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Universitäten

Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz

Mainz,  Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany

Founded
1477
Students
30,000
Programmes
221
Taught in English
31

About Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz

Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz (JGU) is one of the largest and most comprehensive universities in Germany, with approximately 30,000 students from more than 120 countries. Originally founded in 1477 by Archbishop Diether von Isenburg, it was refounded in 1946 by the French occupation authorities and renamed in honour of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of movable-type printing who was born in Mainz. The university operates 10 faculties plus specialised schools in music, fine arts, translation studies, and a university medical centre, all concentrated on a single main campus.

JGU has strong research credentials, holding the PRISMA++ Cluster of Excellence in particle physics and participating in more than 14 Collaborative Research Centres (SFB/CRC), including several where JGU is the speaker institution. In 2025 JGU, Goethe University Frankfurt, and TU Darmstadt submitted a joint bid - "RMU-EXCITE" - under Germany's Excellence Strategy as part of the Rhine-Main Universities (RMU) alliance. Key research priorities span particle and quantum physics, materials science, sustainable chemistry, polymer chemistry, life sciences, and translational medicine.

The university is located in Mainz, capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, and offers a predominantly German-taught curriculum. Roughly 4,500 international students from more than 130 countries are enrolled, supported by the International Preparatory and Language Centre (ISSK) and a dedicated international affairs team within the Student Service Centre.

Founded 1477; refounded 1946 and named after Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of movable-type printing, who was born in Mainz

Approximately 30,000 students with ~4,500 internationals from 130+ countries

Leads the PRISMA++ Cluster of Excellence in particle physics, one of Germany's Excellence Strategy clusters

Speaker institution for more than 14 DFG Collaborative Research Centres (SFB/CRC)

Part of the Rhine-Main Universities (RMU) alliance with Goethe University Frankfurt and TU Darmstadt

No tuition fees for standard programmes; Rhineland-Palatinate levies no non-EU surcharge

Key facts

Type
Universitäten
Founded
1477
Students
30,000
International
~4,500 international students from more than 130 countries
Faculties
10
Programmes
221

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