The University of Freiburg is one of Germany’s oldest and most respected public research universities. The university is located in Freiburg im Breisgau in Baden-Württemberg and is known for the fields of humanities, medicine, natural sciences, engineering sciences, law, economics, social sciences, environmental sciences, forestry, sustainability, theology, psychology, computer science and interdisciplinary research. It is particularly attractive to students looking for a historic German university with high research quality, an international academic reputation and a student-friendly city close to the Black Forest.

The university was founded in 1457 and has developed into a comprehensive university in a wide variety of academic fields. Freiburg has a strong academic identity with a focus on research, interdisciplinary teaching and social responsibility. The university is especially noted for its research in environmental research, sustainability, medicine, neuroscience, biology, forest sciences, law, philosophy, history, economics and the study of modern technology. It mixes traditional European university spirit with modern science and research infrastructure.

For many of the University of Freiburg’s undergraduate programs, the language of instruction is German. International applicants should check the German language requirements carefully before applying. Areas of undergraduate study include law, medicine, dentistry, liberal arts and sciences, history, philosophy, German studies, English studies, political science, sociology, psychology, economics, business, mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, environmental sciences, forestry and teacher education In regulated study areas like medicine, dentistry and law, the state examination structures may be followed.

The University of Freiburg offers master’s programs in German and, in some cases, English. Popular Master's programmes are to be found in Environmental Governance, Renewable Energy Engineering and Management, Computer Science, Embedded Systems Engineering, Sustainable Systems Engineering, Economics, Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, Forest Sciences, Global Urban Health, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Social Sciences, History, Philosophy, English Studies, European Linguistics and Modern China Studies. Admission is based on academic suitability, language certificates, previous studies and program-specific admission regulations.

The University of Freiburg promotes doctoral level research in the fields of medicine, natural sciences, engineering, humanities, law, economics, social sciences, theology, forestry, environmental research, neuroscience as well as interdisciplinary fields. Doctoral candidates can be employed in faculties, graduate schools, research groups and supervisor-led projects. Students seeking more advanced research opportunities are attracted to the university’s strengths in sustainability, health, neuroscience, materials, biology and the humanities.

Freiburg is located in Baden-Württemberg, so international students outside the EU/EEA with a foreign university entrance qualification normally pay EUR 1,500 per semester for bachelor’s, state examination and consecutive master’s programmes. Students also pay regular semester tuition. Some continuing education, second degree or special programs may have their own fees. Students should also budget for accommodation, health insurance, food, transport, study materials, residence permit fees and personal expenses.

Overall, University of Freiburg is best for students interested in a historic German research university with strong programs in medicine, sustainability, environmental sciences, humanities, law, economics, computer science and natural sciences. It is well suited for students interested in research, health care, environmental policy, sustainability, academia, law, public service, international organizations and doctoral study.