Leibniz University Hannover

A campus surrounded by greenery right in the heart of the city—Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) plays a key role in shaping the character of Lower Saxony’s capital. This is due not only to buildings such as the Welfenschloss, which serves as the university’s main campus, but above all to the people: Approximately 25,300 students are currently enrolled (winter semester 2025/2026). They have chosen one of Germany’s largest universities, which offers interdisciplinary teaching across a wide range of disciplines and is renowned for research at the international cutting edge. Currently, the three Clusters of Excellence QuantumFrontiers, PhoenixD, and Hearing4all are funded at LUH. On this basis, LUH is applying for the “University of Excellence” funding program, which the federal government has established to permanently strengthen a university or a consortium of universities. 

Study programs

With its nine faculties, approximately 150 institutes, and more than 80 degree programs, LUH covers nearly the entire academic spectrum. It also offers a range of sustainability-focused degree programs with a variety of courses across all faculties.
In the field of research, LUH focuses on nationally and internationally competitive areas of specialization. The university holds a leading position in quantum optics and gravitational physics, in production engineering with the Production Engineering Center (PZH), as well as in biomedical engineering and research, optical technologies, science studies, and energy research. In addition, the university places emphasis on plant sciences and nutrition, as well as on earth and environmental sciences and teacher education. Furthermore, there are more than 168 partnerships with 139 universities in approximately 40 countries. LUH maintains numerous research collaborations and networks and, through its cross-faculty research centers, promotes interdisciplinarity in research. Exchange and cooperation with the political and business sectors are a given.

International orientation

More than 5,000 people work for the university, including more than 350 professors. Visiting academics and students from all over the world as well as numerous global collaborations also reflect the international orientation that the university pursues.

Founded as a technical college

Founded in 1831 as a higher commercial school, the institution quickly evolved into a modern university. The university feels a special obligation to the name of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz: as the last great polymath, Leibniz’s life and work embody an extraordinary personality whose influence in science and culture extends far beyond his own era. Since 2006, the former University of Hannover has borne the name Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University and celebrated both the 370th birthday of its namesake and the tenth anniversary of its renaming during the Leibniz Year in 2016.

Promoting young talent and careers

Leibniz University supports early-career academics through a variety of programs. For more information on this topic, please contact the Career Service, the Alumni Office, or the Graduate Academy.

Films of Leibniz University

Leibniz University Hannover provides additional useful information about everyday life as a student and researcher through multimedia resources at wissen.hannover.de.