The beginnings of higher education in Maribor can be traced to 1859, when the First School of Theology was established. From 1959-1961 there were several independent higher education institutions and in 1975 the University of Maribor was established. Today, the University of Maribor includes 16 faculties, educating 24,600 students. These faculties employ over 1,800 researchers and other employees who take part in 198 different study programs. The University of Maribor strives to provide the very highest quality in undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional education. It remains one of the leading academic institutions in Slovenia, contributing to global research in the arts and sciences. Research is advancing and taking place at all the faculties – amounting to more than 300 projects, and involving more than 90% of all the people employed at the university. The University of Maribor is also one of the main institutions that provides outstanding conditions for regional development. The University of Maribor is also very active when it comes to co-operation. It is included in the international development of the Association of European Universities. The university has a budget of €89.8 million (data is from the year 2008).