Short Profile of the University of Greifswald

An International University of Past and Present

The University of Greifswald is one of the oldest universities in Germany and the Baltic Sea Region. Founded in 1456, it is also the oldest Swedish university, as the region was ruled by the Swedes after the Thirty Years War and up until 1815. 

Still today, the University of Greifswald is closely tied to the universities of the Baltic Sea Region. But now the international relationships in both research and teaching have spread to regions and countries across the globe. The University today sustains international exchange relationships to more than 200 universities. There are currently international students and scholars from more than 100 different countries.
 

A Strong Research University with Strong Partners

The University of Greifswald is a research university. Its research strength mainly originates in the intensive interdisciplinary collaboration of the five faculties, including University Medicine. Cutting-edge research evolves in close collaboration with regional, national and international research partners and is based on the solid foundation provided by an excellent research infrastructure. “Challenges and solutions of a changing environment and society” is the University of Greifswald’s research mission. There are three interdepartmental and collaborating research domains, which are based on 12 very well-established interdisciplinary key research topics.

The University is at the centre of the science location that is Greifswald and works together closely with the four internationally renowned external research institutions in the town, the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP), and the Helmholtz Institute for One Health (HIOH). The University is also a benefactor of the Alfried Krupp Wissenschaftskolleg Greifswald (Institute for Advanced Studies), which supports research and teaching at the University of Greifswald by inviting national and international fellows to Greifswald for periods of research and holds conferences and lectures.

A University with High Expectations for Teaching

The University of Greifswald sets itself high standards for good teaching. It offers outstanding study conditions in modern buildings and arduously restored historical buildings with an excellent infrastructure for research-led teaching. Small groups and passionate teaching staff guarantee intensive supervision of the students. Five faculties offer a broad range of subjects with a total of 131 possible degree courses, several of which are interdisciplinary, and 13 continuing education courses.

A proven quality assurance system encourages the high quality of teaching through regular external and internal evaluations of the degree courses and student feedback. The University received its system accreditation in 2015 and is taking part in several audit procedures.

A University as Catalyst for Economic and Social Development

The University of Greifswald has a positive effect on the town and the region. It is a major catalyst for the economic and social development of the region and the state. By holding Idea Competitions and putting material and structural measures into effect, the University supports the start-up culture and the transfer of research results to the industry. At the same time, it uses its applied research to tackle specific challenges of the rural region, such as the problems regarding the provision of healthcare in structurally weak regions.

The University shapes and enriches the life and culture in the historic Hanseatic town of Greifswald with its academic ceremonies and culture festivals, student clubs and initiatives, international events, broad and diverse academic communication with the general public and its members’ high levels of active citizenship.