University of Vienna

Middle Ages to the Enlightenment

The university was founded on March 12, 1365, by Rudolf IV, Duke of Austria, hence the name "Alma Mater Rudolphina".^[4] After the Charles University in Prague (1347) and Jagiellonian University in Kraków (1364), the University of Vienna is the third oldest university in Central Europe and the oldest university in the contemporary German-speaking world; it remains a question of definition as the Charles University in Prague was German-speaking when founded, too. However, Pope Urban V did not ratify the deed of foundation that had been sanctioned by Rudolf IV, specifically in relation to the department of theology. This was presumably due to pressure exerted by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor, who wished to avoid competition for the Charles University in Prague.^[5]

The pope later granted an endowment to the university in 1365, while papal assent was finally received in 1384.^[6] This led to the University of Vienna and its Faculty of Catholic Theology being granted the status of a full university.^[7] The first university building opened in 1385. It grew into the biggest university of the Holy Roman Empire, and during the advent of Humanism in the mid-15th century was home to more than 6,000 students.^[8]

In its early years, the university had a partly hierarchical, partly cooperative structure, in which the Rector was at the top, while the students had little say and were settled at the bottom. The Magister and Doctors constituted the four faculties and elected the academic officials from amidst their ranks. The students, but also all other Supposita (university members), were divided into four Academic Nations. Their elected board members, mostly graduates themselves, had the right to elect the Rector. He presided over the Consistory which included procurators of each of the nations and the faculty deans, as well as over the University Assembly, in which all university teachers participated. Complaints or appeals against decisions of the faculty by the students had to be brought forward by a Magister or Doctor.^[8]

Being considered a Papal Institution, the university suffered a setback during the Reformation. In addition, epidemics, economic stagnation, and the first Siege of Vienna by Ottoman forces had devastating effects on the city, leading to a sharp decline in enrollment. For Emperor Ferdinand I, this meant that the university should be tied to the church to an even stronger degree, and in 1551 he installed the Jesuit Order there.^[4] As time went on, conflicts between the Jesuit school and the university arose. This led Emperor Ferdinand II, in 1623, to pass a law that incorporated the Jesuit College into the university.^[9] It was only in the mid-18th century that the Jesuits lost influence over the university and when Empress Maria Theresa ensured that the university went under the control of the monarchy. The university would later focus on the education of physicians and civil servants. Her successor Joseph II continued her reforms and further liberalized the university, abolishing official attire and allowing both Protestants and Jews to enroll by 1782, as well as introducing German as the compulsory language of instruction the year later.^[4]

Modern history

Significant changes were instituted in the wake of the Revolution in 1848, with the Philosophical Faculty being upgraded into equal status as Theology, Law and Medicine. Led by the reforms of Leopold, Count von Thun und Hohenstein, the university was able to achieve a larger degree of academic freedom.^[4] The current main building on the Ringstraße was built between 1877 and 1884 by Heinrich von Ferstel. The previous main building was located close to the Stuben Gate (Stubentor) on Iganz Seipel Square, the current home of the old University Church (Universitätskirche) and the Austrian Academy of Sciences (Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften). Women were admitted as full students in 1897, although their studies were limited to Philosophy. The remaining departments gradually followed suit, although with considerable delay: Medicine in 1900, Law in 1919, Protestant Theology in 1923, and finally Roman Catholic Theology in 1946.^[10] Ten years after the admission of the first female students, Elise Richter became the first woman to receive habilitation, becoming professor of Romance languages in 1907; she was also the first female distinguished professor.

In the late 1920s, the university was in steady turmoil because of anti-democratic and anti-Semitic activity by parts of the student body. Professor Moritz Schlick was killed by a former student while ascending the steps of the university for a class. His murderer was later released by the Nazi regime. Following the Anschluss, the annexation of Austria into Greater Germany by the Nazi regime, in 1938 the University of Vienna was reformed under political aspects, and a huge number of teachers and students were dismissed for political and "racial" reasons.^[11] In April 1945, the then 22-year-old Kurt Schubert, later acknowledged doyen of Judaic Studies at the University of Vienna, was permitted by the Soviet occupation forces to open the university again for teaching, which is why he is regarded as the unofficial first rector in the post-war period. On 25 April 1945, however, the constitutional lawyer Ludwig Adamovich senior was elected as the official rector of the University of Vienna.

