Study in Leipzig

Almost every 15th resident in Leipzig is a student. This sizeable ratio gives the city a youthful feel. Most of these prospective academics study at the city's university, which has 14 faculties and is a popular but also somewhat overcrowded institution. The most prevalent subjects here are medicine, social science, economics and sports. However, studying at the university is not a must, as the city has another six tertiary institutions to offer. The best-known among these are the Academy of Visual Arts (HGB) and the Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy University of Music and Theater.

Old books and new research

Leipzig is Germany's second-oldest university, only exceeded in lifespan by Heidelberg University, which is 34 years older. The campus is situated in the city center, directly next to the square Augustusplatz with the opera and Gewandhaus concert hall. Dozens of world-class research institutes have established themselves in the city in the last few years, including the renowned Max Planck Institute, the Center for Environmental Research and the Fraunhofer Institute. Leipzig is the perfect place for anyone who wants some practical training in the area of research. The city's National Library is one of the richest sources of German literature, possessing at least one copy of every single German publication dating back to 1913.

International students welcome

Each year, around 3,000 students from all over the world enroll at Leipzig's tertiary institutions. Many are part of the exchange program of the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD, as well as Sokrates or Erasmus. Most of them stay in Leipzig for about one year. Popular subjects include IT, economics and German as a foreign language. Leipzig is especially renowned for its language study opportunities - even languages like Arabic, Japanese and Chinese are included in the options. Study-related questions and problems can be directed towards the Students' Union and the Academic Foreign Office. There is also a charity-based organization that helps foreign students who experience financial problems.

Siesta and party

Most of the foreign students live in one of the dormitories near the city center. They meet up regularly to talk about the problems and opportunities associated with their studies, but also to party together. Each year - in cooperation with foreign students, the Academic Foreign Office and a dozen of Leipzig's cultural organizations - the Leipzig Students' Union organizes an international students' week. During this time, the university cafeteria offers food from all over the globe, while international festivals, concerts and exhibitions take place in the city.

Author: Ronny Arnold
Editor: Greg Wiser