University of Paderborn

The University of Paderborn (German: Universität Paderborn) in Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany was founded in 1972. 17,421 students were enrolled at the university as of December 2011. It offers students 105 different degree programmes. The University of Paderborn ranks high in the areas of Computer Science, Business Management and English. The university’s library also has an excellent reputation. Because of its large selection of electronic media, and its long opening hours and lending periods, it is said to be one of the best university libraries in Germany. The number of students enrolled at the university has steadily increased in recent years, and as a result, the university has begun expanding the main building. Although the campus is not centrally located, you can reach the university within minutes using public transportation.

Particularly notable is the newly established Master of Arts program in Comparative Literature in the faculty of Cultural Studies.

In 2006 the computer science program has been ranked among the top 3 programs in the most comprehensive and detailed ranking of German universities by the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHE) and the German weekly news magazine "Die Zeit". Also in 2006 the university has been ranked among the leading institutions for gaining research funding in the areas of electrical engineering, computer science and systems engineering by the German Research Council (DFG).

RailCab is a research project by the University of Paderborn. Its purpose is the examination of the use of linear engines for the propulsion of autonomous, rail mounted vehicles.