Imagine officers trading their fatigues for civilian clothes right here on campus. This is the University of the Bundeswehr Munich. Founded in 1973, it broke ground as one of Germany’s first federal universities. Its original name was Hochschule der Bundeswehr München.
Initially, the university aimed to offer academic education to military officers. The goal was a highly qualified officer corps. Now, it welcomes civilian and international students too.
The University of the Bundeswehr Munich stands out. It combines research with practical sciences. It’s both a theoretical research hub and a college of applied sciences.
Here, the academic year runs on trimesters. This allows intensive study. Capable students can earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in under four years. Usually, that takes five.
The University of the Bundeswehr Munich has a strong research reputation. It’s part of two excellence clusters in Germany. This campus is one of Germany’s few true campus universities.
Defense Minister Helmut Schmidt decided in 1970 that military education needed review. He wanted officers to have full academic studies. The Ellwein commission proposed two civilian colleges within the armed forces. These offered fully recognized civilian degrees. This attracted more people to the military. Students enjoyed better conditions to manage the heavy workload.
In the 1980s, the University of the Bundeswehr Munich gained full university status. It could award doctorate degrees. In the 1990s and 2000s, it opened to civilian students. It also expanded international relations.
Since 2007, the university has used the Bologna system. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees replaced the old German Diplom.
This campus once hosted the Air Force officer school. It also had a military airport. Those runways now test vehicles for scientific purposes.
Many buildings have sprung up since the 1970s. They support teaching, research, and student housing. Most students live in modern dorms on campus. Currently, a large renovation is in progress with around 220 million being invested.
Students enjoy sports facilities. These include gyms, tennis courts, and golf ranges. The university fosters research cooperation. Many engineering firms have facilities near the campus. Siemens, Infineon Technologies and Bosch are notable examples.
Most students wear civilian clothes, even military personnel. Lecture attendance is mostly voluntary. Students pursue extracurricular activities within many initiatives. The German-American, German-Israeli, and German-Hispanic clubs are active.
Sport is important here. The sports center offers free courses. Martial arts are popular. Facilities include gyms, sports halls, a golf course, and a climbing wall. The university also has a military obstacle course. It hosted the CISM world cup in 2009.
The library holds over one million volumes. It is part of Bavaria’s academic library network.
Eva-Maria Kern is the current president. The university has seven university faculties and three College of Applied Sciences faculties. Central services include computing, the library and a media center.
The University of the Bundeswehr Munich offers only civilian study courses. They mirror courses at regular German universities. There are sponsored civilian students from companies like Allianz and Bosch. The university partners with the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies. They offer a course for senior leaders.
The university excels in aeronautical engineering and information security. It boasts Germany’s largest aviation and aerospace faculty. Security technology is a key focus.
The University of the Bundeswehr Munich contributes significantly to research and education. Its graduates shape our world. Perhaps one day, you will too.