The five oldest German universities  Studying in a historical setting

The world’s first universities were founded in Italy and England, admittedly. But Germany is shaped by a long academic history too. The five oldest universities were already up and running by the 15th century.

Heidelberg University

Ruperto Carola in Heidelberg is the oldest continuously operating university in Germany. It was established in 1386; teaching began there after papal approval was granted by Urban VI. The name of the university alludes to its patron, the Palatine Elector Ruprecht I. Reference is also made to Baden’s Grand Duke Karl Friedrich, who reorganised the university in 1803. To this day, the institution is associated with both tradition and cutting-edge research. Heidelberg University has a good reputation as a centre for theology, law, medicine and the arts. Notably, the university currently maintains two separate medical faculties.

University of Cologne

The University of Cologne opened its doors in 1388. That made it the fourth university in the Holy Roman Empire – after Prague, Vienna and Heidelberg. Its foundation was brought about thanks to an initiative by the citizens of Cologne, Pope Urban VI gave his approval. Teaching began a year later. The university had to be closed in 1798 due to occupation by the French during the War of the First Coalition, and could not be reopened until 1919. Today it had around 45,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in Germany. The central facilities are located near Cologne's green belt, and students are lucky to have a campus close to the city centre.

Leipzig University

Frederick I, Elector of Saxony and his brother William II, Margrave of Meissen, are the founding fathers of Leipzig University. It has existed since 1409 and is the second-oldest continuously operating university in Germany. Right from the start, its teaching covered the classical faculties: theology, law, philosophy and medicine. And it has produced famous alumni, such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Nietzsche. From 1953 to 1991, the university also bore the name of Karl Marx. Over the centuries, Leipzig has played a central role in the humanities and research, a tradition that lives on.

University of Rostock

1419 marks the founding year of the University of Rostock – with both papal and imperial approval. At the beginning, it was mainly the citizens of the Hanseatic City of Rostock who raised the necessary financial resources. The university is not only one of the oldest in Germany, but also the oldest institution of its kind on the Baltic coast. In the early years, it attracted students from Scandinavia, the Netherlands and the Baltic regions. From the 15th century onward, it was also instrumental in the dissemination of humanism, along with the values and goals of the Reformation. A Times Higher Education ranking in 2018 highlighted it as the most beautiful university in Germany.

University of Greifswald

The University of Greifswald, established in 1456, is one of the most historically significant universities in Europe. It was initiated by the mayor Heinrich Rubenow, with the approval of Emperor Frederick III and Pope Calixtus III. It started with the four classical faculties: theology, philosophy, medicine and law. Since its inception, the university has cultivated a strong international profile –particularly with regard to the Baltic and other Eastern European states. With around 10,000 students, however, it is considered one of the comparatively small academic institutions today.

November 2025