University of Duisburg-Essen Vs Ruhr-University Bochum: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare University of Duisburg-Essen Vs Ruhr-University Bochum based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Duisburg-Essen Vs Ruhr-University Bochum on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare University of Duisburg-Essen Vs Ruhr-University Bochum based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Duisburg-Essen Vs Ruhr-University Bochum on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Ruhr-University BochumStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
4.4/5
3.6 Internships
3.7 Part time work
4.1 Post study jobs
4.7 Quality of faculty
4.3 Student Life
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4.3/5
3.8 Internships
3.8 Part time work
3.4 Post study jobs
5 Quality of faculty
4.4 Student Life
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Ruhr-University BochumCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Ruhr-University Bochum MS
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Ruhr-University Bochum B.E. / B.Tech
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Ruhr-University Bochum M.A.
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Ruhr-University Bochum M.Sc.
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Ruhr-University Bochum B.Sc.
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Other courses
- MIM (6 courses)
- Others PG (33 courses)
- MDS (5 courses)
- B.A. (35 courses)
- BBA (14 courses)
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- Others PG (22 courses)
- B.A. (26 courses)
- BBA (2 courses)
- B.Ed (1 course)
- LL.M. (1 course)
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Ruhr-University BochumCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
1654
Number of Campus
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Number of Scholarships
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Campus Size
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Accepted Exams
TOEFL+1 More
Established Year
1962
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+2 More
Established Year
-/-
Number of Campus
-/-
Number of Scholarships
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Campus Size
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Accepted Exams
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University of Duisburg-Essen V/s Ruhr-University BochumCampus Comparison
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Country Facts
Study in Germany
Public Universities are free of cost for international students.
Universities in Germany are among the top universities in the world.
Germany is a growing economy with unemployment as low as 3 to 5 per cent.
Germany is home to top companies likes Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen.
Germany is one of the safest countries in the world.
Germany is a diverse community of people from every section of society.
Study in Germany
Public Universities are free of cost for international students.
Universities in Germany are among the top universities in the world.
Germany is a growing economy with unemployment as low as 3 to 5 per cent.
Germany is home to top companies likes Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen.
Germany is one of the safest countries in the world.
Germany is a diverse community of people from every section of society.
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Student’s views on campus
Views on University of Duisburg-Essen campus
N
Naveen Kumar Bharathi 
Master of Science in Technical Logistics - Batch of 2019
4.6
A great choice for higher education
Tips: Before coming to Duisburg-Essen, you need to brace yourself for a seriously research-heavy curriculum where nobody is going to hold your hand. The professors expect a massive amount of independent learning, so if you don't stay on top of the readings and lab work on your own, you'll easily fall behind. Also, while you can technically survive an English-taught master's with just basic German, you absolutely need it to get through daily life in the Ruhr area, handle the city registration office (Bürgeramt), or grab a decent part-time student job.
I didn't receive any scholarships to study here—like most international students at public universities, I'm completely self-funding my life. Despite the academic pressure and having to watch my budget, I'm genuinely happy with my choice to come here. The level of education you get at UDE is top-tier, Essen and Duisburg are super safe cities to live in, and being in the heart of Germany's industrial hub means the long-term career and networking opportunities are definitely worth the hustle.
Likes (Safety): I rated safety 5/5 because I always felt safe on campus and in the city. The campus is well-lit, secure and easily accessible by safe public transport. I had only positive experiences and never faced safety issues. People are friendly and most of them are willing to help you whenever you ask.
Dislikes (Value for money): Okay, so even though Duisburg-Essen is a public university with no actual tuition fees, I still rated the value for money on the lower side because the hidden costs of studying here really add up. Yes, you only pay a basic semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag), but that fee has been creeping up every single semester. Plus, finding a cheap room through the Studierendenwerk dorms is an absolute nightmare—the waiting lists are endless, so most of us are forced into the private market where landlords completely rip you off for basic apartments.
