University of Magdeburg

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg was founded in 1993 and is one of Germany's newest universities. It was formed by a merger of the existing Technical University, the Teacher Training College, and the Medical School. The university now comprises nine faculties and about 14,400 students and is becoming increasingly more important as a centre for education and research. It plays an important role in the regional capital of Magdeburg, which is developing into a centre for business, scholarship, and culture. The university is a member of many organisations and committees. The university is named after Otto von Guericke (1602-1686), Magdeburg's famous citizen, whose pioneering research into the vacuum brought him renown well beyond Germany's borders. The university aspires to teach and research in the tradition of this great scientist, philosopher, and engineer and to continue with his humanist work. At the University of Magdeburg, students can choose from 92 degree courses in various areas of study and specialisation. In addition to these, a range of postgraduate courses are offered. There are also many possibilities to combine different subjects across the faculties. The conditions for students are ideal, with modern laboratories, experimental workshops, and clinics equipped with high-performance computers and an excellent staff-student ratio. The offer of a sound, thorough education combining a high level of theoretical expertise with practical experience makes Magdeburg an attractive choice. Magdeburg also attracts students because it can offer single and twin-bedded accommodation in its halls of residence. In recent years, research at the university has gone through a decisive change, from applied research to innovative, fundamental research. Among the many areas represented, the neurosciences, immunology, non-linear systems, new materials, processes and products, computational visualistics, social transformation, communication, and culture deserve a special mention. The university hopes to make a significant contribution to economic and social development in Magdeburg and the surrounding area through its research. Equally, more recently established disciplines such as the humanities, economics, and management have already made their mark on our research profile. Special emphasis is placed on close cooperation between teaching staff and students.

The International Office and the programme coordinators assist students in any way possible. To integrate new students into the university and into the student community, both the university and the faculty offer a "Welcome & Orientation Week" right before studies start in October. The university offers German language courses and lots of social and cultural events organised by the IKUS or by other student initiatives at the faculty or on campus. Furthermore, we offer our students several services: Additional supporting programme advisers for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training profile Supporting seminars and tutorials Additional foreign language courses for students who are not native speakers of German Support in finding an appropriate internship Cultural programmes Mentoring programme