The University of Public Administration in Kehl is one of the most renowned institutions of its kind in Germany. It was founded in 1971 and enlarged in the 1980s. Currently, the University employs 42 full-time professors and approximately 250 visiting lecturers.

The sole purpose of Kehl University is to prepare its students for careers in public service. This means training students for positions at the management level in German public service, whether in state agencies and departments, in municipalities, in counties or in other public corporations, institutions and foundations subject to state supervision. The University cooperates closely with Ludwigsburg University of Public Administration and Finance.

The graduates often take on management positions immediately after having finished the program, especially in smaller municipalities. Many mayors have completed his training for the management level in German public service, which also plays such an important role in larger municipalities and in the state administrative offices that one speaks here of the 'backbone' of administration.

During the last few years, 70% of the students have been female. Thus, the situation has completely reversed from that at the start of the University in the 70s. At that time, less that 20% of the students were women.

In contrast to other universities, the students at the University of Public Administration are civil servants for the duration of the academic program. For this reason, they receive a salary during their university studies and practical training. But there are also other important differences from other universities with regard to the application procedure and student administrative affairs.