has close ties to the universities in the Nordic countries. The University of Greifswald is known for its research in the field of renewable energies and operates the “Institute for Physics and Biochemistry of Renewable Energies”. Greifswald has a close partnership with Uppsala University in Sweden, which offers numerous exchange opportunities.
✔️ Bachelor – 34
✔️ Master – 38
✔️ Degree Programs – 115
✔️ Students in the winter semester 2023/2024 – 10,296
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
LMU Munich, founded in 1472, is today one of the largest and most renowned universities in Europe. It is particularly strong in the fields of medicine, law and business administration. LMU Munich has one of the largest alumni networks in Germany, which offers students valuable contacts. The university operates the “Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Klinikum”, one of the most renowned university hospitals in Europe.
✔️ Bachelor – 80
✔️ Master – 120
✔️ Degree Programs -285
✔️ Students in the winter semester 2023/2024 – 52,086
University of Basel
Although the University of Basel is now part of Switzerland, it is included in this list due to its historical connection to Germany. It was founded in 1460 and is one of the oldest universities in the German-speaking world. The University of Basel offers the “Biozentrum Basel”, one of the most important institutes for basic molecular and biomedical research. It has a unique cross-border cooperation with universities in France and Germany in “EUCOR – The European Campus”.
✔️ Bachelor – 50
✔️ Master – 87
University of Mainz
The Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz was founded in 1477, although it was reopened in 1946. Her strong research in the natural sciences and humanities is world-renowned. The University of Mainz operates the “Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research”, a world-leading research institute for polymers. It offers the “Gutenberg Lehrkolleg”, an institution that promotes innovative teaching and learning concepts.
✔️ Bachelor – 99
✔️ Master – 118
✔️ Diploma – 1
✔️ Degree Programs -225
✔️ Students in the winter semester 2023/2024 – 29,617
University of Trier
The University of Trier, founded in 1473, was closed during the French Revolution and only reopened in 1970. Today, she is particularly known for her research in the fields of history and law. The University of Trier has the “Research Center Europe”, which conducts interdisciplinary research on European topics. It is known for its extensive range of courses in the field of digital humanities and offers one of the few bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in this field in Germany.
✔️ Bachelor – 64
✔️ Master – 97
✔️ Degree Programs -163
✔️ Students in the winter semester 2023/2024 – 10,518
The oldest universities in Germany
| Rank | University | Well-known alumni |
| 1 | University of Erfurt | Martin Luther (monk and professor of theology) |
| 2 | University of Heidelberg | Max Weber (sociologist and economist), Hannah Arendt (philosopher) |
| 3 | University of Leipzig | Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (philosopher), Richard Wagner (composer) |
| 4 | University of Freiburg | Friedrich Hayek (economist and Nobel Prize winner), Max von Laue (physicist and Nobel Prize winner) |
| 5 | Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen | Friedrich Hölderlin (poet), Ernst Bloch (philosopher) |
| 6 | University of Rostock | Heinrich Schliemann (archaeologist), Gustav Radbruch (jurist) |
| 7 | University of Greifswald | Ernst Moritz Arndt (writer and politician), Carl Loewe (composer) |
| 8 | Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich | Werner Heisenberg (physicist and Nobel Prize winner), Thomas Mann (writer and Nobel Prize winner) |
| 9 | University of Basel | Friedrich Nietzsche (philosopher), Paracelsus (physician and alchemist) |
| 10 | University of Mainz | Johannes Gutenberg (inventor of the printing press) |
| 11 | University of Trier | Karl Marx (philosopher and economist), Friedrich Spee von Langenfeld (theologian and poet) |
Pros and Cons of the Oldest Universities
Pros
- Tradition and History: These universities have a rich history and tradition that inspires learning and research.
- Renowned Alumni: Many of these universities have produced famous graduates who have achieved great success in various fields.
- Research strength: These universities are often leaders in research and have made significant scientific contributions.
Cons
- Aging infrastructure: The historic buildings and infrastructure can sometimes be outdated and incur high maintenance costs.
- Bureaucracy: The long tradition can also lead to a cumbersome bureaucracy that hinders innovation and rapid change.
- Competition: Due to their reputation, competition for study places and research funding is often very high.
The eleven oldest universities in Germany not only have impressive historical significance, but are still central players in the international research landscape today. Their contributions to science and education are undeniable, and their traditions continue to inspire generations of students and researchers. Despite some challenges that come with their age, they remain beacons of excellence and innovation.
FAQ
What are the eleven oldest universities in Germany?
The oldest universities in Germany are the University of Erfurt (1379), the Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg (1386), the University of Leipzig (1409), the University of Rostock (1419), the University of Greifswald (1456), the University of Freiburg (1457), the University of Basel (1460), the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich (1472), the University of Trier (1473), the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen (1477) and the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz (1477).
Which university is the oldest university in Germany?
The oldest university in Germany is the University of Erfurt.
Which university in the list is known for its environmental sciences?
The University of Freiburg is particularly known for its contributions to medical research and environmental sciences.
