TU Bergakademie Freiberg

Founded in November 1765, TU Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF) is the world’s oldest mining and technology university. It became a full-fledged technical university under its current name in the 20th century and is now overseen by the Ministry of Science, Culture and Tourism of the Free State of Saxony.

Located in Freiberg, a historic mining town in eastern Germany’s Erzgebirge region, TUBAF plays a central role in the regional economy and is internationally recognised for its focus on sustainable resource technologies.

The university is organised into six faculties: mathematics and computer science, chemistry, physics and bioscience, geosciences, geoengineering and mining, mechanical, process and energy engineering, materials science and technology, and business administration. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes, including several English-taught master's degrees in fields such as sustainable mining, geoengineering, and advanced materials.

Education at TUBAF is strongly linked to practical experience and research. Students benefit from partnerships with global industry leaders, labs, and access to facilities like the Research and Teaching Mine "Reiche Zeche," which supports training and applied science in real mining environments.

Research is integral to TUBAF's mission and is conducted in specialised institutes and interdisciplinary centres. Key focus areas include raw materials exploration, energy systems, environmental technologies, and circular economy solutions.

Committed to regional and global responsibilities, the university is the region’s largest employer with workforce comprising of academic staff, researchers, and technical specialists. It also supports the preservation of Freiberg’s UNESCO-listed Erzgebirge mining landscape.