Benedict XVI Philosophical-Theological University

Pope Benedict XVI Philosophical-Theological University

Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule Benedikt XVI. Heiligenkruez
Latin: Philosophica-Theologica Universitatis Benedictus XVI
Former names	Institutum Theologicum
Type	Pontifical university
Established	1802; 215 years ago (1802)
Parent institution	Heiligenkreuz Abbey
Affiliation	Roman Catholic; Cistercian
Chancellor	Maximilian Heim, OCist
Rector	Karl Wallner, OCist
Dean	Michael Ernst (studies) Wolfgang Buchmüller, OCist (research)
Students	295 (2015–16)
Location	Heiligenkreuz, Lower Austria, Austria
Language	German
Website	Official website

The Pope Benedict XVI Philosophical-Theological University (German: Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule Benedikt XVI. Heiligenkruez), colloquially referred to as Hochschule Heiligenkreuz, is a private, Roman Catholic pontifical university located in Heiligenkreuz, Austria. Founded in 1802 by the Cistercian monks of Heiligenkreuz Abbey as a seminary, for much of the 19th century, the college remained very small, with less than 20 seminarians and several Cistercian instructors. During the late 19th century and 20th-century, the college's profile grew, and more students arrived, made up of Cistercians, as well as diocesan and religious seminarians. In 1978, it earned university status, and Pope Benedict XVI named it a pontifical university upon his visit in 2007.

The university's campus is located in a group of buildings located at Heiligenkruez Abbey, sharing space with the monastery and a seminary. As of 2016, the university enrolled 295 students, including 43 Cistercians, 40 from other religious institutes, and 75 diocesan seminarians, the rest being lay men and women. It is the only university administered by the Cistercian Order, and the only theological college in Austria, and the largest educational institution for priests and religious in the German-speaking world.

Theological education has been present at Heiligenkreuz Abbey since the Middle Ages. Since 1802, a state-accredited and Church-recognized institution of higher education has operated, originally organized as a seminary to train Cistercian priests from the Zwettl, Heiligenkreuz, Neukloster, and Lilienfeld abbeys, all located in Lower Austria.

For much of the 19th century, the college remained small, with enrollment never more than 20. In the late 19th century, thanks to both political as well as economic changes, the college grew in prestige and influence. Instead of having to teach from state-approved curriculum, the Cistercian professors enjoyed more intellectual independence. In addition, the professors would now receive degrees from universities in Vienna, Austria, Tübingen, Germany, and Rome. Despite these changes, enrollment remained low.