Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, also known as Kiel University or CAU, is a public research university located in the city of Kiel, Germany. It was founded in 1665 by Christian Albert, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, and is the oldest, largest and most prestigious university in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. With approximately 27,000 students, Kiel University offers a wide range of academic disciplines in its eight faculties, including Theology, Law, Business, Economics and Social Sciences, Medicine, Arts and Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Nutrition, and Engineering. The university's campus, located in the heart of Kiel, combines historic charm with modern amenities, providing students with an inspiring learning environment. The university's unique atmosphere is enhanced by the nearby Kiel Fjord and Baltic Sea, offering students a balance of academic and recreational activities.

Kiel University is renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovative academic programmes. It has a strong focus on interdisciplinary studies, with particular strengths in marine sciences, life sciences, nanosciences and surface sciences. The university is also home to several specialised research centres and institutes, such as the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and the Cluster of Excellence "The Future Ocean". The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in Germany and Europe. In 2021, it was included in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings. Furthermore, Kiel University has been a member of the Excellence Initiative of German Universities since 2006, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence and research.

Throughout its history, Kiel University has been associated with numerous notable alumni and faculty members, including 12 Nobel Laureates. Among the most prominent are Max Planck, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918, and Otto Diels, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1950. This impressive list of alumni and faculty members exemplifies the university's long-standing tradition of academic excellence and its significant contributions to various fields of study.