A large degree of participation by students and university staff was realized in 1975, however, the University Reforms of 1993 and 2002 largely re-established the professors as the main decision-makers. However, also as part of the 2002 reform, the university, after more than 250 years of being largely under governmental control, finally regained its full legal capacity. The number of faculties and centers was increased to 18, and the whole of the medical faculty was separated into the new Medical University of Vienna.^[12]

21st century

On 22 October 2009, following a solidarity rally for the occupiers of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, the Audimax, Austria's largest lecture hall (opened in 1936), was occupied (see Student protests in Austria in 2009). The protests were directed (among other things) against the implementation of the Bologna Process in Austria, the reintroduction of tuition fees, restrictions on access to higher education, and precarious working conditions at universities. They demanded an increase in the higher education budget to 2% of GDP in order to expand personnel and spatial capacities and improve university facilities, as well as education and curriculum design independent of private economic interests.^[13][14]

In 2015, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra dedicated part of the programme of its New Year's Concert to the University of Vienna on the occasion of its 650th anniversary on 12 March 2015.^[15] With a view to implementing the new teacher education programme, regional development associations have been formed in Austria. The University of Vienna, together with other universities in Vienna and Lower Austria, belongs to the North-East Association. The new teacher education programme for secondary education began in 2016.^[16]

In 2020, the University of Vienna opened a new location on Kolingasse to expand its infrastructure. In October 2021, the new University of Vienna Biology Building was opened. In October 2022, Sebastian Schütze was elected Rector of the University of Vienna and took office.^[17] In October 2022, a new Rectorate took office at the University of Vienna.^[18] In October 2022, the University of Vienna congratulated Nobel Prize winner Anton Zeilinger for his outstanding scientific achievements.^[19] In May 2025, the University of Vienna opened a new book depository, relocating 2.7 million volumes from the Main Library in the Main Building of the University of Vienna.^[20] In the last elections for the Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH) in May 2025, the VSStÖ student organisation achieved 37.01% (12 seats) in the university representation, GRAS achieved 20.87% (6 seats) and KSV-LiLi achieved 11.00% (3 seats).^[21] In October 2025, the University of Vienna achieved a place in the top 100 of the global university rankings for the first time.^[22]

History

Rudolf IV had already provided for a publica libraria in the Foundation Deed of 12 March 1365, where the valuable books bequeathed by deceased members of the university should be collected. Through many legacies, this collection was subsequently greatly increased and became the basis of the old Libreye that was accommodated in the same building as the student infirmary. In addition, there were libraries in the separate Faculties and in the Duke's College.

From the 17th century onwards, interest in the old library, with its manuscripts and incunabulae, went into decline and the modern library in the Jesuit College came to the fore. In 1756, the oldest university library was finally closed down and its books, 2,787 volumes, were incorporated into the Court Library, of which Gerard van Swieten was then director. After the dissolution of the Jesuit order (1773), the new "Academic Library" was created out of the book collections of the five Lower Austrian Colleges and many duplicates from the Court Library. This was opened on 13 May 1777, the birthday of Maria Theresa of Austria, in the building of the Academic College. Initially, the stock consisted of some 45,000 books, and during Emperor Joseph II's dissolution of the monasteries, this was soon considerably extended. In contrast to its antecedents, the new library was open to the general public. Between 1827 and 1829, it acquired the classicist extension (Postgasse 9) to the Academic College, in which it was to be accommodated until 1884. In this year, the main library, with some 300,000 books, moved to Heinrich von Ferstel's new Main Building on the Ring, where stacks for some 500,000 volumes had already been prepared. With an annual growth of up to 30,000 volumes, the surplus space was soon filled. Book storage space had to be extended continuously. One hundred years later, the complete library, including departmental and subject libraries, comprised more than 4.3 million volumes.^[29]

By 2025, the University Library of the University of Vienna comprises the Main Library and the 33 specialist libraries at various university locations throughout Vienna and is the largest library in Austria (approximately 7.8 million volumes). In addition to contemporary scientific literature, it has an exceptional collection of historical works. The specialist libraries contain approximately 4.7 million books, journals, maps and other materials. The University Library also comprises the Archive of the University of Vienna at Postgasse 9 in the 1st district, which manages the documents relating to university operations. The library's primary responsibility is to the members of the university; however, the library also provides access to the public. Use of the books in the reading halls is open to all persons without the need for identification, which is only required for checking out books or other media. The library's website provides direct access to information such as electronic journals, online indices, and databases.^[30][31]

Statistics (2024)

• Book inventory: 7,812,026 (of which 2,934,233 belong to the Main Library)
• E-Journals: 161,476
• E-Books: 2,132,742
• Search queries in the online catalogue: 11,349,382
• Borrowings and renewals of books: 2,915,628
• Oldest book: Bible from the Dorothean monastery, 1392 ("Biblia manuscripta"; entry in the online catalogue: https://ubdata.univie.ac.at/AC16383568)^[32]

Management

The main bodies of the university are the Rectorate, the University Council, the Senate and the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). There are 15 faculties and five centres, as well as a large number of other organisational units that support the administrative and academic tasks of the University.^[34]

• Rectorate: Is responsible for the strategic direction of the University and consists of the Rector and four Vice-Rectors.
• University Council: Alongside the Rectorate and the Senate, this is one of the highest governing bodies and consists of nine members who are appointed for a term of five years.
• Senate: This is another central governing body of the University of Vienna and consists of 18 members.
• Scientific Advisory Board (SAB): Supports the University in relation to international scientific developments and long-term strategic decisions.

Strategic priorities

The University of Vienna defines its strategic research priorities based on its interdisciplinary breadth and current academic challenges. The six central thematic areas bundle and coordinate research, teaching, the promotion of early stage researchers, knowledge transfer and cooperation across disciplinary boundaries. The strategic research priorities of the University of Vienna include:^[35]

• Culture, education, democracy: foundations of human coexistence, communication and social participation
• Digital and data-driven transformations of science and society
• Climate, environment, sustainability: climate change, ecological systems, sustainable solutions
• Global health: physical, mental and social dimensions of health in a global and social context
• Systems of life – foundations of life: fundamental biological and ecological processes of life
• Quantum systems and materials for the future: quantum sciences, materials research and technological innovations

These research priorities reflect key academic challenges and the interdisciplinary orientation of the University of Vienna in national and international research.

Programmes

Students at the University of Vienna can select from 185 degree programmes. In the academic year 2024/25, the University awarded 4,106 first degrees (bachelor's and diploma degrees), 1,841 master's degrees, and 242 doctoral and PhD degrees.^[36]

The University of Vienna offers degree programmes in various disciplines, which are offered as the following programmes:^[37]

• Bachelor's and diploma programmes
• Master's and teacher education programmes
• Doctoral programmes and PhD programmes

Faculties and centres

The University of Vienna consists of 15 faculties and 5 centers:^[38]

1. Faculty of Catholic Theology
2. Faculty of Protestant Theology
3. Faculty of Law
4. Faculty of Business, Economics and Statistics (not to be confused with the Vienna University of Economics and Business)
5. Faculty of Computer science
6. Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies
7. Faculty of Philological and Cultural Studies
8. Faculty of Philosophy and Education
9. Faculty of Psychology
10. Faculty of Social sciences
11. Faculty of Mathematics
12. Faculty of Physics
13. Faculty of Chemistry
14. Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy
15. Faculty of Life sciences
16. Centre for Translation studies
17. Centre for Sport science and University Sports
18. Max Perutz Labs
19. Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science
20. Centre for Teacher Education

Research facilities

The University of Vienna has a large number of research facilities that promote and intensify academic research in a wide variety of fields. Key elements include research networks, research platforms and collaborations with other universities and research institutions.^[39]

International

The University of Vienna is part of an international network of research institutions and universities and maintains numerous collaborations and networks worldwide.^[40] The University of Vienna also maintains numerous strategic partnerships with international universities and research institutions that support academic exchange and joint research initiatives. Partner universities include the University of Chicago, Kyoto University and Peking University.^[41] In addition, the University of Vienna is involved in many international networks and networks and associations, which strengthen its global connections and enable active participation in international research and education initiatives. These international networks include CENTRAL, CircleU, Campus Europae, EUA, Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, and UNICA.^[42]

Faculty and scholars

Nobel Prize Laureates who taught at the University of Vienna include Robert Bárány, Julius Wagner-Jauregg, Hans Fischer, Karl Landsteiner, Erwin Schrödinger, Victor Franz Hess, Otto Loewi, Konrad Lorenz and Friedrich Hayek.^[4]

The University of Vienna was the cradle of the Austrian School of economics. The founders of this school who studied and later instructed at the University of Vienna included Carl Menger, Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk, Friedrich von Wieser, Joseph Schumpeter, Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek.

