Studying in NRW
Your future in Düsseldorf, Cologne, Duisburg & Essen
North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is Germany’s most populous state and one of the top destinations for international students.
With strong universities, vibrant cities, and a rich cultural and leisure scene, NRW offers the perfect environment for studying in Germany.
Hier lernst du nicht nur für die Uni – sondern auch fürs Leben.
Why NRW?
- Central location with excellent international connections
- Wide range of universities, colleges, and language schools
- Plenty of leisure activities and networking opportunities for students
- Cost of living generally lower than in Berlin or Munich
- High quality of life, great infrastructure, and diverse culture
Life & Studies in NRW
What you can expect
Over 60 Universities
NRW offers a huge selection of universities, colleges, and language schools — whatever your field or goal.
Great Transport Links
Whether by train, bus, or ticket app, getting around NRW is easy and affordable — perfect for balancing studies and free time.
Affordable Housing Options
Compared to other regions, housing in NRW is more accessible — including student dorms and shared apartments, even on a tight budget.
International Community
Meet students from all over the world with plenty of groups, networks, and exchange opportunities.
Culture & Nightlife
From open-air concerts to street festivals, NRW is lively and full of experiences beyond campus life.
Save with Student Discounts
Germany offers lots of discounts, deals, and perks for students — and we’ll show you how to make the most of them.
Düsseldorf
Modern, international, well connected
NRW’s capital is known for its economy, international vibe, and high quality of life.
It’s especially popular among international students at Heinrich Heine University,Düsseldorf University Applied Sciences, and language schools.
What Düsseldorf offers:
- Numerous universities and international programs
- A multicultural city with vibrant Asian and Arab communities
- Excellent connections to the airport and public transport
- Rich leisure options including the Rhine promenade, old town, events, and museums
Cologne
Creative, open, student-friendly
Cologne is one of the largest and most vibrant student cities in Germany – known for its tolerance, culture, and carnival.
The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany.
What makes Cologne special:
- Wide variety of courses and universities
- Young, welcoming atmosphere with lots of social spots
- International scene and affordable neighborhoods for students
- Strong links between academia, media, and startups
Duisburg
Diverse & student-friendly
Duisburg is a city in transition with rich cultural diversity and growing education opportunities.
The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) is one of the largest universities in Germany with a strong focus on internationalization.
What Duisburg offers:
- Excellent study conditions at UDE
- Affordable rent and living costs
- Many international students and cultural networks
- Quiet surroundings with easy access to big cities
Essen
Science & transformation at the heart of the Ruhr region
Essen is a modern educational hub with great future potential. Together with Duisburg, it hosts the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) strong in technology, medicine, and social sciences.
What makes Essen attractive:
- Central location with short distances to many NRW cities
- Wide course selection including engineering and health management
- Young, emerging city with a vibrant cultural scene
- Affordable housing and dynamic startup environment
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