Friedensau Adventist University Opens New Academic Year

On Monday, October 5, 2026, Friedensau Adventist University opened the 2026/27 academic year with a brief ceremony. In the chapel of the Otto Lüpke House, the new Rector, Prof. Gerald A. Klingbeil, D.Litt., welcomed the new students on behalf of the university administration.

He compared the beginning of one’s studies to embarking on a long-haul flight. It is not simply a matter of buying a ticket and completing all the necessary formalities; along the way, there will also be ups and downs and perhaps some turbulence before the destination is reached. He emphasized: “Friedensau has a special mission. Since its beginnings, the university has sought to provide education from a Christian perspective, or, more specifically, from a Seventh-day Adventist worldview. At Friedensau, we not only learn together, we also pray together.”

Prof. Klingbeil assumed his duties as Rector on October 1, 2026, succeeding Prof. Dr. Roland E. Fischer. The official handover ceremony will take place in Friedensau on October 25, 2026.

This year, 49 new students were admitted. Nineteen are enrolled in theology programs. Six of them are first-year students beginning the German-language bachelor’s program in Theology, while 13 are continuing their studies in various master’s programs in Theology. Thirty students have chosen to study in the Faculty of Social Sciences: eight are enrolled in the B.A. International Social Work program, 15 in the M.A. Development Studies program, and seven in the online M.A. Development Studies program.

Due to delays in obtaining their visas, 12 of the new students have not yet arrived on campus but are expected shortly. Besides Germany, the new students represent 19 other nations: Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, China, Ethiopia, France, The Gambia, India, Kenya, Myanmar, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. We warmly welcome all our new students and wish them every success in their studies at Friedensau.

The weekend will feature two events in the chapel on Saturday, October 10, 2026. At 10:00 a.m., the worship service marking the beginning of the academic year will include a sermon by Prof. Gerald A. Klingbeil. At 7:30 p.m. that evening, the trio “Feste Freunde” from Halle/Saale will give a concert entitled “There Must Be More,” featuring international hits interpreted from a Christian perspective.

Friedensau was founded in 1899 and celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2024. Originally established as a mission and industrial school, its educational tradition is continued today by Friedensau Adventist University, a state-recognized institution of higher education operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Its Faculty of Social Sciences and Theology offer ten bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, some of which are available on a part-time or online basis, or can be pursued alongside employment: https://www.thh-friedensau.de/en/.

Prospective students can register for taster days to experience life in the classroom and on campus. Further information about study programs and events is available at: News and Friedensau.de