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University of Leipzig facing austerity measures: Rector Obergfell guarantees study programs!
The University of Leipzig is planning extensive savings and structural adjustments to reduce a deficit of 16 million euros.
University of Leipzig facing austerity measures: Rector Obergfell guarantees study programs!
The University of Leipzig is facing significant financial upheaval. With a budget of around 287 million euros for 2026 from the Saxon state treasury, the institution has to prepare for drastic measures. Rector Eva Inés Obergfell said that the university would have to forego the special allocations it received from the Free State in previous years, which would further exacerbate the already tense financial situation. In recent years, an increasing number of tasks have been taken on without the resources having grown to the same extent, which has led to a structural deficit of 16 million euros, which is to be reduced within three years.
In order to overcome these challenges, a two-stage consolidation plan is being pursued. In 2026, around 8 million euros are expected to be saved through short-term measures, followed by further savings of 4 million euros each in 2027 and 2028 through medium and long-term steps. Loud LVZ The University Council supports this plan and discussions are taking place with the faculties and various institutions of the university.
No redundancies for operational reasons
Despite the more tense financial situation, Obergfell assures that there will be no redundancies for operational reasons. Instead, the university relies on regular employee fluctuation. The rector also emphasizes that there are no plans to abolish courses of study. Rather, the university aims to optimize processes and make the use of resources more efficient.
The faculties will continue to be able to employ tutors, and the protection of trust for students will remain in place: all degree programs that have been started can be completed in accordance with the respective study and examination regulations. In this context, Obergfell announced a comprehensive analysis of the university's tasks in order to review tasks required by law and eliminate tasks that may not be necessary. There could also be considerations about merging courses that are in low demand in order to create integrated courses and maintain subject diversity. Employees and students should be actively involved in the restructuring process, although no visible changes are expected in the winter semester 2025/2026.
Future-oriented research remains the focus
Despite the financial difficulties, the University of Leipzig is striving to become a “comprehensive university of the future”. The strong research fields include, among others, the areas of civilization diseases, personalized medicine, climate economics, biodiversity research, globalization research, early childhood development and artificial intelligence. Obergfell emphasizes the need for investment in education, innovation and research for the future of the university, which wants to continue to claim international relevance.
With these measures and a clear course, the University of Leipzig is setting itself up for the future. Internal discussion and implementation of the changes are essential to address the challenges in higher education while maintaining the focus on maintaining educational quality and diversity. Further developments are eagerly awaited as the university navigates through this difficult period.