The University of Witten/Herdecke, officially known as Universität Witten/Herdecke (UW/H), is a private, state-recognised, non-profit university founded in 1982. With more than 2,000 students, it is one of the few private universities in Germany considered prestigious. Located in the city of Witten in the Ruhr area, the university boasts a tranquil campus environment that combines historic architecture with modern facilities to provide students with a unique academic experience. 

It offers a wide range of academic programmes, with particular emphasis on management, economics, politics, society, psychology, nursing, medicine and dentistry. It is renowned for its innovative approach to education, which includes the Studium fundamentale, a core element that encourages interdisciplinary thinking and personal development. The university's strength lies in its small class sizes, personal attention and emphasis on practical experience through internships and real-world projects.

Witten/Herdecke University is consistently ranked among Germany's top universities for management, economics and psychology in national rankings such as the CHE ranking. It has also gained recognition for its commitment to sustainability, social responsibility and experiential learning, making it a hub for innovative and socially conscious education.

One of the unique aspects of Witten/Herdecke University is its innovative payment model, which was introduced by students in 1995. The "inverted generation contract" allows students to pay their tuition fees after graduation based on their future income, thus ensuring access to higher education regardless of family income. This model exemplifies the university's commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity.