A university with tradition and an eventful history

Then as now, the university is a mainstay of Tyrolean society, economy and politics.

The educational and economic situation in Tyrol in the 17th century was bleak: anyone who wanted to study as a Tyrolean at that time had to move to Vienna or Freiburg. In addition, economic power was lost with the extinction of the Tyrolean Habsburgs due to the loss of the court.

New impetus

The Innsbruck government reacted to this and was able to dispel concerns in Vienna about an "overproduction" of academics through a new university. On the other hand, the prospects of an economic revitalisation were presented: "The establishment of a university ... is a work of public benefit, which will preserve a lot of money in the country and also bring in more cash." The government was not at a loss for further arguments: The healthy air, better "tempered than in Italia", the meeting of German and Italian culture and finally the "wolfaile" wine.

Leopold I convinced

On 15 October 1669, to the delight of the people of Innsbruck, Leopold I approved the levying of twelve kreuzers on every cartload (around 16 kg) of Haller salt sold in Tyrol to finance a provincial university. Even then, the income from the salt surcharge of 4300 guilders was offset by expenditure on personnel and material expenses of 7000 guilders. From its foundation in 1669 to the present day, the university has thus remained dependent on public funds and the question of financing was to play a decisive role on several occasions.

Joseph II wanted an "elite university"

On 29 November 1781, Joseph II abolished the University of Innsbruck and reduced it to a lyceum (secondary school). His focus was on expanding the elementary school system and he wanted to concentrate his resources on promoting the central universities in Vienna and Prague: "The number of those learning to read and write must be as large as possible, the number of those studying higher education less, and finally those who attend all university courses must be only the most select talents."

University opens and closes

In 1792, the University of Innsbruck resumed full teaching activities under Leopold II. With the beginning of the Tyrolean uprising (1809), patriotic enthusiasm spread to large parts of the student body. Many students fought on the side of Andreas Hofer. After the collapse, the university was abolished for the second time in 1810. It was only after the reunification of Tyrol with Austria (1814) that Emperor Franz I made the reestablishment of the university subject to the following unpopular condition: "I will say yes as soon as I see money."

The Hall salt tax had already been abolished in 1808, so the restoration of the new University of Innsbruck was only authorised in 1826 once a state funding model was available. Since then, university operations have never ceased and the University of Innsbruck has retained its name to this day.

Traditional organisations such as the University of Innsbruck are the sum of their histories and the people who have played a lasting role in shaping them. Thanks to its eventful past since 1669, the University of Innsbruck has developed into a top national and international brand in the field of research and teaching.