- Founded
- 1972
- Students
- 23,000
- Programmes
- 291
- Taught in English
- 5
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.
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
Key facts
- Type
- Universitäten
- Founded
- 1972
- Students
- 23,000
- International
- students from more than 100 countries
- Faculties
- 9
- Programmes
- 291
Study programmes
291 accredited degrees at Bergische Universität Wuppertal, 5 of them taught in English.
Showing 25–48 of 291 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
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
General uni-assist windows: winter semester 15 May - 15 July, summer semester 15 November - 15 January; some faculties/programmes differ (e.g. Computer Simulation in Science M.Sc.: uni-assist 15 November - 31 March).
How international applicants apply
uni-assist mandatory (document evaluation route): all 'Bildungsauslaender' - applicants holding a foreign higher-education entrance qualification or Studienkolleg graduation - must apply online via www.uni-assist.de (My assist) at EUR 75 for the first application plus EUR 30 per additional choice, max three choices; they cannot use Wuppertal's own applicant portal. Exceptions apply directly through the university, e.g. Master Architecture aptitude procedure, psychology master extra portals, internal programme changers. Standard uni-assist windows: winter semester 15 May - 15 Jul, summer semester 15 Nov - 15 Jan.
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.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Scholarships at Bergische Universität Wuppertal
3 schemes run or administered by the university. Always confirm current amounts and deadlines on the official page.
Deutschlandstipendium an der Bergischen Universitaet Wuppertal
Around 250 Germany Scholarships awarded directly by the university each year to new students and enrolled students of all subjects...
Amount: EUR 300 per month
Deadline: 23 August 2026 for the following winter semester (annual call)
Bachelor, Master
Stipendien der Studienstiftung der BUW
University foundation scholarships for students whose academic success is threatened for economic reasons and who cannot receive B...
Deadline: 14 August 2026 (current call)
Bachelor, Master
Welcome-Stipendium fuer internationale Masterbewerber*innen
Scholarship explicitly aimed at international master's applicants, listed among the university's current calls on the stipendien.u...
Deadline: 29 July 2026 (current call)
Master
Student accommodation
What Bergische Universität Wuppertal publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
From the university
The university lists accommodation support for incoming students.
Campuses & locations
Main campus, Gausstrasse 20 - humanities, economics, mathematics/natural sciences, engineering, design
Architecture and civil engineering (historic Baugewerkschule building)
Electrical/information/media engineering incl. guest house
Living in Wuppertal
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.
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