When you factor in the rising cost of groceries, health insurance, and student rent in the Ruhr region, 'free education' doesn't actually feel that free. On top of that, the university facilities can be a total mixed bag. Some of the campus buildings and libraries feel incredibly outdated and crowded, and trying to get actual administrative support from the uni offices feels like pulling teeth. When you're working a part-time job just to survive month-to-month, the overall experience doesn't feel like the amazing bargain they promise on the brochure.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1100
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 57000
D
Divyangana Kothari 
Master of Science in Computer Engineering, ISE - Batch of 2025
4.1
Friendly university with lot of practical experience
Tips: The course has a lot of assignments, but that too depends on the subject one chooses, which we have to balance along with internships and household work. The university is very friendly, with good faculty and lots of practical experience in labs. There are a lot of semester-starting parties, which is a good place to get to know many people. Although in the beginning everything seems a little too much to manage all on our own, slowly it seems like a part of life. Yes, the scholarship can be availed if one is struggling financially with not getting part-time/internship; we have to apply for financial help at Asta, the student representative community of the university. So the overall experience of university is good, with friendly faculty and student communities, and NRW should be the preferred choice for any student due to a lot of student advantages related to traveling.
Likes (Public transportation): The transportation is very good, and as a student, it's free, as the cost is covered in the semester ticket. So we don't have to pay anything if using public transportation even across all of Germany. There are buses running all over the city every few minutes, so the transportation is very good.
Dislikes (Indian Food): As a vegetarian, the food options would be limited, as Europe is a heavily meat-driven place. There are some Indian restaurants, but again, as a student, eating out daily would be quite expensive. So the feasible option is to cook at home mostly. In a supermarket one can get all kinds of daily food items, although if one wants to eat Indian vegetables, then they would have to visit Indian stores, which are also present in Duisburg.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 900
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 60525
A
Adithye Nambiar 
BA/BSc in Computer science - Batch of 2027
4.0
Good Beginners College
Tips: 1. Learn cooking; force yourself to parties and other events in the start even if you don't feel like it, as they will help you mentally in the long run. Connections are as important as studies. 2. I am a Deutschland Stipendium holder, and I get 300 EUR every month plus events. The university does a good job of making us aware of scholarships by way of events such as StipendienTag. 3. I am glad I came here. Besides academics, living alone in another place makes you ready to face anything, as there can be 100 different problems you may face, but you force yourself to solve all of them.
Likes (Indian Food): There are a lot of types of restaurants available nearby, including Indian. The prices can range from 4 eur to upwards of 15 eur. Besides Indian food, options might be limited for vegetarians. Student housing here provides a kitchen. Cooking for yourself is one of the best ways to eat cheap and healthy.
Dislikes (Internships): The university doesn't do much for finding internships. It is up to us to find them. One of the biggest hurdles that most students face is finding internships. As for bachelors, an internship is obligatory; this can cause graduation to be delayed for a lot of people.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 850
Prepping time for classes6 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 50000
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Technical Logistics - Batch of 2027
4.8
There are many events within the University. Students need to utilise them properly
Tips: The education systems in India and Germany are completely different. Also, the exams for each subject, which are similar to government exams, are there. Candidates need to answer 50 short questions, including math, within one hour, and one needs to study pretty well.
Likes (Public transportation): Public transportation is very good; all corners of Duisburg and Essen are very well connected with buses and trams. Also, there are trains between these two cities very often. There is also shuttle service between two campuses of the university. With the Deutschland ticket provided by the university, all public transportation is available.
Dislikes (Internships): Getting internships is very difficult due to the bad job market in Germany. Candidates need to apply a lot and also shouldn't get disappointed when some initial interviews get rejected. This tenure of rejection can last pretty long, and one should remain mentally tough till the end.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 700
Prepping time for classes16 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 55275
V
Vikas Anantharapu 
Master of Education in Production, Logistics, Sales (minor vocational specialisation) - Batch of 2020
4.9
Decent University with standardised principles
Tips: Look, if you're coming to UDE, you’ve got to actively force yourself out of the international bubble. Actually make an effort to connect with the local German students, and seriously, start using the campus libraries—like the LK in Duisburg or the GW over in Essen—on a regular basis. Also, just don't skip your lectures. German professors do not sit around waiting for you to catch up, and if you miss even a couple of classes, you're going to completely struggle to wrap your head around the material later on.
