Ingolstadt is situated in the centre of Bavaria, approximately 80 km north of Munich and 90 km south of Nuremberg. The town has nearly 125,000 inhabitants, but has maintained its individual character despite its size. The newly restored old town is close to the university and is home to several cafés, bars and small theatres. The frequent concerts, jazz and art festivals, the unique scenery of the nearby Altmühl valley, and the Alps with their range of sporting and free-time activities all combine to make studying in Ingolstadt a varied experience.
Higher education in Ingolstadt has historical roots. Duke Ludwig the Rich of Bavaria founded the first state university here in 1472, which was moved to Landshut in 1800 and Munich in 1826. Ingolstadt University began teaching in 1994 in the former residence of the first Bavarian university. The campus, completed in 1999, is impressive with its glass architecture, large green areas and the practicality of its buildings. As a university for technology, computer sciences and economics, Ingolstadt provides practice-oriented, international study programmes and prepares the students for working in the global market.