Other famous scholars who have taught or teach at the University of Vienna are: Theodor W. Adorno, Alexander Van der Bellen, Manfred Bietak, Theodor Billroth, Ludwig Boltzmann, Ulrich Brand, Franz Brentano, Anton Bruckner, Rudolf Carnap, Conrad Celtes, Adrian Constantin, Viktor Frankl, Sigmund Freud, Karl Samuel Grünhut, Eduard Hanslick, Edmund Hauler, Jalile Jalil, Leon Kellner, Hans Kelsen, Adam František Kollár, Johann Josef Loschmidt, Franz Miklosich, Oskar Morgenstern, Otto Neurath, Johann Palisa, Pope Pius II, Karl Popper, August Reinisch, Elise Richter, Baron Carl von Rokitansky, Rudolf von Scherer, Peter Schuster, August Schleicher, Moritz Schlick, Ludwig Karl Schmarda, Christoph Schreuer, Joseph von Sonnenfels, Josef Stefan, Olga Taussky-Todd, Hans Thirring, Walter Thirring, Walter G. Url, Leopold Vietoris, Carl Auer von Welsbach, and Wilhelm Winkler.

Nobel laureates

There are total 17 Nobel Prize Laureates affiliated to the university as follows:

Alumni

Some of the university's better-known students include: Kurt Adler, Franz Alt, Wilhelm Altar, Maria Anwander, Napoleon Baniewicz, Ilse Barea-Kulcsar, Bruno Bettelheim, Rudolf Bing, Lucian Blaga, Hedda Bolgar, Michael Brainin, Josef Breuer, F. F. Bruce, Elias Canetti, Ivan Cankar, Otto Maria Carpeaux, Friedrich Cerha, Felix Ehrenhaft, Olga Ehrenhaft-Steindler, Mihai Eminescu, Stephen Ferguson, Paul Feyerabend, Heinz Fischer, O. W. Fischer, Ivan Franko, Sigmund Freud, Adolf Albrecht Friedländer, Alcide De Gasperi, Nathan Michael Gelber, Hilda Geiringer, Kurt Gödel, Ernst Gombrich, Franz Grillparzer, Karina Grömer, Werner Gruber, Karl Samuel Grünhut, Pamela Gutman, Hans Hahn, Jörg Haider, Michael Haneke, Friedrich Hayek, Leo-Ferdinand Henckel von Donnersmarck, Theodor Herzl, Anneliese Hitzenberger, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Edmund Husserl, Marie Jahoda, Max Jammer, Elfriede Jelinek, Percy Julian, Karl Kautsky, Elisabeth Kehrer, Leon Kellner, Hans Kelsen, Hryhoriy Khomyshyn, Jan Kickert, Rudolf Kirchschläger, Gertraud Knoll, Arthur Koestler, Jernej Kopitar, Karl Kordesch, Arnold Krammer, Karl Kraus, Bruno Kreisky, Richard Kuhn, Hermann F. Kvergić, Paul Lazarsfeld, Ignacy Łukasiewicz, Gustav Mahler, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, Lise Meitner, Gregor Mendel, Karl Menger, Franz Mesmer, Egon Orowan, Franz Miklosich, Alois Mock, Wolf-Dieter Montag, Matija Murko, Paul Niel, Joachim Oppenheim, Eduard Pernkopf, Anton Piëch, Ioan Nicolidi of Pindus, Pope Pius III, Hans Popper, Karl Popper, Otto Preminger, Wilhelm Reich, Peter Safar, Monika Salzer, Mordecai Sandberg, Mordkhe Schaechter, Karl Schenkl, Max Schloessinger, Marianne Schmidl, Andreas Schnider, Arthur Schnitzler, Albin Schram, Joseph Schumpeter, Wolfgang Schüssel, Peter Schuster, John J. Shea, Jr., Mihalj Šilobod Bolšić, Maria Simon, Felix Somary, Marian Smoluchowski, Adalbert Stifter, Countess Stoeffel, Yemima Tchernovitz-Avidar, Eric Voegelin, Maria Wähnl, Kurt Waldheim, Calvin Edouard Ward, Otto Weininger, Slavko Wolf, Eduard Zirm, Stefan Zweig, and Huldrych Zwingli.

• 
  Huldrych Zwingli
• 
  Gregor Mendel
• 
  Sigmund Freud
• 
  Hans Kelsen
• 
  Gustav Mahler
• 
  Erwin Schrödinger
• 
  Friedrich Hayek