University of Heidelberg

The University of Heidelberg (officially the Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg) is a public research university in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The University of Heidelberg, also known as Ruperto Carola, was founded in 1386 by Rupert I, Elector Palatine. It is the oldest university in Germany and one of the oldest surviving universities in the world.

Heidelberg quickly became a center of learning and scholarship, and it attracted students from all over Europe. The university was particularly known for its strength in the fields of theology, law, and medicine.

In the 16th century, Heidelberg was a major center of the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther and other reformers visited the university and lectured to its students. However, the university was also a site of religious conflict, and it was closed down during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648).

Heidelberg reopened in 1655, and it continued to grow and flourish in the following centuries. The university was a major center of Romanticism in the 19th century, and it attracted many famous writers and philosophers, including Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling.

In the 20th century, Heidelberg was severely damaged during World War II. However, the university was rebuilt, and it quickly reestablished itself as one of the leading universities in Germany.

Today, Heidelberg is a world-class research university with over 30,000 students. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in Germany and the world.

Heidelberg University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The university is particularly known for its strength in the fields of medicine, law, and philosophy. Heidelberg is also home to a number of world-renowned research institutions, including the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics.

Heidelberg is a highly international university, with students and faculty from all over the world. The university offers a number of English-language programs, and English is widely spoken on campus. Heidelberg is also a beautiful city, with a rich history and culture. It is located in the heart of the Rhine Valley, surrounded by picturesque vineyards and castles.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2024, University of Heidelberg is positioned as the #87 top university in the world, which makes it the #3 top university in Germany. The university's global rank decreased by 22 points from last year.