The path to becoming a University of Excellence. Innovative concepts and visions for the University of the future
Freiburg, 27/06/2025
The decision as to which German universities will earn the prestigious status of “University of Excellence” is the result of a long and thorough process. The University of Freiburg has now taken a significant step forward by officially declaring its intention to apply.
Deadline October 2, 2026: On this date, the final decision will be made as to whether the University of Freiburg will be awarded the status of University of Excellence. Until then, the Excellence Commission—comprising an expert panel appointed by the Joint Science Conference (GWK), along with the federal and state ministers responsible for science—will review the applications submitted by universities.
The University of Freiburg is the only institution in Baden-Württemberg eligible to submit an initial application. As a first step, it has now submitted a formal letter of intent to the German Science and Humanities Council, thereby officially declaring its application in the Universities of Excellence funding line. This gives the University the opportunity to receive funding for a seven-year period starting in 2027.
“We are working with great dedication to further develop the University of Freiburg into a university of the future. Achieving the status of a University of Excellence is a tremendous opportunity—not only for us but also for the entire Freiburg region as a center of research and innovation.“
Prof. Dr. Kerstin Krieglstein
Rector
A major opportunity for Freiburg as a scientific hub
“We are working with great dedication to further develop the University of Freiburg into a university of the future. Achieving the status of a University of Excellence is a tremendous opportunity—not only for us but also for the entire Freiburg region as a center of research and innovation. Many members of our university community have contributed innovative ideas. I am confident that our concept will convince the Excellence Commission,” says Professor Dr. Kerstin Krieglstein, rector of the University of Freiburg.
Earning the title of University of Excellence significantly strengthens the institution and enhances its international leadership in research. This status has wide-reaching positive effects on all areas of the university: research, teaching, studying, operations, and service.
The overarching selection criteria for the Universities of Excellence are:
- the goals and long-term sustainability of the overall institutional strategy, particularly with regard to improving the university’s positioning at the regional, national, and especially international levels;
- the effectiveness of governance and university management; and
- the institution’s capacity for renewal.