Universität Duisburg-Essen

About Universität Duisburg-Essen

The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) is a public research university in the Ruhr region of North Rhine-Westphalia, operating across two main campuses in Duisburg and Essen. It is one of the youngest universities in Germany and is among the ten largest by enrolment, with approximately 37,298 students across eleven faculties and 315 study programmes.

UDE describes its mission as combining scientific excellence with a commitment to educational equity and diversity. The university receives around €335.4 million in state funding and approximately €164.1 million in third-party research funding per year, reflecting a strong research profile. International students make up 21% of the student body, with the largest share coming from Asia (60.5% of all international students).

The university hosts a University Hospital (Universitätsklinikum Essen) in addition to its two academic campuses, supporting programmes in medicine and health sciences. A shuttle service connects the Duisburg and Essen campuses.

Key facts

Students: 37,298
International: 21% (approx. 7,733 international students)
Faculties: 11

37,298 enrolled students across 11 faculties and 315 study programmes

21% international student share — one of the higher proportions among German public universities

No tuition fees; NRW-wide public transport (NRW-Ticket) included in the semester contribution

APS certificate required before enrolment for applicants from India, China, and Vietnam

Two urban campuses (Duisburg and Essen) connected by a university shuttle service

~€164 million in annual third-party research funding reflecting a strong research profile

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

No tuition fees are charged at UDE for standard bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes (public university in NRW; NRW does not levy non-EU surcharges unlike Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria). Students pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) covering the NRW-Ticket/VRR Semester Ticket for public transport, Studierendenwerk social contribution, and AStA student union fee. The exact contribution amount is set each semester — check the Studierendensekretariat for the current figure before enrolment.

Admission requirements

International applicants from non-EU countries with foreign qualifications apply through the International Admissions Office. Entry qualifications must be recognised as equivalent to a German Hochschulzugangsberechtigung; applicants should check anabin (kmk.org) for their institution's recognition status. APS certificate: mandatory for applicants whose prior qualification is from India, China, or Vietnam before enrolment can be completed. Language requirements for German-taught programmes: DSH-2 or higher (equivalents: TestDaF TDN-4, Goethe C1, telc C1 Hochschule). English-taught master's programmes require CEFR B2 English proficiency. Bachelor's-level English-medium courses require CEFR B1. Application windows for non-EU applicants: Winter Semester — restricted programmes 1 May–15 June, unrestricted programmes 1 May–31 July; Summer Semester — restricted programmes 1 November–15 December, unrestricted programmes 1 November–31 January.

Application deadlines

Winter Semester (starts October): restricted programmes 1 May–15 June; unrestricted programmes 1 May–31 July. Summer Semester (starts April): restricted programmes 1 November–15 December; unrestricted programmes 1 November–31 January. Exchange/incoming students: Winter Semester 1 June; Summer Semester 1 December.

Languages of instruction

The majority of programmes are taught in German. A growing number of master's programmes are offered fully in English, including Econometrics (M.Sc.), Water Science (M.Sc.), Environmental Toxicology (M.Sc.), Development and Governance (M.A.), Contemporary East Asian Studies (M.A.), and Advanced General Dental Practice (M.Sc.). Bilingual programmes also exist. German-taught programmes require DSH-2 or equivalent (TestDaF TDN-4, telc C1 Hochschule); three programmes (Medicine, Business Administration Duisburg, German as a Second/Foreign Language) require DSH-3.

Campuses & locations

Essen Campus

Main academic campus; Universitätsstraße 2, 45141 Essen

Duisburg Campus

Main academic campus; Forsthausweg 2, 47057 Duisburg

University Hospital Essen

Medical centre; Hufelandstraße 55, 45147 Essen

Living in Nordrhein-Westfalen

UDE spans two cities in the Ruhr metropolitan area: Duisburg, one of Germany's largest inland ports with a strong logistics and engineering heritage, and Essen, a former coal-and-steel hub that has reinvented itself as a cultural and commercial centre (it was European Green Capital 2017). Both cities are well connected by the dense VRR public transport network, and the NRW-Ticket included in the semester contribution gives students free travel across the entire state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Student life & support

The Studierendenwerk (student services organisation) operates five residence halls across Essen, Duisburg, and Mülheim, described as affordable and close to campus. International students can apply for a furnished room through the Studierendenwerk. The International Office (offices on both campuses) provides admission counselling, enrollment support, crisis assistance, and runs a Welcome Service for international researchers. German language courses for incoming students are available on campus. A language tandem programme pairs international students with German-speaking peers. ERASMUS+ exchange programmes and international partnerships across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and beyond are coordinated through the International Office.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

267

Accredited Programmes

151

Master

115

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

Other