The University of Udine was founded in 1978 as part of the reconstruction plan of Friuli after the earthquake in 1976. Its aim was to provide the Friulian community with an independent centre for advanced training in cultural and scientific studies. The University currently has 70 degree courses in: Agriculture, Economics, Engineering, Law, Foreign Languages, Education, Humanities, Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Science and Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences. The University is actively involved in student and staff exchange projects with universities within the EU and is currently engaged in close collaboration with several universities from Eastern Europe and other non-EU countries. Moreover the University participates in many research projects at national and international level. The present number of students enrolled at the University is approx. 15000.