Honestly, the absolute biggest roadblock at Duisburg-Essen is just adjusting to how things work here. Way too many people come in and treat learning German like a side project. That is a massive mistake. If you want any real shot at landing a working student gig or an internship around the Ruhr area, fluent German is your main ticket. Oh and try to get your German driving license squared away as soon as you can. It sounds like a random chore, but if you’re eyeing engineering or logistics roles across NRW, it’s a total game-changer.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 800
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 48000
A
Anonymous
MSc Computational Mechanics - Batch of 2021
3.7
Very good studies but not for middle class people from India
Tips: The first thing to know before coming here is that any exam that you want to pass only has 3 attempts. If you fail on your 3rd attempt, not only your admission but also your visa will be cancelled. Indian students mostly cannot avail scholarships. University of Duisburg Essen is very strict and advanced in teaching compared to Bachelors or previous studies compared from India. Keep it in mind that anyone who wants to join here has a shift in their entire perspective of thinking on how to study and how much time to spend on studying. Almost more than 90% of Indian students who pass out from this university were spending 3 or more years for master's and 5 or more years for bachelor's studies. If you want to do the part-time job while studying at this university, you must add at least one extra year to these timelines.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Faculty are very experienced, and teaching is always good if you want to study here. There is no point in saying otherwise if you are not keen on studying. International friendly staff and you will rarely experience racism. You will find good diversified faculty here. Reaching out to any faculty requires a prior appointment. So planning ahead is always essential here.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Let’s be real, the current job market is pretty brutal right now. If you're planning to do your master's at Duisburg-Essen, just know that the surrounding cities are absolutely packed with international students and expats. Because of that, the competition for every single part-time job or internship in the area is insane—you’re basically competing with a massive crowd for the same few roles. On top of that, the courses at this uni are heavily geared toward research and academic theory. They do a great job of pushing a passion for science and further studies, but they honestly don't prepare you at all for how cutthroat the actual job market is.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 900
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 48000
Y
Yash Kaushik 
MSc Computational Mechanics - Batch of 2024
4.4
Bilingual courses with 0 tution fee
Tips: Learning the German language is necessary till an intermediate level at least. This will help you settle in the city and in your work. The courses, however, are bilingual and education in Germany is the most affordable.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1781
Prepping time for classes6 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 150000
Views on Ruhr-University Bochum campus
S
Sai Prathyusha Vipparthi 
Master of Science in Computational Engineering - Batch of 2026
Offered by Ruhr-University Bochum
4.3
A place with lot of scope to learn.
Tips: - Germans are very nice people, and they are open to help students. But it's good if we learn German to speak with them. - I got an international scholarship for 6 months during my second semester from the university. I applied online. I submitted a few documents like a recommendation letter from a professor, a bank statement, transcripts, a motivation letter, and others. - I am completely satisfied with the course and university. The course is well recommended for students who did mechanical or civil in their bachelor's. The subjects are very well designed with tools and projects for industrial applications.
Likes (Value for money): For my course, there is no tuition fee. Students have to pay 360 eur per semester, which is the contribution fee; it includes the semester ticket (Deutschland ticket for travel), the social contribution fee, and all. I work at a university and other off-campus jobs to support myself financially (for room rent, food, and all).
Dislikes (Part time work): You can find a ton of job opportunities both on and off campus. Working as a student or research assistant for a professor is a massive plus—it gives you actual, hands-on experience in your field and puts extra cash in your pocket to help cover expenses. Students are allowed to work for 20 hours/week, and it is definitely manageable along with studies. Usually the minimum pay in Germany is around 14 EUR/hour. It slightly varies with the role and the place of work.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 700
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 55000
A
Anirudh Natarajan 
MS in Materials Science and Simulation - Batch of 2026
Offered by Ruhr-University Bochum
4.3
MSS at ICAMS: A comprehensive materials modelling masters program
Tips: A cultural shift you might experience is that people here are very relaxed compared to the hypercompetitive environment in India. A Deutschlandstipendium worth 300 euros every month is possible for master's students, and you can get it before joining. Check the deadline for applying. Very satisfied with the course, university, and country.
