University of Düsseldorf (Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf)
Düsseldorf, Germany
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf, Germany
Founded
1965
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
35,000+
Faculties
5
Discover Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU)
Discover Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU)
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) is a public research university located in the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Founded in 1965 and named after the renowned German poet Heinrich Heine in 1988, HHU traces its origins to the Düsseldorf Academy for Practical Medicine, established in 1907.
Today, HHU is home to approximately 35,000 students and offers more than 85 degree programs across five faculties. The university has particular research strengths in life sciences, plant biology, medicine, and interdisciplinary collaborative research centers, and it consistently ranks among Germany's top 50 universities.
As a compact campus university in the Bilk district of Düsseldorf, all buildings including the University Hospital and specialized libraries are within easy walking distance. The combined campus covers approximately 130 hectares and provides an ideal setting for academic life in one of Germany's most vibrant cities.
Key Milestones
- 1907: Düsseldorf Academy for Practical Medicine established, laying the foundation for the future university.
- 1965: University of Düsseldorf officially founded by combining the medical academy with new faculties of natural sciences and humanities.
- 1988: The university was officially named after Heinrich Heine, one of Düsseldorf's most famous sons, after a 23-year debate.
- 1993: The university expanded to its current structure of five faculties with the addition of the Faculty of Law.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf is organized into five faculties, each offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary research and teaching, with strong collaborative research centers across its academic divisions.
Faculty of Medicine
One of the university's founding pillars, the Faculty of Medicine is closely integrated with the Düsseldorf University Hospital, offering cutting-edge clinical training and research in numerous medical specialties.
- Medicine (State Examination)
- Dentistry (State Examination)
- Public Health (M.Sc.)
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
This faculty covers a broad spectrum of disciplines including philosophy, history, linguistics, and cultural studies. It is recognized for strong programs in German language and literature as well as Romance studies.
- Philosophy (B.A./M.A.)
- History (B.A./M.A.)
- Linguistics (B.A./M.A.)
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
A research-intensive faculty with strengths in biology, chemistry, physics, pharmacy, and computer science. The CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence in plant sciences is one of its flagship research initiatives.
- Biology (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
- Chemistry (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
- Computer Science (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
Faculty of Business Administration and Economics
Established in 1990, this faculty offers programs in business administration, economics, and innovative interdisciplinary fields such as business chemistry. Several lectures are held in English.
- Business Administration (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
- Economics (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
- Business Chemistry (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
Faculty of Law
The newest faculty, opened in 1993, focuses on commercial law, European law, and international law. The Düsseldorf Law School offers postgraduate master's programs for practicing professionals.
- Law (State Examination)
- Commercial Law (LL.M.)
- Information and Medical Rights (LL.M.)
Interdisciplinary Programs
HHU offers several innovative cross-faculty programs that combine disciplines to prepare graduates for emerging career fields. These programs reflect the university's commitment to interdisciplinary research and teaching.
- European Studies (M.A.)
- Transculturality (M.A.)
- Actuarial Mathematics (M.Sc.)
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- Educational QualificationRecognized secondary school certificate equivalent to German Abitur (check anabin database for equivalency)
- German ProficiencyDSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4 for German-taught programs
- Application PortalNon-EU citizens must submit a VPD via uni-assist
- Financial ProofProof of funds for study and living expenses required for visa
- Additional DocumentsCertified translations of transcripts in German, English, or French
Graduate Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeCompleted bachelor's degree in a relevant field with above-average results
- Language ProficiencyDSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4 for German programs; TOEFL/IELTS for English programs
- Application RouteSome master's programs require direct application to the department
- Supporting DocumentsCV, motivation letter, letters of recommendation, transcripts
- Additional TestsGRE scores may be required for select master's programs
Application deadline for non-EU international students for the winter semester intake beginning in October.
Application deadline for non-EU international students for the summer semester intake beginning in April.
Non-EU applicants should contact uni-assist at least 8 weeks before the HHU application deadline to obtain the required VPD.
Specific master's programs may have earlier or different deadlines. Check the individual program page on the HHU website.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Studying at HHU
Tuition Fees and Cost of Studying at HHU
As a German public university, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf does not charge tuition fees for degree programs. All students, regardless of nationality, pay only a mandatory semester fee that covers student services, public transportation, and campus amenities.
| Cost Item | Domestic Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per semester) | EUR 0 | EUR 0 |
| Semester Fee (per semester) | EUR 352 | EUR 352 |
| Living Costs (per month est.) | EUR 1,000 - 1,300 | EUR 1,000 - 1,300 |
| Health Insurance (per month est.) | EUR 110 - 120 | EUR 110 - 120 |
| Total | EUR 352 per semester + living costs | EUR 352 per semester + living costs |
DAAD Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships for international students at all academic levels, covering living expenses and travel costs for study in Germany.
