University of Wuppertal: List of all tuition-free international programs (2026/27)

The University of Wuppertal, officially known as Bergische Universität Wuppertal (BUW), is a prominent public research university founded in 1972. With over 20,000 enrolled students, it is one of the largest universities in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Located in the city of Wuppertal, the university's three campuses - Grifflenberg (main campus), Freudenberg and Haspel - offer a unique urban setting that combines modern facilities with historic architecture.

The University of Wuppertal offers a wide range of academic programs in a variety of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, business, mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, design and education. It is particularly renowned for its unique and interdisciplinary programs, such as Safety Engineering and Industrial Design, which are not offered at any other German university. The university's strong focus on interdisciplinarity and research fosters innovation and prepares students for successful careers in a variety of fields.

In terms of rankings and awards, the University of Wuppertal has consistently performed well in national and international rankings. From 2024, it has secured a position in the 501-600 range in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and in the 801-900 range in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Ranking). The university has also been ranked among the best in Germany three times by the CHE ranking, which evaluates universities on the basis of student evaluations.

The University of Wuppertal boasts a distinguished list of alumni and faculty members, including notable figures such as Christian Boros, a German advertising agency founder and art collector, Godela Habel, an abstract painter, and Walter Heidenfels, an industrial designer. The university has also been home to renowned scholars and researchers such as Bazon Brock, an art theorist, and Gerd Faltings, a renowned mathematician.

One of the unique aspects of the University of Wuppertal is its strong regional ties and active knowledge transfer. Through intensive cooperation with numerous social and business partners, the university has developed an outstanding regional network that benefits graduates, scientists, innovators and start-ups alike. In addition, from 2004 to 2010, the university hosted the second supercomputer at a German university, ALiCEnex.

The University of Wuppertal is very aware of the special needs of international students, which is why the university offers various support systems to make it easier for them to start their studies and to improve their everyday life: 

• Access to the degree program via TestAS or application via uni-assist.
• Onboarding during Welcome Week: city tours, excursions, get-togethers and much more offered by the International Office and the International Students Team (IST), additional support from students in the Buddy Program.
• Language Learning Institute (SLI): Courses in German as a foreign language, both in preparation for your studies and during your studies, also online and/or in the evenings across all levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR; A1-C2), also with focus topics: German for the job etc. 
• Information events on the labor market and career opportunities in the region.
• Funding: Deutschlandstipendium scholarship, graduation scholarships and other funding options.
• All courses and services digitally in the Campus App.
• Support through counselling from the Central Student Advisory Service, including on topics such as stress management, time and self-management, exam preparation, psychological and intercultural counselling or advice on doubts about studying, etc. 
• University sports with many courses, its own fitness center and offers such as the Mental Health Week.