Detailed introduction of Heidelberg University:

Introduction

Heidelberg University is the oldest university in Germany. It is located in the university city of Heidelberg in Baden-Württemberg. It is the third university established in the Holy Roman Empire after the University of Prague and the University of Vienna. It is also a member of multiple organizations such as the German Elite University and the European Research University Alliance.

Overview

Student size: In the winter semester of 2023-2024, there are 30,216 students on campus, of which international students account for 18.7%.

Faculty: As of December 1, 2022, Heidelberg University has a total of 8,795 faculty and 6,481 academic staff.

History

Heidelberg University was officially established in 1386. It was originally a university established in Heidelberg by Pope Urban VI and approved by the Elector Palatine Rupert I.

In the second half of the 16th century: it was one of the academic centers in Europe.

17 Century: It was suspended twice. It was hit hard by the Thirty Years' War and the War of the Palatine Succession. Teaching was interrupted many times and the school buildings were destroyed.

1803: Heidelberg University was incorporated into the state of Baden and was called Ruprecht-Karl University, later Ruprecht-Karl-Heidelberg University, or Heidelberg University for short.

First half of the 19th century: It began to be famous for disciplines such as philosophy, history and law.

1827: The school established the first university-based psychological clinic in Germany.

1906: The first cancer trial institute in Germany was established.

2002: The Heidelberg Latin American Center was opened in Santiago, Chile.

Establishment time

1386.

School strength

Discipline and major: As of 2021, Heidelberg University has developed into 13 colleges with more than 180 degree programs, divided into undergraduate departments, institutes and postdoctoral research.

Scientific research cooperation: Various cooperations have been carried out with local and other off-campus research institutions, including the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Max Planck Institute, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) and Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, etc.

Teaching achievements: It has trained many outstanding talents. As of 2017, there are 56 Nobel Prize winners and 19 Leibniz Prize winners, 2 Oscar winners, 5 German Chancellors, and dozens of European leaders who have studied, taught or conducted research at the school.

Institutional nature

German public university.

Educational philosophy

The school motto is the Latin "semper apertus", which means "always open", reflecting the school's open attitude towards knowledge exploration and tolerance of different cultures and ideas. It focuses on cultivating students' independent thinking ability, critical thinking and innovative spirit, and encourages students to actively participate in academic research and interdisciplinary exchanges.

Key laboratories and disciplines

Key laboratories: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) The school has close cooperation with the University, and the Heidelberg Center for Molecular Medicine Research on campus is also an important scientific research platform.

Key disciplines: Medicine, law, philosophy, physics, life sciences and other disciplines enjoy a high reputation internationally. For example, clinical medicine ranks first in Germany in the 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings; physics, natural sciences and other disciplines also perform well in the QS World University Rankings.

Faculty

The school has 13 colleges, covering multiple disciplines such as theology, law, medicine, philosophy, natural sciences, and social sciences, such as the School of Theology, School of Law, School of Medicine, School of Philosophy, School of Mathematics and Computer Science, etc.

Ranking

2022-2023 USNews World University Rankings: ranked 57th.

2023 Academic Ranking of World Universities: ranked 55th.

2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings: ranked 47th.

2025 QS World University Rankings: ranked 84th Location.

Expenses

Tuition fees at public universities in Germany are relatively low. Usually, only a few hundred euros are required for registration and management fees each semester. The specific fees for different majors and degree courses may vary slightly, but they are generally more affordable. In terms of living expenses, the cost of living in Heidelberg is relatively high. The monthly rent, food, transportation and other expenses are about 800-1200 euros. The specific costs vary from person to person.

Campus

Location and environment: Heidelberg University has no walls. The campus is integrated with the city, creating a strong academic atmosphere and unique cultural atmosphere. Students can fully enjoy the resources and convenience of the city, while also adding vitality and charm to the city.

Facilities: It has complete teaching and research facilities such as the university central library, astronomical observatory, and affiliated hospital complex, as well as modern teaching buildings, laboratories, gymnasiums and other places, providing good conditions for students' study, research and extracurricular life.