- Coverage: Monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance
- Eligibility: International students with strong academic records
- Application: Apply through the DAAD portal; deadlines vary by program
HHU Exchange Scholarships
HHU offers its own exchange scholarships for incoming international students, including a monthly stipend for up to five months and German language summer courses.
- Coverage: Monthly stipend for up to 5 months
- Eligibility: Nominated by partner university
- Additional Benefits: German language summer course funding available
Campus and Facilities at HHU
Campus and Facilities at HHU
HHU's roughly triangular campus is located in the Bilk district in the southeast of Düsseldorf. Together with the adjacent University Hospital campus, it covers approximately 130 hectares, creating a compact and walkable academic environment where all buildings and facilities are easily reachable.
HHU's campus features distinctive modernist architecture with interconnected buildings and green spaces throughout.
The ULB houses 2.4 million printed media, over 900,000 e-books, and 2,000 user workspaces open daily until 10pm.
The Botanical Garden of Düsseldorf on campus contains over 6,000 plant species from around the world and is open to the public year-round.
Housing and Dining
Student Housing
The Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf manages student housing options near campus. Due to high demand, students are advised to apply for accommodation well in advance of arriving in Düsseldorf.
- Shared apartments (WG) and single rooms available
- Monthly rent ranges from EUR 300 to EUR 500 for student housing
- Apply early through the Studierendenwerk portal
Dining Options
HHU's campus offers multiple dining facilities including a central Mensa and several cafeterias, providing affordable meals for students throughout the day.
- Central Mensa with fresh salads, international dishes, and snacks
- Multiple cafeterias for light meals and beverages
- Student-priced meals included in semester fee benefits
Student Life at Heinrich Heine University
Student Life at Heinrich Heine University
Life at HHU extends far beyond the lecture hall. With over 35,000 students on a vibrant campus, HHU offers a rich array of cultural, athletic, and social activities. The university's proximity to central Düsseldorf provides easy access to theaters, museums, nightlife, and shopping districts.
Düsseldorf: A Vibrant City for Students
Düsseldorf: A Vibrant City for Students
Living in Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia with a population of approximately 650,000. It is one of Europe's leading economic centers, known for its arts, fashion, advertising, and telecommunications industries. The city offers an excellent quality of life with beautiful riverside promenades, cultural attractions, and easy connections to Cologne (30 minutes away) and other major European cities.
Economic Hub
Home to major multinational corporations including Henkel, HSBC Germany, and E.ON, Düsseldorf offers excellent internship and career opportunities for students.
Cultural Capital
Düsseldorf boasts a thriving arts scene with numerous museums, theaters, galleries, and the famous Altstadt (Old Town) with over 260 bars and restaurants.
Excellent Transport
The HHU campus is just 15 minutes by tram from the main train station. Students enjoy free public transport across all of North Rhine-Westphalia with their semester ticket.
International Community
Düsseldorf is home to one of the largest Japanese communities in Europe, giving it a uniquely international character with diverse cuisine, cultural festivals, and global connections.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Top Employers Recruiting HHU Graduates
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The International Office provides comprehensive support for incoming students, including welcome events, Q&A sessions with the Düsseldorf Immigration Office, regular meet-ups, and guidance on settling into university life.
The JUNO Welcome Center assists international researchers and doctoral students with all administrative matters, including visa formalities, housing searches, and opening bank accounts.
HHU's foreign language center offers courses in 18 languages including German as a Foreign Language, English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and Korean to help international students integrate.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf World Rankings
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf World Rankings
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf is consistently featured among the top universities globally, with particularly strong performance in research quality. HHU ranks in the top 15 percent of the more than 2,000 universities participating in the THE World University Rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | EduRank | #138 in the World, #8 in Germany |
| Biology | EduRank | #166 in the World, #10 in Germany |
| Chemistry | EduRank | #221 in the World, #17 in Germany |
| Psychology | EduRank | #182 in the World, #9 in Germany |
Features
The university began with three faculties: the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and the Faculty of Humanities. Renamed Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf in 1988, the university experienced dynamic growth. It was expanded in the 1990s to include two additional faculties: the Faculty of Business Administration and the Faculty of Law. Today, around 34,000 students, more than 2,000 lecturers, and over 1,500 other employees research, teach, and work on the campus. The new University Development Plan HEP 20.26 of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU), completed in August 2022, runs from 2022 to 2026. HHU intends to use it to develop a distinctive profile; its strategic measures enable the university's targeted further development.\n\n\n\n\n
Accommodation
Accommodation service is available.\n
Work While Studying
Students can work while studying.\n
Co-op/Internship Participation
There is an internship service.\n
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
May - July
December - January
Location
Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf
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