About Bergische Universität Wuppertal
Bergische Universität Wuppertal (University of Wuppertal, BUW) is a public research university in Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia, founded in 1972. It began with 3,473 students in its founding semester and today educates around 23,000 students from more than 100 countries.
The university is organised into 9 schools, 31 departments and 44 research institutes, covering the natural sciences, engineering, economics, the humanities, educational science, design and architecture. It teaches across three campuses in Wuppertal: Campus Grifflenberg (the main campus), Campus Freudenberg and Campus Haspel.
BUW is internationally networked through more than 220 partner universities worldwide and provides dedicated support structures for international students through its International Center.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1972
- Students
- 23,000
- International
- students from more than 100 countries
- Faculties
- 9
Around 23,000 students from more than 100 countries
9 schools, 31 departments and 44 research institutes
No tuition fees; only a modest semester contribution (EUR 303.40, WS 2024/25) including the Deutschlandticket
Strong engineering profile, including a dedicated School of Mechanical Engineering and Safety Engineering
More than 220 international partner universities
Three campuses in Wuppertal in the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
No tuition fees are charged for degree programmes (abolished since winter semester 2011/12), including for non-EU students. All students pay a mandatory semester contribution, which was EUR 303.40 for winter semester 2024/25. The contribution covers the Deutschlandticket (free public transport), student union (Studierendenwerk) and social fund contributions.
Admission requirements
International applicants without a German university entrance qualification apply through uni-assist and must hold a recognised entry qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung). For German-taught programmes, applicants must prove German language skills at least at level DSH-2 (or equivalent TestDaF 4x4 / Goethe C2 / telc C1 Hochschule); the Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy specialisation requires C2. The official admission page does not state an APS certificate requirement; however, applicants from India, China and Vietnam should note that an APS certificate is generally mandatory for the German student visa and should verify the current requirement with uni-assist and the German mission.
Application deadlines
Standard deadlines: winter semester 15 May to 15 July; summer semester 15 November to 15 January. Special deadlines apply to specific Master's programmes.
Languages of instruction
Most degree programmes are taught in German. German-taught programmes require proof of German at level DSH-2 (or equivalent: TestDaF level 4 in all four parts, Goethe-Zertifikat C2, or telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule). The university's Language Learning Institute offers German classes at all levels, including preparatory courses for degree study.
Campuses & locations
Main campus (Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal)
Engineering and safety engineering
Architecture and civil engineering
Living in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Wuppertal is the seventh-largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia with a population of roughly 343,000, located in the densely populated Rhine-Ruhr region. It is world-famous for its Schwebebahn (suspension railway). As a mid-sized city, it generally offers more affordable living costs than nearby metropolises such as Düsseldorf or Cologne, while remaining well connected to them.
Student life & support
The International Center supports international students through the In Touch programme (welcome days and ongoing community support), a Buddy Programme, and the International Students Team (IST). Orientation includes online 'first steps' sessions and a 'Studying in Wuppertal' Moodle course. The Language Learning Institute provides German courses at all levels, including preparatory courses for degree study, and a 'From Campus to Career' programme supports the transition to employment. The university lists accommodation support for incoming students.
291
Accredited Programmes
91
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
199
Master
1
Magister Artium, M.A.
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