The number of first-year students has risen compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded by the group of new students from Ukraine, most of whom are continuing their studies at TU Bergakademie Freiberg online as part of a support programme for Ukrainian universities. There was also an increase in the number of students who enrolled with a German Abitur.

The proportion of international enrolments at the university thus remains high; it is just over 40 per cent for face-to-face studies. In addition to Ukraine and Europe, the international students come to Freiberg from the Asian, African and American continents.

"At one of Europe's leading resource universities, you are now working on global challenges relating to the energy and raw materials transition, green chemistry, environmental protection and the circular economy. At TU Bergakademie Freiberg, you will receive an excellent education and become part of the solution to key issues in society and the economy," said the Rector of TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Prof Dr Klaus-Dieter Barbknecht, welcoming the first-semester students.

Engineering, Geosciences and Business Administration particularly in demand

The most popular subjects in the winter semester 2024/25 include the Bachelor's degree programmes in Engineering, Business Administration, Geology/Mineralogy and Geoengineering as well as the Master's programmes Advanced Materials Analysis and Metallic Materials Technology. On behalf of all newly enrolled students, six students from the six faculties personally signed the matriculation register at TU Bergakademie Freiberg at the academic ceremony.

On 1 November 2023, the Saxon universities will collect the final data for the State Statistical Office. As in previous years, more people will be included in the statistics.

Awards for student achievement and commitment

The TU Bergakademie Freiberg honoured special achievements by students at the academic ceremony. Fabian Kaulfuß received the Friedrich Wilhelm von Oppel Prize from the Association of Friends and Sponsors of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg for exemplary commitment to the interests of students. The university honoured the outstanding achievements of André Straßheim with the Werner Freiesleben Prize.