University of Duisburg-Essen
📍 Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia
One of Germany's youngest large universities, strong in engineering and nanoscience, with an affordable Ruhr location. The semester fee includes an NRW transport ticket.
Fields of study
Popular programmes
- 🎓MSc Computer Engineering
- 🎓MSc Nanoengineering
- 🎓MSc Automotive Engineering & Management
- 🎓MSc Economics
Got admission? Here's what to do next.
Every international student needs the same three things to study at this university: an offer letter, a blocked account, and health insurance. Here's the honest order.
💳 Open a blocked account
German embassies require proof you have ~€11,904 for one year. A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is the standard way to show this.
Expatrio
Berlin-based fintech designed for international students — quick, English-friendly, popular bundle option.
Fintiba
One of Germany's longest-running blocked-account fintechs, very widely used by international students.
🩺 Health insurance
You need pre-arrival travel + health insurance for your visa appointment. Once you arrive and enrol, switch to public insurance (TK / DAK) if you are under 30.
DR-WALTER Educare24
Most international students applying via Expatrio — comes bundled with the blocked account.
Mawista Student
Students using Fintiba, or those who want standalone visa insurance without bundling.
📋 Student visa process
With your offer letter, blocked account, and insurance in hand, you're ready to apply for the student visa at your German embassy. Plan 4–12 weeks for the visa decision.
Frequently asked questions
Answers based on the most-asked questions about UDE.
Is UDE tuition-free for international students?+
Yes. University of Duisburg-Essen is a public university in North Rhine-Westphalia where tuition is €0 per semester for international students. You still pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of about €350, which typically includes a public-transport ticket.
Is UDE a good university?+
Yes. University of Duisburg-Essen is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world — currently around #501 globally. It is particularly strong in Engineering, Nanotechnology, Medicine.
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Living in Essen
Average ~€900/month, rent ~€400/month.
City guide →💰
Find a scholarship
DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium and university-specific awards.
Browse scholarships →📋
Visa walkthrough
Step-by-step from offer letter to embassy appointment.
Read the visa guide →