Leipzig University

Leipzig University is a public higher education institution in Leipzig, Germany, maintaining teaching buildings in both historic structures and contemporary complexes. The institution divides into 14 faculties spread across multiple sites throughout the city, encompassing lecture halls, laboratories, and administrative spaces.

Margrave William II of Meissen founded the institution in 1409 with four scholastic faculties following the departure of German scholars from Prague. The institution admitted women as guest students from 1873 onward, with Johanna von Evreinov later receiving the first law doctorate awarded to a woman in Germany.

The institution bears the name of Margrave William II, who signed its founding charter, while students today use facilities spread throughout the city center. Visitors notice the library collections holding manuscripts from different centuries, preserved in climate-controlled rooms and available for viewing by appointment.

Most buildings lie in the center and are easy to reach on foot or by public transport, with entrances often marked by signage. Some areas remain open to the public while others require prior registration or are accessible only during specific opening hours.

The library preserves the Codex Sinaiticus, one of the oldest surviving Bible manuscripts, attracting researchers from around the world. Visitors can view portions of the collection by request, which also includes documents of medieval scholarship.

Location: Leipzig

Inception: December 2, 1409

Founders: William II, Margrave of Meissen

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Phone: +49(0)3419730108

Website: https://uni-leipzig.de/en

GPS coordinates: 51.33845,12.37866

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:06