Located in the heart of the Ruhr metropolis, the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) is one of the youngest and largest universities in Germany. The courses range from the humanities and social sciences over economics and business studies all the way to the engineering sciences and natural sciences (including medicine). It's also wellknown in the international scientific community.
History
August 1, 1972: foundation of two universities (Gesamthochschulen) in the cities Duisburg and Essen
January 1, 2003: merger of the two universities and foundation of the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE)
March 12, 2007: foundation of the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr), a strategic research alliance with neighboring universities
Education
With students from 130 countries enrolled at the University Duisburg-Essen, English is increasingly replacing German as the language of instruction.
Research
The UDE has developed four interdisciplinary research clusters, in which our scientists accomplish outstanding work.
University of Duisburg-EssenKey Statistics & Highlights
Below you will find scholarships related to University of Duisburg-Essen. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
314
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 12 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
2025
2026
2027
306
302
314
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
801
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
801
801
801
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
No 2027 Ranking
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
251
301
-
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
No 2026 Ranking
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
2024
2025
2026
301
301
-
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
The International Office is the central service office for international contacts of the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE).
We offer support and guidance for international students, post-graduates and other applicants who are interested in our courses of studies.
We especially advise them on matters of application and enrolment, and we are in charge of all matters concerning the admission of international students.
Housing services
Admission to higher education does not automatically come with an offer of a place in a student residence as is common in other countries.
This means that you are responsible for organising your own accommodation. There are different ways of finding a room or an apartment.
ICT services
The Centre for Information and Media Services, ZIMZIM is acting as a central service unit for all members of the University of Duisburg-Essen.
It was founded in order to boost the core competences of the computing and media centres, the data processing units of the university administration and the library by merging them into one organisation.
Campus life
Campus Duisburg
Campus Essen
Sports facilities
Football clubs
Basketball clubs
Tennis
Table tennis
Swimming
Climbing
Dancing
Athletics
Riding
Student clubs
Right in the thick of things (and not just on campus): the AStA represents the students' interests in matters of university politics and social welfare.
Inside the university the AStA presents the students' position to the Senate and the Rector's Office.
Outside of the university it asserts their interests at the Ministry in Düsseldorf. Furthermore, the AStA promotes student culture and university sports and offers advisory and other services covering all aspects of student life.
Accreditation
The University of Duisburg-Essen is system accredited.
University of Duisburg-EssenStudent Reviews & Awards
4.2
Based on 74 reviews
5 Star
36 Reviews
4 Star
26 Reviews
3 Star
7 Reviews
2 Star
4 Reviews
1 Star
1 Review
5/5
A good experience
In the start, I had a bit nervous about the college enrollment. Later, I visited the University once and people over there are really helpful and sort outed my doubts and there is nothing to improve at the moment. I loved studying over there, with 100% satisfaction
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromApr 2026 - Apr 2028
Posted onJun 2026
4/5
Back to school - 5 years latrt
It's been challenging getting back into study mode after five years of working. The brain is not quite as absorbent as it used to be. As I slowly figure out how to plan my time, create a schedule to remember to read and take Omegas to jump start the neurons, I have enjoyed the self - paced learning. I like how the information is readily available and broken down into bite sized pieces. I find myself looking forward to reading and pushing beyond my allotted few hours a day as the excitement to learn grows. I thinkvideo components would make the process easier and more enjoyable as well as frequent live sessions or study groups.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromApr 2026 - Oct 2027
Posted onApr 2026
2/5
Beware of the International Programmes
The beginning of my journey as a student in Germany was rough, made worse my the seeming careless way that the Uni DUE treats their International Students.
The ISE courses offered here seem like such an after thought, create only to attract international students with a shiny German degree. Everything I experienced was subpar. From a lack of involvement and support from staff to a very lonely almost alienating studying experience.