---
title: Theology Faculty of Fribourg Doubles Beginning Student Count
url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/theology-faculty-of-fribourg-doubles-beginning-student-count
published: 2026-10-28T13:48:50+00:00
language: en
section: World Church
source: https://cath.ch/newsf/la-faculte-de-theologie-de-fribourg-a-double-son-nombre-detudiants-debutants-2026-10-25
organizations: Faculty of Theology of Fribourg, Veronika Hoffmann, University of Fribourg
publisher: FaithfulNews
---

# Theology Faculty of Fribourg Doubles Beginning Student Count

Theology Faculty of Fribourg doubled its beginning student count. The faculty announced the increase on 25 October 2026. The growth follows the launch of new online courses. Veronika Hoffmann, director of the bilingual institute, said the online option satisfies many students who cannot attend five days a week. The faculty now enrolls about 400 students, with a large share of doctoral candidates. Francophone students tend to be younger and follow a traditional program. Germanophone students are often older and study part time. The faculty maintains regular contact with society and draws large audiences for its events.

A recent conference on faith and disability attracted over one hundred participants, many of whom were non experts. In June 2026 a German language conference on God and idols sold out and drew many young attendees. The faculty faces financial strain because the University of Fribourg imposed severe budget cuts. As the smallest faculty it was hit hardest. Measures such as suspending professor promotions and limiting adjunct appointments were taken to protect scientific staffing. The dean says the faculty remains open to structural changes in the Church but worries about growing skepticism toward science and universities.

She warns that if the state and public stop supporting education, which is the raw material of Switzerland, long term damage could result. Over the next ten years she hopes to increase student numbers while diversifying teaching methods. Demand for lay oriented training is rising. She is convinced that theology will always have a place in life and in the world. She believes theology ensures that major questions are not forgotten.

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