Likes (Value for money): There is no tuition fee, since it is a public university in Germany. The course is one of its kind, because there are hardly any programs that focus on providing a holistic curriculum focusing on material modeling in all length scales. Opportunities for research are plentiful, and getting Ph.D. positions after a master's here is relatively easier. The coursework is also flexible and gives you the opportunity to choose what you want to specialize in.
Dislikes (Indian Food): I prefer cooking, but the university also has a vegan mensa (canteen) with subsidized food for students, which sometimes has Asian/Indian-style food. Otherwise, there are a handful of Indian restaurants in Bochum that serve decent food. There are also vegan burrito shops accessible by tram.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 800
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computational Engineering - Batch of 2020
Offered by Ruhr-University Bochum
4.3
Best Course but with limited Job Oppurtunites
Tips: There is great work-life balance in Germany. This is the biggest cultural shift. I got a scholarship from my state called NTR Videshi Vidya. I got it by submitting my admission letter, GRE, and TOEFL scores. They gave me 10 lakhs. I am fully satisfied with the university, course, and country.
Likes (Value for money): There are literally no feelings for the education apart from the semester feelings. You need to only pay semester fees, which were around 330 euros at my time. So it's a great value for money. Especially since the courses are well taught. The only problem is the job market.
Dislikes (Internships): Few internships and heavy competition for CFD and FEM-related jobs. The field is saturated. Internships are not easy, and language matters a lot. Get a good grip on the German language before you come here. With language, internships are a little bit easier to get.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1075
Prepping time for classes21 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 52000
S
Subhadeep Maity 
Master of Science in Chemistry - Batch of 2026
Offered by Ruhr-University Bochum
4.3
A great choice for any student to pursue higher studies with world-class faculty and facilities.
Tips: If you're moving out here to study at RUB you need to brace yourself for some serious culture shock, especially when it comes to the academic side of things. The German university system is a completely different beast—the teaching style is way more independent, and your interactions with professors and faculty are far more formal and direct than what you might be used to back home.
Financially, things got a lot easier for me because I managed to secure a scholarship through the RESOLV cluster, which was a massive lifesaver for handling my expenses. Honestly, I’m incredibly satisfied with my choice to come to Bochum. The city itself is a fantastic, highly underrated place to live as an international student—it’s got a great student vibe, the cost of living won't completely break the bank, and the campus community makes it easy to find your feet.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 750
Prepping time for classes28 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 14000
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Molecular and Developmental Stem Cell Biology - Batch of 2027
Offered by Ruhr-University Bochum
3.9
Life in Ruhr University Bochum
Tips: There is no major cultural shift I have experienced here since there are already so many Indians present. However, we should get adapted to the quiet lifestyle that goes in an orderly manner and also to the weather. Applying for scholarships is very much recommended. Looking out for scholarship deadlines within the university portals and the famous DAAD portals is really helpful. Overall the experience is wholesome.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Faculty in the department of stem cell biology are very accessible and reliable. They help students to get internships or projects out of the university. They also help in providing lab rotation within the department. Most of the teaching faculty are Germans; however, we have numerous guest lecturers who come from university clinics and other reputed universities. There are some Indian faculty as well. Teaching is mostly offline with PowerPoint slides, and sometimes it's online. Practical experience is also really good.
Dislikes (Internships): There are student bodies and administrative staff continuously conducting meetings and seminars to bring awareness about the internships and job opportunities available. They help in preparing students for the job after studies. However, there are not the same number of opportunities for all disciplines.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1850
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 36325
A
Anonymous
- Batch of 2027
4.4
Best place to study, when your ready to put extra efforts.
Tips: Students should learn the basics of whatever department they are going to join and dedication while studying. Start preparing German once you start your academics. Make sure you reach out to faculty when you have doubts, and if possible, do group study while preparing for exams. Try to use sports facilities available in the college.
