Researching, teaching and studying internationally
A globally connected knowledge hub
The University of Freiburg sees itself as a cosmopolitan and globally connected knowledge hub. Its location in the tri-national metropolitan region between Germany, France and Switzerland provides a springboard for international exchange and cross-border cooperation. Researchers at the University of Freiburg collaborate with partners around the world. At the same time, attractive degree programmes attract students from numerous countries and offer Freiburg students international learning experiences. Strong international partnerships and networks give the University of Freiburg an impact that extends far beyond the region.
Together with its partners, the University of Freiburg is committed to a globally connected academic community. In doing so, it stands against trends that increasingly threaten the free exchange of ideas in many parts of the world. It educates students to become cosmopolitan citizens, facilitates intercultural exchange for staff, provides global impetus through innovative research, and contributes to tackling major societal challenges.
The university’s global focus is driven by its researchers, students, staff and partners around the world, who put it into practice. Internationalisation acts as a link between the university’s academic mission and its responsibility to contribute to societal well-being. Its internationalisation strategy sets out the aim of shaping research, teaching and administration across borders. The strategy is founded on the university’s commitment to quality, responsibility and openness. It transforms the university’s existing international character and associated structures into those of a fundamentally international institution.
349
Erasmus+ Partner
4
Enhanced Partnerships
13 %
International Professors
28 %
International Doctoral Candidates
Partnerships and networks
The University of Freiburg is part of major cross-border networks and collaborates with renowned partner universities around the world. 91 Globale Exchance Partners, Four Enhanced Partnerships, the Eucor – The European Campus consortium, the European EPICUR alliance, the University’s involvement in the European LERU network, and numerous international partnerships at faculty level form the foundation for international exchange. The university is focused on expanding its network of partnerships within its key research areas and strengthening existing partnerships in these fields. Through collaborative efforts, it aims to reduce global knowledge disparities. By promoting the international exchange of knowledge and perspectives with its partners, the university is able to strengthen its own capacity to address today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.
Conducting research on a global scale
Excellent research thrives in an environment that fosters diversity of people and perspectives. The University of Freiburg aims to attract outstanding talent from all over the world. Their knowledge and diverse ideas make a significant contribution to jointly overcoming the social challenges of our time. Together with its international partners and institutions such as the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) and the Freiburg Rising Stars Academy (FRSA), the University of Freiburg creates the framework for this. It aims to enable international researchers at all career stages to pursue long-term research careers in Freiburg, to connect local researchers globally, and thereby to pool knowledge available worldwide and make it accessible beyond the campus.
Studying and teaching around the world
The University of Freiburg is continuously embedding internationalised teaching and learning as an integral part of its educational programmes. With 22 English-language and 15 German-French langauge degree programmes, mobility schemes such as those under Erasmus+, Eucor and EPICUR, and the University College Freiburg (UCF), students are able to learn across linguistic, cultural and disciplinary boundaries. This lays an important foundation for working successfully in a globally connected world facing international challenges.
International administration
Administrative processes also play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the University’s international engagement. Many international researchers, students and staff members first come to know the University through its services. The University of Freiburg is therefore constantly refining its processes and services for international exchange and fostering a genuine culture of welcome. Through Erasmus+ and its Enhanced Partnerships, the university also provides its non-academic staff with opportunities to gain experience in an international work environment, thereby helping them develop their language, professional, and cultural skills.
