Kiel University (German: Universität Kiel, also known as U of Kiel) is a university in the city of Kiel, Germany. It was founded in 1665 and is one of the oldest and largest universities in Germany. As of 2017, it has around 25,700 students enrolled. The university offers more than 170 different degree programs in 13 faculties.
The university’s history can be traced back to 1460 when the Baltic Prince Adolphus VI founded the Studium Generale Holsatiense in Elbing (now Elbląg). This was a school for higher learning that was open to all students regardless of nationality or social status. In 1544, Duke Adolf Friedrich I established a second school, Academia Carolina at Eutin Castle (now part of Ostholstein), which became popular among Dutch and Scottish students.
In 1665, Charles V ordered the establishment of a third school in Kiel, which led to the formation of today’s Kiel University. The first rector of the university was Johann Conrad Schlaun (1665-1676), who came from a family of academics and had studied at several European universities himself; under his leadership, many renowned scholars came to teach at Kiel University.
During the 18th century, the university experienced severe financial difficulties due to constant warfare in Europe; this resulted in reduced funding from both the state and student tuition fees. In 1864-1866, Prussia went through an internal reorganization that resulted in far-reaching changes for all Prussian universities; as part of this process, Kiel University lost its status as an autonomous institution and came under direct control by Prussia’s Ministry of Education. The number of students also dropped sharply during this time period due to mandatory military service for males over 21 years old – only 53 students graduated from the university between 1865 and 1870.
Fortunately, these difficulties did not last long: In 1871, following Prussia’s victory against France in the Franco-Prussian War, King Wilhelm I granted autonomy to all Prussian universities once again; additionally ,the numberofstudents increased rapidly as now compulsory military service only applied to those over 25 years old . By 1900 , there were already 2200students enrolledatKiellniversity . Today ,KIe1Universityisoneofthe leadinguniversitiesinGermanyand is especiallywell – knownforitsresearch intooceanographyandmarinebiology
Located right onthe BalticSeafrontinthecityofKIel(capitaloftheshippingprovinceofSchleswigHolstein),Kielllniversityenjoysanoutstandingreputationbothinsideand outsideGermany .Witha strongfocusonmarineresearchandsciences ,itisoften referredtoasthe”MarineCapitalofGermany” .Internationallyrenownedscholars suchasGeorgForster , AlexandervonHumboldt , CarlGustavCarusand AlfredWegenerhaveall workedatKielllniversityatinetimeor anotherduringtheircareers .Morerecently , Nobel LaureateTheodorMommsendid groundbreakingworkinto reactorphysicswhilehewasbasedattheuniversity ‘sInstituteofTechnology