Founded in 1669 and located in the heart of the Alps, The University of Innsbruck is a public university in the capital of the Austrian federal state of Tyrol, with over 27,000 students and more than 4,500 staff.
The largest and most important research and teaching institution in western Austria, it is home to 16 faculties providing programs in all fields of study and is recognised highly in international rankings.
The Times Higher Education Supplement World Ranking listed the University of Innsbruck as Austria's leading university in 2010. The importance of its status as a research and educating institution can be seen in the numerous award-winning alumni and current and former scientists teaching and researching at the University. Many scientific cutting-edge discoveries have been made at the University of Innsbruck, it also occupies the third rank worldwide in the area of mountain research.

Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Tyrol’s capital Innsbruck, is a picturesque city that lies on the banks of the Inn River. Home to the grand Hofburg palace and featuring classic Austrian architecture and a baroque cathedral, Innsbruck looks like something from a picture-book.

A big skiing destination, the city has hosted the Winter Olympics twice with the world-famous Bergisel Ski Jump still overlooking the town and offering big mountain views. In summer the Alps provide tourists and locals with a true Austrian mountaineering experience.

In 2005, copies of letters written by 12th and 13th century emperors Frederick II and Conrad IV were discovered in the university's library.