The University of Augsburg campus is one of the most congenial places to study in Germany. Situated near the city centre of Augsburg, the campus is spacious without being overwhelming. The modern buildings, functional and yet architecturally appealing, blend into a landscaped park with grassy areas, a lake, fountains and several sculptures by contemporary artists. The concentration of the academic buildings on one site simplifies the day-to-day working of the university while encouraging communication. The individual faculties, the administration offices (including the Student Service Centre), the refectory, cafeterias, bars, and the libraries are all conveniently close together. This is a place where people study, teach, carry out research, and live. There is a sense of what “university” really means: a sense of community, cooperation and solidarity between the lecturers and the researchers on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the students who benefit from the research through the teaching they receive.
The University of Augsburg was founded in 1970. It is one of the new, modern universities in Bavaria, and with approximately 15,000 students it is of a manageable size. It attracts students from far beyond its immediate catchment area. About 20% of the German students come from outside Bavaria, and at 14% its share of foreign students is larger than at comparable universities. The University of Augsburg maintains particularly close partnerships with the Universities of Pittsburgh (USA), Osijek (Croatia), Iasi (Romania) and Chabarowsk (Russia). It has cooperation agreements with over forty universities in Europe, Asia, South Africa, North America and Latin America. The number of ERASMUS exchange programmes also continues to grow. There are currently exchange programmes with more than 130 universities throughout Europe. Foreign academics and students are warmly welcomed to all institutes of higher education in Augsburg and are offered rofessional advice about their stay. An office has been set up to answer all their questions, which they can consult before leaving their home country or upon arrival in Augsburg. This office deals with everything relating to residency permits (visas) and the practicalities of life in Germany. If required, they can even arrange an airport transfer from Munich Airport to Augsburg. Anyone who has studied or carried out research here can keep in touch with the University of Augsburg once they have returned home. “Alumni Augsburg International” is a flourishing network that benefits all current Augsburg students, too, as they can use it to find contacts almost anywhere in the world when they themselves go abroad to study.