University of Duisburg-Essen

University of Duisburg-Essen at a glance

The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE / Universität Duisburg-Essen) is a major public research university located in the Ruhr metropolitan area across campuses in Duisburg and Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia. Indian students focus predominantly on its graduate engineering and computing programs, notably through the International Studies in Engineering (ISE) framework and applied computer science faculties.

Four things Indian applicants should know first:

• No tuition fee. UDE charges no tuition fees for regular degree programs. Students pay a semester contribution (Sozial- und Studierendenschaftsbeitrag) of €367.80 for winter semester 2026/27, which includes the nationwide Deutschlandsemesterticket.
• English-taught engineering and computer engineering options. Under the International Studies in Engineering (ISE) framework, Master's programs like M.Sc. Computer Engineering are taught in English and admit for both winter and summer terms.
• Application portal varies by degree level. Master's applicants under ISE apply directly through the UDE master application portal, while Bachelor's applicants apply via uni-assist.
• Mandatory APS certificate and language proficiency. Indian applicants must submit an official APS certificate before enrolment. English-taught Master's programs generally require CEFR B2 level proficiency (e.g. IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80).

What it really costs

Tuition: none. UDE is a state-funded German university and does not charge tuition fees for standard Bachelor's or Master's degrees.

Semester contribution (Sozial- und Studierendenschaftsbeitrag). For winter semester 2026/27, the total semester contribution is €367.80, comprised of:

For the preceding summer semester 2026, the contribution was €349.80. Re-registration for continuing students requires transferring the exact fee using only the 7-digit matriculation number as the payment reference.

Living costs and the blocked account. For visa purposes, international students must demonstrate €11,904 a year in a blocked account (€992 a month).

Health insurance is compulsory to enrol in Germany. See our health insurance guide.

Can you reduce the cost?

• Part-time work. Non-EU students are legally permitted to work 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year. The surrounding Rhine-Ruhr conurbation provides extensive employment in logistics hubs (Duisburg inland port), automotive engineering, software development, and university research facilities (HiWi positions). Read our guides on part-time work rules and securing Werkstudent jobs.
• UDE-Stipendium (Deutschlandstipendium). High-achieving students enrolled at UDE can apply for the Deutschlandstipendium, which provides €300 per month for at least two semesters, funded jointly by the federal government and private corporate donors. Applications typically open in June/July.
• DAAD scholarships. Explore national competitive scholarships through our DAAD scholarships guide.

Getting in: what University of Duisburg-Essen looks at

For graduate engineering and computer engineering programs under the International Studies in Engineering (ISE) framework:

1. Academic degree: A relevant Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or an equivalent technical discipline with an adequate period of study. UDE requires a minimum grade average of at least 3.0 on the German scale (or foreign equivalent). See our guides on academic fit & ECTS mapping and 3-year Bachelor acceptance in Germany.
2. Language proficiency:

- English: Applicants must prove English language proficiency at completed CEFR Level B2 upon application (e.g., IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, or an official Medium of Instruction letter if the previous Bachelor's was fully taught in English). - German: While English certificates are required during application, German language proficiency (CEFR B2) can be acquired and submitted later during your studies.

1. APS certificate: Mandatory for all applicants holding school or university degrees from India, China, or Vietnam. The certificate must be verified before admission and enrolment. See our APS certificate manual.
2. Standardized tests (GRE): The GRE is not required for ISE Master's admissions. Selection is based on undergraduate curriculum compatibility, grades, and language proficiency.

How to apply

1. Master's application portal: Applicants for Master's programs in International Studies in Engineering (ISE) submit their application directly through the UDE Master Application Portal (unlike Bachelor's applicants who must apply via uni-assist).
2. Submit academic records: Upload certified copies of your Bachelor's degree certificate and semester transcripts (with certified German or English translations if originally issued in other languages), official grading scale explanations, proof of English language proficiency, and your APS certificate.
3. Deadlines & admission notice: Ensure documents are uploaded before the applicable international cutoffs to allow adequate time for visa processing.

Deadlines

General application deadlines for international students at UDE:

• Winter semester intake (classes begin in October):

- Application portal opens around May 1. - Admission-restricted programs (NC): 15 July - Admission-free programs: 31 July

• Summer semester intake (classes begin in April):

- Application portal opens around November 1. - Admission-restricted programs (NC): 15 January - Admission-free programs: 31 January

Read our detailed overview on German application deadlines: winter vs summer intakes.

Popular Master's programs for Indian students

• M.Sc. Computer Science: UDE offers graduate computer science and computing curricula across applied computer science and engineering faculties.
• M.Sc. Computer Engineering (ISE): A 4-semester, 120 ECTS English-taught Master's program offering profiles in Intelligent Networked Systems and Interactive Systems & Visualization.
• M.Sc. Automation and Control Engineering (ISE): Focuses on cyber-physical systems, autonomous robotics, and industrial process control.
• M.Sc. Electrical and Electronic Engineering (ISE): Specializes in power engineering, microelectronics, and communications engineering.

Compare computing degrees across German institutions with our MS in Computer Science & AI directory and Mechanical & Embedded Systems directory.

Where you'll live

Student accommodation for both campuses is operated by Studierendenwerk Essen-Duisburg:

• Residence halls: Dormitories are available in both cities (e.g. Kammerstraße, Schemkesweg, and Heinrich-Lersch-Straße in Duisburg; Rottstraße and Auf der Union in Essen).

After you graduate

International graduates of a German university can get a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for a job, and may take any job during that time. Once you find qualified work you switch to a work permit or EU Blue Card. See our guides to the job seeker permit and the EU Blue Card.

Who University of Duisburg-Essen is a good fit for

• A strong choice if you seek a tuition-free, English-taught Master's in computer engineering or technology in an affordable region with low living expenses and substantial industrial internship opportunities.

Sources

Every figure on this page comes from these official pages, checked on 23 October 2026:

• UDE: Sozial- und Studierendenschaftsbeitrag / semester contribution breakdown
• UDE: International Studies in Engineering (ISE) admission requirements
• UDE: Master degree programs overview
• UDE: International application guidelines & APS rule
• UDE: Deutschlandstipendium (UDE-Stipendium)
• Studierendenwerk Essen-Duisburg: Student housing and residence halls
• Make it in Germany: prospects after graduation

Fees and rules change. Always confirm on University of Duisburg-Essen's own pages before you pay or apply.