The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) is a large public research university located in the two major cities of Duisburg and Essen in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region. The modern university was founded in 2003 through the merger of the University of Duisburg and the University of Essen, but its academic roots go much further back in time through earlier institutions with links to the region. The UDE today is defined by a learning situation that is open, diverse, urban and research-oriented. It is one of the most important universities in the Ruhr area and serves a large student body. UDE has a broad academic portfolio in disciplines such as engineering, medicine, social sciences, economics, business, humanities, education, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, biology, chemistry and urban studies. The two-campus set-up allows students to leverage the diverse academic strengths available: Duisburg is closely linked with engineering, technology, logistics and industrial systems, while Essen excels in medicine, humanities, social sciences, education and health-related fields. The university is particularly relevant because it is situated in the Ruhr metropolitan region, one of the most important areas of industrial and urban transformation in Europe. This gives UDE a certain identity. It is not only a university for classroom learning, but also a place where students and researchers study real-world issues such as urban development, migration, digital transformation, sustainable industry, healthcare, social change, energy systems and education reform. The research at the UDE is characterized by interdisciplinary cooperation. The university specializes in nanosciences, biomedical sciences, urban systems and water research, empirical education research, artificial intelligence and social transformation. Its links to the University Alliance Ruhr improve academic cooperation in the region and give students more opportunities for research and networking. UDE attracts international students with its hands-on academic environment, a diverse student body, the low-cost German public university model, and strong ties to industry and research networks. The university’s city location also makes it ideal for students who want access to part-time work opportunities, public transport, cultural diversity and career exposure in one of Germany’s most populated economic areas. If you are looking for a modern German public university that offers you a broad academic education, practical research, close ties to the regional industry and social diversity. Its identity is especially useful to students interested in engineering, medicine, business, social sciences, urban systems, education and applied research related to modern society.