Learn more of what Essen has to offer!
The cosmopolitan Rhine-Ruhr region is the largest metropolitan area in Europe, featuring 11 major cities including Essen, Cologne & Düsseldorf. One of the great advantages of living in this region is the proximity of these cities to one another, all easily accessible via public transportation.
Essen is rich in cultural landmarks such as Zeche Zollverein - a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Margarethenhöhe - a picturesque garden city; and Folkwang Museum - renowned for its art collection.
Nearby, you can explore the German Mining Museum in Bochum, the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, known for its industrial heritage, and the Tetraeder in Bottrop, an architectural landmark featuring art in nature.
Essen and the surrounding region are greener than most people expect, with places like Baldeneysee, the Duisburg Six Lakes Plateau, and the banks of the Rhine and Ruhr rivers offering excellent opportunities for cycling, outdoor recreation, and relaxation.
For evening entertainment, the Rüttenscheid district in Essen, the Bermuda Dreieck in Bochum, and the cities of Cologne and Düsseldorf provide many options for dining and socializing. The region's diversity of people from different countries and backgrounds is reflected in the wide range of international restaurants, cultural festivals, and community events.
Living in Essen and the Rhine-Ruhr region means having access to a rich cultural landscape, extensive green spaces, and a lively social atmosphere, all within a short distance.
This makes it an ideal place for students to immerse themselves in both academic pursuits and recreational activities.
To further explore the region:
The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) offers its students a wide variety of opportunities to enrich their university experience.
The sports programme includes diverse activities such as K-Pop performances, climbing, pilates, pole-dancing, ultimate frisbee, and capoeira.
If you have a green thumb, you can join the "Campusgarten Duisburg-Essen", participate in a campus clean-up, or get involved with one of the other registered associations and organizations at UDE.
For those interested in learning German, you can visit the language café, become part of a language tandem, or take a language course.
UDE also provides support for international students through the International Office, particularly with its welcome service, which offers a range of helpful services and resources.
Additionally, the Studierendenwerk offers various services beneficial for international students, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable study experience.
Navigating life in Essen can be straightforward with these practical tips:
City Registration (Anmeldung): Upon arrival, it's necessary to register your residence with the local authorities (Einwohnermeldeamt) within two weeks. This process is mandatory for all residents.
Finding Accommodation: Start your housing search early. Websites like ImmobilienScout24, WG-Gesucht, and local Facebook groups can be helpful. Consider proximity to public transportation andamenities.
Public Transportation: Public transport in Essen and across the region is frequent and easily accessible. German universities do not charge tuition fees, but students must pay a semester contribution that includes a mobility fee, providing them with a VRR SemesterTicket and NRW-Ticket for public transport.
Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Ensure you have valid coverage either through a public (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) or private provider.
Bank Account: Open a German bank account for easy transactions and to set up recurring payments like rent and utilities. Note that in smaller shops in Germany, paying with cash is still prevalent, as card payments may not always be accepted.
Useful Links:
Balancing work and study is an important aspect of the student experience. This section provides essential information on visa requirements, job-seeking visas after your master's, and job opportunities while you are studying to enhance your time here.
If you are an international student, you may need a visa to study at UDE. Whether you need these documents depends on which country you are from and how long you intend to stay.
If you are unsure about your visa requirements, please check the information provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
For personalized advice on residence permits or visas, do not hesitate to reach out to the International Office at UDE.
Did you enjoy your time in Germany during your master’s programme? After completing your degree, you can apply for a job-seeking visa, allowing you to search for employment in Germany for up to six months.
A great opportunity for students is to work at UDE as a Student Assistant.
For these positions, please check the UDE job platform.
Additionally, consider reaching out directly to the chairs of CINCH.
The Rhine-Ruhr area is a major economic center, home to many multinational companies and startups. Hence, there are numerous opportunities for interesting internships and future jobs.
Besides the UDE job portal, where vacancies within the university as well as outside are presented, you can explore job portals like Stepstone, Indeed, Jobsuma, StudentJob, or Jobmensa for part-time positions.
Financial Aspects and Support
The master’s programme itself does not have tuition fees. However, there is a semester fee of €313, which provides various services, including a semester ticket for public transport in the region.
Essen, where the programme is located, is not expensive compared to other large German cities.
The Ruhr area, of which Essen is a part, is the largest urban area in Germany, consisting of several cities that are easily reachable with the semester ticket. This gives you a choice between cities like Duisburg, that are more affordable than Essen, or Düsseldorf, which is more expensive.
We estimate that an average budget of €800-900 per month is sufficient. This amount can vary depending on lifestyle, financial capacity, etc. This overview can help you understand the associated costs.
International students are allowed to work part-time during their studies in Germany. Working during your studies is a good option to partially finance your education. It also helps in gaining work experience and enhancing employability.
Some of Germany's largest companies are located in Essen. The structural transformation in the Ruhr area has created an environment where established pharmaceutical and chemical industries coexist with dynamic medium-sized companies and young startups in sectors such as IT and biotechnology.
Additionally, there are various job opportunities at the university for student assistants, which provide valuable research experience.
There are several scholarships and other funding opportunities for international degree-seeking students external organizations.
You may find out about such opportunities using the DAAD scholarship database.
BAföG is a subsidized student loan programme that provides financial assistance for studies. Eligible students receive a monthly stipend throughout their studies to finance their living costs. In return, students repay this amount in installments starting five years after their graduation. More information can be found here.
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