Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)

About

Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) is a highly international university renowned for its interdisciplinary focus on European and international studies, particularly strong in Law, Business Administration and Economics, and Cultural Studies. Its unique location directly on the German-Polish border fosters an exceptionally intercultural and binational learning environment, making it a hub for European integration and cross-border collaboration. For international students, Viadrina offers numerous English-taught master's programs, extensive exchange opportunities, and dedicated support through its International Office, ensuring a welcoming and globally connected academic experience. The university is particularly known for its strong emphasis on European law, economics, and cultural understanding, providing a unique perspective on the continent's challenges and opportunities. This distinctive border location is central to its identity, offering unparalleled insights into European cooperation and diversity.

Background

European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) (German: Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)) is a university located at Frankfurt (Oder) in Brandenburg, Germany. It is also known as the University of Frankfurt (Oder). The city is on the Oder River, which marks the border between Germany and Poland. With 5,200 students — around 1,000 of whom come from Poland — and some 160 teaching staff, the Viadrina is one of Germany's smallest universities (only the University of Erfurt and Jacobs University Bremen have fewer students). The Latin word Viadrina means "belonging to, or situated at, the Oder River"; it derives from Viadrus, the name of a presumed river god of the Oder. Actually, an ancient name of the river is not documented, it is mentioned as Oddera in the 991 Dagome iudex referring to the realm of Prince Mieszko I of Poland. The Latin name was probably introduced by the Frankfurt scholar Jodocus Willich (c.1486–1552) and appeared in the Cosmographia by Sebastian Münster in 1544; the city of Frankfurt was known in Latin as Francofortum ad Viadrum.

Location

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