Fotoğraf: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
University of Freiburg
Founded in 1457, a Habsburg-legacy university strong in philosophy and the social sciences.
Highlights
- Germany's fifth-oldest university
- An unbroken tradition since 1457, rooted in Habsburg heritage
- A strong history in philosophy through figures like Heidegger and Husserl
- A strong economics tradition that includes Nobel laureate Friedrich Hayek
Pros
- A strong reputation in philosophy, law, and environmental/natural sciences
- Freiburg is consistently rated among Germany's most livable, sunniest cities
- Proximity to the Black Forest and the French/Swiss border offers exchange opportunities
Things to Consider
- A smaller job market than Berlin or Munich for graduates who want to stay locally
- Competitive admission for popular humanities and law programs
- Fewer large-scale industry partnerships than technical universities
History
The University of Freiburg was established by a charter issued by Albert VI of the House of Habsburg on September 21, 1457, making it the second university founded in Habsburg territory after the University of Vienna. From its founding, the university taught theology, law, and medicine, along with the "Artes Liberales" (liberal arts), which formed the basis of today's faculty of humanities.
Originally named the "Albertina," the university's continued existence was secured in 1818 by a significant gift from Grand Duke Ludwig of Baden, on which occasion it was renamed the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, its name today. As Germany's fifth-oldest university, Freiburg built a strong tradition in philosophy, philology, historical research, economics, and law.
Associated with figures such as Martin Heidegger, Edmund Husserl, Max Weber, Walter Eucken, and Nobel laureate Friedrich Hayek, Freiburg continues to carry this deep-rooted academic identity in those disciplines today.
Let's Find the Right University Together
We recommend the right university and program based on your academic profile and target city.
Get University Guidance