Whether 17 or 65: Studying at the University of Freiburg knows no age limit
Freiburg, 24/02/2026
Whether straight after high school or after a long career, people at all stages of life study at the University of Freiburg. Two first-year students starting in the 2025/2026 winter semester – aged 17 and 65 – talk about their path to university and what they particularly enjoy about their studies.
“I always wanted to study history,” says Alexander-Johannes Erlenkämper-Trappen. Now, at the age of 65, he is fulfilling his life-long wish to get a degree in the subject. He is the oldest first-year student in the 2025/2026 winter semester at the University of Freiburg. Born in Saarland, he previously completed two apprenticeships as an electrician and as a healthcare and nursing assistant.
Now that he has retired, he first has to find out how studying actually works, he says: “I’m no longer a youngster, I realise that. For example, it takes me longer to read.” That’s why the first semester is mainly about getting to know things. “I’m taking the time to understand all the structures and processes, because I definitely don’t feel any pressure to finish as quickly as possible.”
Despite the new environment, Erlenkämper-Trappen really enjoys his subjects and the intensive study of the content. “I’m minoring in German. It’s great that I can devote myself so extensively to just two subjects. Learning definitely comes easier to me now than it did during school.”
“There is always a solution – regardless of whether you don’t understand something or don’t know exactly how something works at university. It’s no problem at all to ask someone or ask for help. Everyone here is very open and welcoming.“
Alexander-Johannes Erlenkämper Trappen
Student at the University of Freiburg
The decision to start studying at his age was very well received by those around him. “Many people would never have thought of spending their retirement this way and support my decision.” He advises other people who are considering studying at an older age to remain calm. “There is always a solution – regardless of whether you don’t understand something or don’t know exactly how something works at university. It’s no problem at all to ask someone or ask for help. Everyone here is very open and welcoming.”
What is Erlenkämper-Trappen looking forward to in the coming semesters? “Many more exciting lectures and seminars. It will be difficult for me to decide.”
Starting university at age 17
For the Freiburg native Malia Kaleja, one thing is clear: she wants to become a teacher and study natural sciences. In 2025, the 17-year-old completed her Abitur (A-levels) and began studying chemistry and mathematics at the University of Freiburg in the winter semester of 2025/2026. This makes her the youngest of this year’s first-year students.
She is already familiar with long, study-intensive days from her school days and is coping well with the full timetable. “I have to say that studying both main subjects is very time-consuming. But I’m pretty happy so far,” she reports. “I’m definitely having fun. I’ve had several moments when I thought: that’s really cool what I’ve just learnt.” Despite her stressful everyday life, she always finds moments to recharge her batteries. “I also dance West Coast Swing and do self-defence. It offers a good balance to my studies.”
“I’m definitely having fun. I’ve had several moments when I thought: that’s really cool what I’ve just learnt.”
Malia Kaleja
Student at the University of Freiburg
She also finds it easy to make friends and socialise at university. “The social aspect is no problem. My fellow students don’t care how old I am. But because I’m still a minor, I had to overcome the hurdle of finding a flat on my own, for example,” she says.
Kaleja therefore advises students of the same age to seek support. “Whether it’s parents or friends – I think it’s important not to go through challenging phases alone.”
Now she is looking forward to her orientation internship during the semester break. “It’s going to be cool because I’ll be able to gain my first concrete professional experience and get a step closer to my career goal of becoming a teacher.”