2

Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat Heidelberg

Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat Heidelberg is the oldest university in Germany.
Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat Heidelberg
Dean

Prof. Dr Frauke Melchior

Locations
Heidelberg, Germany
Afiliations
Coimbra-Gruppe DFH German U15 Exzellenzinitiative IAU LERU 4EU+ Alliance
Address
Grabengasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg
Social Media
Summary

The Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg (formerly Latinized as Ruperto Carola) is a university located in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest university in Germany.

The university was founded in 1386 on the order of Pope Urban VI by the Elector of the Palatinate, Ruprecht I, and was reorganized by the Margrave of Baden, Karl Friedrich, in 1803. The name of the university refers to these two rulers. As the third oldest university in the Holy Roman Empire north of the Alps, after the University of Prague and the University of Vienna, it is the second oldest existing university in the German-speaking world. While the University of Erfurt was granted a founding privilege by Pope Clement VII in 1379, it did not begin teaching until 1392. Furthermore, the University of Erfurt was closed for almost two centuries.

In the winter semester of 2022/23, almost 30,000 students were enrolled, and there were 535 professors teaching. The university buildings are mainly located throughout the old town of Heidelberg, the Bergheim district, and the Neuenheimer Feld. One particularity of the university is the presence of two medical faculties, one at the Heidelberg University Hospital and the other at the Mannheim University Hospital.

As a successful participant in the Excellence Initiative (2007-2012 and 2012-2017) and its follow-up, the Excellence Strategy (since 2019), of the German federal government and states, the university is one of eleven so-called "excellence universities" in Germany and a founding member of both the League of European Research Universities and the Coimbra Group. Approximately 18% of students come from abroad. In international comparisons, the university ranks highly and enjoys a high academic reputation. The Heidelberg campus is associated with 57 Nobel laureates, and the university itself has 33 Nobel laureates.

History

The Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, formerly known as Ruperto Carola, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, as well as the oldest university in Germany. The university was founded in 1386 on the order of Pope Urban VI by Ruprecht I, the Elector Palatine. Its name is a combination of the names of Ruprecht and Karl Friedrich, who reorganized the university in 1803.

The university was the third-oldest university in the Holy Roman Empire north of the Alps after the University of Prague and the University of Vienna, and the second-oldest existing university in the German-speaking world. It received its founding privilege from Pope Urban VI in 1385 and began teaching in 1386. Although the University of Erfurt received its founding privilege from Pope Clemens VII in 1379, it did not begin teaching until 1392. The University of Erfurt was also closed for nearly two centuries.

Today, the university has over 30,000 students and 535 professors. Its buildings are mostly located throughout the old town of Heidelberg, the Bergheim district, and the Neuenheimer Feld. One notable feature of the university is the presence of two medical faculties, one at the University Hospital Heidelberg and the other at the University Hospital Mannheim.

The Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg has a long and rich history, having survived numerous wars, revolutions, and crises throughout its nearly 650-year existence. It has produced a large number of Nobel Prize laureates, including 57 associated with the city of Heidelberg and 33 associated directly with the university. The university has also been recognized as an "excellence university" under both the Excellence Initiative (2007-2012 and 2012-2017) and the subsequent Excellence Strategy (since 2019) of the German federal and state governments. As a founding member of the League of European Research Universities and the Coimbra Group, the university has established itself as a leading institution of higher education and research in Europe and the world.

Courses

Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg offers a wide range of courses across various faculties. The university has 12 faculties, which include theology, law, medicine, economics and social sciences, philosophy, modern languages, ancient cultures, natural sciences, life sciences, mathematics and computer science, behavioral and cultural studies, and interdisciplinary scientific institutions.

The university offers more than 160 degree programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The courses are taught in German, but there are also some international programs that are taught in English.

The Faculty of Medicine at Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg is one of the oldest and most respected medical faculties in Germany. The faculty offers various medical courses, including human medicine, dentistry, and molecular medicine. The university also has two medical faculties, one located in Heidelberg and the other in Mannheim.

The Faculty of Law and Economics offers courses in law, economics, and social sciences. The faculty has a strong reputation for its research in these fields and offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in law and economics.

The Faculty of Humanities offers courses in philosophy, history, literature, linguistics, and cultural studies. The faculty's interdisciplinary approach encourages students to explore different areas of study and gain a broader understanding of the humanities.

The Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science offers courses in mathematics, computer science, and physics. The faculty's research is focused on mathematical modeling, computer simulation, and the development of algorithms.

Global MBA rankings

Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg is one of the most prestigious universities in Germany and Europe, and it is well-regarded for its academic and research excellence. The university has consistently ranked among the top universities in various global university rankings.

In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, Heidelberg University is ranked 64th in the world, and it is particularly strong in the areas of arts and humanities, life sciences and medicine, and natural sciences.

In the 2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the university is ranked 45th in the world, and it is particularly strong in the areas of clinical, pre-clinical, and health, life sciences, and physical sciences.

Furthermore, the university is among the 11 universities in Germany that have been awarded the status of "Excellence University" under the German government's Excellence Initiative and Excellence Strategy, which recognizes outstanding achievements in research, teaching, and internationalization. This achievement is a testament to the university's academic and research excellence, and it has helped to cement its position as a leading institution of higher education in Europe and the world.

Job integration rate

As one of Germany's most prestigious universities, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg has a strong reputation for producing highly skilled graduates who are well-equipped for the job market. According to the latest statistics, the job integration rate for Heidelberg University graduates is quite high, with over 90% of graduates finding employment within six months of graduation. This is a testament to the quality of education and training provided by the university, as well as the reputation of Heidelberg University in the job market.

The university offers a wide range of degree programs in various fields, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and medicine, all of which are designed to prepare students for successful careers. Additionally, Heidelberg University has a strong network of industry partners, providing students with valuable opportunities for internships, research projects, and job placements.

The university also offers a variety of career services and resources to help students and alumni in their job search, including job fairs, career counseling, resume and cover letter assistance, and networking events. The university's Career Service Center also provides access to job listings, employer profiles, and other valuable resources to help students and alumni connect with potential employers and job opportunities.

General information

Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat Heidelberg

https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/

Campus: Urban/University town and Suburban

Grabengasse 1, 

69117 Heidelberg

Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat Heidelberg
Dean

Prof. Dr Frauke Melchior

Locations
Heidelberg, Germany
Afiliations
Coimbra-Gruppe DFH German U15 Exzellenzinitiative IAU LERU 4EU+ Alliance
Address
Grabengasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg
Social Media