Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main

Overview

Goethe University, established in 1914 in Frankfurt, Germany, was founded as a distinctive "citizens' university," financed by the city's affluent residents. Today, it serves over 48,000 students and is recognized as one of Germany's leading international research institutions. With a wide array of academic programs and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, Goethe University addresses complex global challenges. Named after Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the famed Frankfurt-born polymath, the university honours his legacy of excellence in literature, science, and philosophy.

As a trailblazer in higher education, Goethe University was inspired by Enlightenment principles, emphasizing openness and civic engagement. It is among the few German universities that combine significant public funding with administrative autonomy, enabling the establishment of a private endowment. This model grants the university considerable flexibility in operations, such as appointing professors. Located in Frankfurt, Europe's largest financial hub, students benefit from academic opportunities enriched by the city's dynamic cultural and economic environment, alongside the chance to enhance their German language skills.