Likes (Student Life): Very friendly people, easily accessible, and reasonable rent for accommodation. And also food is affordable. Events organized by students often give information about jobs and other facilities available in the university. You can use the sports facilities available on campus at a reasonable rate.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Because German language skills need to be at least a B2 level. The course is in English and students don't need german skills while joining but after completion you need to prove your German skills to get a internship, job, etc. Getting a job is on your own, so keep applying for every company that actually suits your profile; you will definitely get a job.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 600
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
S
sai sri harsha vallurupalli 
Master of Science in Computational Engineering - Batch of 2020
Offered by Ruhr-University Bochum
3.8
Academically strong, diverse and supportive place to study in Germany.
Tips: Students should know that transitioning from the Indian to the German education system takes about one semester as studies here are more self driven and research focused. I did not receive a scholarship but strong performers often get one from the second year onward. I am satisfied with the university's diverse open environment and with my course which is research oriented and requires students to find internships independently. Germany is peaceful, structured and ideal for those who don't mind could weather and clear bureaucratic processes.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The value for money at Ruhr University Bochum is exceptional. There is no tuition fee and the semester contribution of around 50 includes the Deutschlandticket giving free public transport across Germany. The university offers high-quality teaching, strong research infrastructure and excellent facilities. For the low cost paid each semester, the academic and practical benefits are completely justified.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Part-time work is quite difficult in the beginning. Without good German skills, it is hard to find jobs, so learning German early preferably from the Goethe Institute is important. During the first 6 months after arrival, most time goes into registration, paperwork, and setting down, so there is almost no scope for part-time work. On-campus HiWi jobs usually open only after first-semester results, and even then the competition is very high. Off-campus jobs are available mainly if you speak fluent German. As an alternative, many students work full-time at Amazon during the end-of-year speak season to manage expenses. Average payouts vary but generally range from minimum wage upwards depending on the job.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1300
Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 60000
M
MAHIMA 
Master of Science in Chemistry - Batch of 2028
Offered by Ruhr-University Bochum
4.6
A perfect blend of research, diversity and growth.
Tips: The university provides excellent research facilities and welcoming international environment. Having a senior from my previous master's college here helped me adjust smoothly. The transition was quite comfortable, though in Germany, there are cultural and language differences, but you will enjoy learning. I am a DAAD scholarship holder. It covers my living expenses, health insurance. I had to clear an interview to get this.
Likes (Student Life): I mostly spent my day till 6 pm in the chemical labs. But in between, I spend my day attending lectures. Lunch at mensa and discussion with friends. The campus hosts various events such as research talks, sports activities. I am currently enrolled in badminton and swimming. There are various cultural and sports groups. Particularly, we have a research cluster where 4 universities are doing collaborative research on solvation Science.
Dislikes (Indian Food): I prefer to cook my own meals because it's healthier and much more affordable. But there are a lot of options available for vegetarian and non-vegetarian people to eat in mensa (a dining hall inside the university). Pricing ranges from 4-8 euros per meal. But there are some good Indian and Asian restaurants in and around Bochum.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 825
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computational Engineering - Batch of 2021
Offered by Ruhr-University Bochum
4.8
This university is the right place for someone who really wants to learn.
Tips: This university is the right place for someone who really wants to learn. The professors are very friendly, and you can always approach them with doubts. Be ready to spend quality time studying and study every day; do not push it to the last day before exams. You should understand that only you are responsible for yourself and be proactive. I found my course very challenging, but in the end, it was totally worth the time, effort and money. I didn't avail any scholarships, but I know people who did. So it is possible to get scholarships. You need to make sure that you have good grades. One thing I would suggest to all students coming to Germany is to learn the language.
Likes (Indian Food): I would suggest all students cook for themselves as it is cheaper. I prefer cooking food myself. There are many Indian restaurants and you easily get Indian food. You also have many other restaurants here, Italian, Greek, Turkish etc. Eating outside is a bit expensive, but occasionally it's okay to eat out.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): If you want to apply for permanent immigration, you have to study well, get a job in your field, and work for 3 years before you can apply. I would also advise you to learn the language. It is very helpful and can make the transition to life in Germany more comfortable. I think that immigrating here is a good idea.
Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 850
Prepping time for classes28 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryEuro 50000
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