Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University was founded in 1386, making it Germany’s oldest university. It is a research university of international standing with a leading position within Germany and Europe that competed successfully in both rounds of the German Universities Excellence Initiative (2005-2017). In 2019, Heidelberg University was selected as a University of Excellence in the German Excellence Strategy.

Heidelberg University’s reputation is especially strong in the life sciences as evidenced by the QS World University Rankings 2019 where Heidelberg University was ranked as being one of the best 40 universities worldwide in the research area. Furthermore, it was ranked the second-best German university in the life sciences overall. In the Shanghai Ranking 2018 which mainly focusses on research output, Heidelberg University was ranked as the best German university overall.

Furthermore, Heidelberg University can look back on a long tradition of innovation and success in the natural sciences: Several people integral to the historical development of the natural sciences in Germany studied and worked at the institution, e.g., Robert Bunsen and Hermann von Helmholtz.

The university is one of the most important educational institutions in the state of Baden-Württemberg with its almost 30.000 students, over 13.000 staff members and an annual budget of more than EUR 730 million.

Heidelberg University’s identity as a comprehensive university drives its interdisciplinary stance that aims to make possible essential contributions toward the solution of major issues facing humanity, society, and government in an increasingly changing world.

Find out more about Heidelberg University by visiting their website: uni-heidelberg.de.