Year of foundation: 1974
Approx. number of students: 21,600
MCI partner since: 2014
The City
Aalborg is an industrial and university city in the North of Jutland, Denmark. As of 2013, it has approx. 107,000 inhabitants making it the fourth most populous city in Denmark.
Architecturally, the city is known for its half-timbered mansions built by its prosperous merchants. Budolfi Church, now a cathedral, dates from the end of the 14th century and Aalborghus Castle, a royal residence, was built in 1550. Today, Aalborg is a city in transition from a working-class industrial area to a knowledge-based community. A major exporter of grain, cement, and spirits, its thriving business interests include Siemens Wind Power, De Danske Spritfabrikker (Danish Distillers), Aalborg Industries, and Aalborg Portland. These companies have become global producers of wind turbine rotors, akvavit, marine boilers and cement.The European Commission has concluded that the citizens of Aalborg are the most satisfied people in Europe with their city.
The University
Aalborg University has campuses in Aalborg, Esbjerg and Copenhagen. Aalborg University (AAU) was established in 1974 under the name of Aalborg University Center (AUC), but changed its name to Aalborg University in 1994. Today, Aalborg University is the fifth largest university in Denmark based on the number of enrolled students. In Aalborg, the university is mainly located on the main campus in the eastern part of the city, but the university also has departments located in downtown Aalborg.
Aalborg University is known for its project-oriented educational system. A large part of education at Aalborg University is based on teaching students to acquire knowledge independently and through projects executed in groups.