Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (in German: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München), also known as LMU, is a public research university located in Munich, Germany. Founded in 1472, LMU is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university is ranked 43rd in the 2020 QS World University Rankings and 105th in the 2021 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
With over 500 degree programs and more than 60,000 students, LMU is one of the largest universities in Germany. The university has a strong focus on research and teaching, and is home to numerous Nobel Laureates and Fields Medalists. In addition to its main campus in Munich, LMU also has campuses in Heidelberg, Würzburg, Augsburg, Garching, Königsbrunn, Landshut, and Weihenstephan.
LMU’s roots go back to the year 1386 when Duke Ludwig IV founded the “Studium generale” – a medieval type of university – at Ingolstadt Castle. The Studium generale was closed down by Duke Johann III after only two years due to financial difficulties. It was not until 1472 that Pope Sixtus IV approved Duke Ludwig IX’s request to reopen the Studium generale as “Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität zu Ingolstadt”. The new university was named after its founder as well as Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I who granted it its charter.
In 1800, Ingolstadt was annexed by Bavaria during the Napoleonic Wars and the university was relocated to Landshut. It remained there until 1826 when it finally moved to its current location in Munich. During this time period, many notable alumni passed through its doors including writer Thomas Mann and politician Otto von Bismarck who both studied at LMU before going on to have highly successful careers.
TodayLMU is recognized as one of Europe’s premier research universities with an excellent reputation for both teachingandresearchquality.. Theuniversityisorganizedinto 19facultieswhichcovera broad rangeofsubjectareasincludinglawandsocialsciences;medicine;philosophy;theology;historyandart history;languagesandliterature;mathematicsandsciences.. In additiontoitsacademicprogramsLMUofferstastudentbodyextracurricularactivities suchas sportclubsand musicgroups.. There arealso amanystudentorganizationsoncampuswhich catertoavarietyofinterests.. WithitsrichtraditionandprestigiousreputationLMUisoneofthemostdesirableuniversitiesforstudentsfromGermanyandabroadalike..