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University
Basel University, which was founded with papal approval in the year 1460, is the oldest in Switzerland. Today it has about 8'700 students in seven faculties: science, humanities, medicine, economics, law and theology. The main focuses are life sciences and cultural studies. As a modern public institution, the University has enjoyed autonomy since 1996 - within the framework of its public service mandate - in the fields of teaching, research and related services. The Foundation "Mensch-Gesellschaft-Umwelt" (Man-Society-
Environment) has made a name for itself with interdisciplinary studies. Non German-speaking students have to pass a German-language test prior to matriculation.
International University Association
Since 1989, the University of Basel has been part of the University Association EUCOR (comprising the six Upper Rhine universities of Freiburg i. Br., Karlsruhe, Mulhouse, Strasbourg, Colmar and Basel). This makes it possible for students to move freely between the different universities, has made possible joint courses, the reciprocal recognition of credits and certificates, the exchange of lecturers, and shared research programmes.
University of applied sciences Northwestern Switzerland
The "Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz", FHNW (University of applied sciences northwestern Switzerland), which is domiciled in Muttenz and Basel, sees itself as an institute of higher education with a pragmatic focus. It works closely together with private industry in a wide variety of fields. Its 18 departments teach, inter alia, business studies, mechanical engineering, chemistry, IT and electrical engineering. Also part of the University of applied sciences Basel is the "Hochschule für Gestaltung und Kunst", HKG (Institute of Design and Art), which enjoys a high reputation well beyond Basel. The "Höhere Fachschule für Soziale Arbeit beider Basel" (University for Social Work) is an independent institution.
The department of economics at the Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz (University of applied sciences northwestern Switzerland), has been praised in April 2004 by "Avenir Suisse", a business oriented think tank, for their efforts concerning their internationalisation and orientation towards Europe.
Providing highly-qualified employees
As providers of a steady supply of graduates for local businesses, the University and the University of applied sciences Basel (as well as similar institutions in the surrounding area) play a key role in the local economy. Successful companies need well-trained junior staff. This is particularly the case at the present time, as many companies are relocating their research and headquarter activities to
Basel, and have invested substantial sums in new facilities.
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