History
New beginnings for higher education on the continent in the (then) German-speaking world were the foundations of Prague (1348), Wien/Vienna (1365) and Erfurt (1379), the oldest university in Germany. The burghers of Erfurt had requested this privilege during the Western Schism from Pope Clement VIII. in Avignon, not from pope Urban VI. in Rome, who confirmed the privilege ten years later.
Education
The close ties between the Faculty of Humanities; Faculty of Education; Faculty of Economics, Law, and Social Sciences; Faculty of Catholic Theology and the Max Weber Centre for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies help the university as a whole to forge new paths in teaching and research.
Research
Research at the University of Erfurt is characterized by close ties between the four faculties and the Max Weber Center as well as numerous interdisciplinary projects. The university-wide areas of specialization in Religion and Education are of key importance in shaping the university’s diverse research profile.
These areas of specialization have been intensified by the creation of graduate schools and centers.
Career
The University’s mentoring system, its required general education program, and its integrated career orientation program make it a model for other schools. It offers students from Thuringia, other German states, and countries around the world a variety of degree programs at the bachelor, master, Ph.D., and post-doctoral levels.
Short Courses
Student services
After their arrival in Erfurt all international students must register with the city's Registration Offices (Bürgerservice). In addition, non-European students must apply for a residence permit from the local Foreigners' Registration Authority (Ausländerbehörde).
Housing services
Conveniently situated near the capital city’s downtown area, the University of Erfurt encourages direct communication among all members, and facilitates educational exploration as well as interdisciplinary research both on campus and at international partner schools.
Library services
The University's research activities are based both in the faculties and in the “Max Weber Kolleg” (an Institute for Advanced Studies), the "Willy Brandt School for Public Policy", and the famous library and Perthes archive in neighbouring Gotha,. The University of Erfurt is at the same time the oldest and the youngest state university in today’s Germany.
Medical services
Every student is required to have adequate health insurance coverage at all times. Documentation for health insurance must be provided when enrolling at the University. As a student, you have the right to statutory health insurance at the lowest rate of contribution (at present appr. 82 Euro per month).
Campus life
The campus is close to Erfurt’s downtown area, making the University of Erfurt a lively part of the Thuringian capital with its low cost of living and its wide range of cultural and recreational activities.
Sports facilities
The University Sports Centre (USV) provides students and employees with the opportunity to increase their levels of fitness with a wide range of activities, all of which are listed on the university sports centre website and in a brochure that is published at the beginning of each semester.
Student clubs
The student association Anti-Racist Campus Erfurt aims to prevent any racist action on the campus of the university.
You can contribute to that by being an active member of the association. You can report incidents with racist background as well as receive professional help in case you were affected by a racist incident.
Founded in 1379, closed during the 19th century, and reopened in 1994 following German reunification, the school has acquired recognition due to the quantity and quality of its academic achievements in the fields of education, religion, and other key disciplines. All curricula, including those for teacher training, have been accredited as best-practice models for the implementation of the Bologna system.