University of Tübingen

The Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen is one of Europe’s oldest universities. Several hundred years of history in the sciences and humanities have been written here. The University's history began in 1477, when Count Eberhard “the Bearded” of Württemberg founded the University. In Tübingen’s historical center there is hardly a building or a square that is not linked to a renowned scholar. Tübingen notables include Hegel, Hölderlin and Schelling, Mörike and Uhland, Johannes Kepler and Wilhelm Schickard. Tübingen today remains a place of research and teaching. In addition to the nearly 86,000 inhabitants, there are some 28,500 German and international students. Some 450 professors and more than 4000 other academic staff teach at the University’s seven faculties. The latest chapter of the University’s history is marked by its success in the German federal and state governments’ Excellence Initiative. One Graduate School, one Excellence Cluster and the University’s Institutional Strategy were successful in the major funding program – also making Tübingen one of Germany’s eleven universities in the top “Excellent” class. Tübingen is also home to five collaborative research centers, is involved in four transregional collaborative research centers, and hosts six research training groups – all sponsored by the German Research Foundation.

The University specializes in a number of innovative fields of research: Neuroscience, Clinical Imaging, Translational Immunology and Cancer Research, Microbiology and Infection Research, Molecular Biology of Plants, Environmental and Geoscience, Astro- and Elementary Particle Physics, Quantum Physics and Nanotechnology, Archaeology and Anthropology, Language and Cognition, Education and the Media. The excellence of our research helps create optimal conditions for students from all over the world. Research-oriented learning is a particular strength of Tübingen study programs, thanks to the close links between research and teaching. Teaching at the University of Tübingen reflects the broad, interdisciplinary spectrum of its research. More than 280 courses are on offer. The University is open to the international exchange of academics and students. The University has partnerships with more than 150 educational institutions in 45 countries, particularly in North America, Asia and Latin America, as well as with all the countries in Europe. Some 12.6 percent of students in Tübingen come from abroad, and many of the University’s German students pursue part of their studies in another country. “International since 1477” – the perfect way to summarize the University of Tübingen.