Steeped in Tradition and with Sights Set on the Future
Maintaining traditions and shaping the future—these are the fundamental aims underlying all research and teaching at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU). The FSU is one of the venerable and most historic universities in Germany. Its foundation in 1558 meant political change and an open commitment to freedom of belief and consciousness. The FSU Jena still maintains the sense of innovation which characterized its early period, and today it views itself as a forward-looking hub for new research fields and emerging generations of scientists. As a result, the University traditionally thinks and operates on an interdisciplinary and international basis. Over 18,000 students currently study at the University in Jena, and a large proportion of these students have an international background.

Research with Strong Partners
Light-Life-Liberty: FSU Jena pools its top research and culture of interdisciplinary study within these three profile lines. The strong third-party funding availability at the FSU Jena is based on an outstanding foundation of individual research and coordinated research projects and networks, supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the European Union (EU) and many others. Moreover, the University operates as a partner to non-university research centres, research-driven companies and well-known cultural institutions.

Research-oriented Teaching and Practice-driven Study Programmes
With its ten faculties and university hospital, FSU Jena covers a broad range of subjects within the academic spectrum. The University currently offers over 200 degree programmes which reflect the areas of focus in the University's research. The course offering encompasses multiple in-demand disciplines, international degree programmes as well as smaller niche subjects which can only be studied at a handful of locations in Germany. The degree programmes deliver on high quality standards, underline the links between fundamental academia and practice-driven application and conclude with internationally-recognised qualifications.

Strengthening the Next Generation of Academics
Promoting the development of young academics on an international level is one particular focus of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. The highest quality standards in the qualification of young academics are implemented in Jena parallel to career development. The Graduate Academy (GA) with its "House for Young Researchers" is the central point where structural support programmes are pooled. Together with the faculties, the Graduate Academy develops strategies for offering the best possible backing for doctoral candidates and postdocs.

A University for Society
Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a place of liberal and critical reflection as well as openness to new ideas and diversity. As the centre of academic life in Thuringia, the FSU also promotes cultural discussion and the transfer of knowledge and experience within business and society. With its museums and numerous collections, the University maintains museum institutions which reflect more than 450 years of research and academic history. Children, school pupils, students, OAPs and other groups can experience these institutions via a wide range of learning and cultural teaching formats.

University of Open Communications
Pluralism, gender equality, international discussion, and responsibility for the community form the foundations for moulding an open and family-friendly University. International students confirm that Jena offers the best conditions for studying and student life. Moreover, the FSU Jena attaches great importance to ensuring that study and family as well as career and family can be combined effectively.

The City and its University
In Jena, the city of light, everything is close-by. You can live in green surroundings and yet reach the heart of the city in minutes-or vice versa. That is the advantage of Jena's location. The boundaries here are somewhat fluid-both in an urban and intellectual sense.