Witten/Herdecke University

Witten works. In research, teaching and in society. In - and at the interfaces of - health, economics and culture Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) was founded and officially recognised in 1982, and ever since has been a pioneer among Germany's higher education institutions. Over a period of 30 years, we have introduced significant innovations in research and teaching. Adhering to Humboldt's educational ideals, we perceive ourselves as an entrepreneurial university and strive to integrate research and student education, provision of scientific services, practical application and social responsibility. Witten researches Research at UW/H is interdisciplinary, highly diverse in methodology, and focuses on well-defined areas. As a private university with a moderate percentage of state funding in our budget, we feel obliged to contribute something to society in return for the funds we receive. The social relevance of our chosen fields of research is as important in this respect as is the transparent and generally understandable publication of research findings. Witten educates Education is much more than training for the job. In line with Witten didactic methods, student education is problem-oriented, state-of-the-art, and focused on practice. Personal growth is another one of our core objectives. Interdisciplinary - undisciplined Following Humboldt's educational concepts, UW/H students study in small groups with an excellent student-teacher ratio. Students are encouraged to think in wider contexts and to assume social responsibility in and beyond a chosen discipline. The economic, ecological and social challenges of the future will certainly not respect the boundaries of academic disciplines. Witten - fundamental Fundamental studies are a core element of the Witten/Herdecke identity. They foster out-of-the-box thinking. Here students tackle questions for which we have no ready answers, or for which there may be no answers at all. In an increasingly complex, rapidly changing and insecure world, prospective physicians, entrepreneurs, managers, politicians or consultants need methodical, social, ethical and cultural competences as much as subject-related expertise. Witten gets involved In addition to research and student education, civic engagement (the "third mission") has always been part of the UW/H identity. A dedicated spirit of personal development and devotion to the advancement of our society is an essential part of our philosophy and attaches equal importance to social responsibility, student education, and the generation of innovative research results. Right from the start, Witten/Herdecke University has assumed social responsibility in many forms and at various levels. Taking into consideration our tender age and the comparably small number of 2,100 enrolled students and 400 staff, we have produced an impressive number of social, cultural, commercial and non-profit initiatives.

Founded in 1982, Witten/Herdecke University is a private university located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It was established with the aim of providing innovative and integrative higher education, emphasizing research, teaching, and social responsibility. The university was initiated by a group of academics, physicians, and entrepreneurs who sought to create an alternative to traditional German universities by focusing on a more student-centered learning environment. Over the years, it has grown steadily, expanding its academic offerings across various disciplines including medicine, humanities, social sciences, and economics.

In its early years, Witten/Herdecke University pioneered problem-oriented learning and small-group tutorials, which foster close collaboration between students and faculty. The university was granted official state accreditation in 1993, marking a significant milestone in its development. Since then, it has maintained a unique educational philosophy that emphasizes interdisciplinary study, practical experience, and personal development. The university is also known for its commitment to research and has established a variety of research centers focusing on healthcare, social sciences, and humanities.

Throughout its history, the university has adapted to the evolving educational landscape by integrating innovative teaching methods and expanding international cooperation. It maintains partnerships with numerous universities worldwide, offering exchange programs and joint research initiatives. Witten/Herdecke University also places a strong emphasis on social responsibility, including programs aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion. As a private institution, it relies on tuition fees, private funding, and donations to support its operations and development. Today, Witten/Herdecke University continues to uphold its founding principles of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and social engagement, shaping a new generation of professionals committed to societal betterment.

Application requirements and admission process at Witten/Herdecke University involve several steps. Prospective students must submit a completed application form along with academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency in German and/or English depending on the program, and relevant certificates demonstrating previous education. International applicants are usually required to provide a recognized foreign university entrance qualification comparable to the German Abitur. In addition, some programs may request a motivation letter, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation. Language requirements are specified for each program; for instance, German-language courses generally require proof of German proficiency such as TestDaF or DSH, while English-language programs might require TOEFL or IELTS scores. The university may also conduct interviews or entrance exams for certain courses to assess applicant suitability. The application process is primarily handled through the university's online application portal, where applicants can upload all necessary documents. It is important to adhere to application deadlines, which vary depending on the program and intake period. Witten/Herdecke University emphasizes a holistic review of each application, considering academic achievements, motivation, and relevant experience. Admission is competitive, and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Once admitted, students receive an official letter of acceptance and instructions for enrollment. The university also provides advisory support for prospective students during the application process to clarify specific requirements and ensure proper submission of documents.

Witten/Herdecke University is accredited by the Centre for Certification and Accreditation of the Association of Universities and other Higher Education Institutions in Germany (Zentralen Evaluationseinrichtung der Länder für Studiengänge im Bereich der Humanmedizin, ZEvA). The university holds an accreditation for its degree programs which is recognized nationally and internationally, ensuring that its educational standards meet rigorous quality criteria. The university's accreditation process involves a comprehensive review of academic quality, teaching standards, research activities, and institutional governance. Additionally, Witten/Herdecke University is a member of various academic associations that promote quality assurance in higher education. Its programs are regularly evaluated and re-accredited to maintain high standards of education. The university's accreditation status affirms its commitment to delivering excellent education and research in accordance with national guidelines and quality benchmarks. The accreditation process includes periodic evaluations by external review panels, who assess program content, teaching methods, student support services, and the university's strategic development plans. This commitment to accreditation demonstrates Witten/Herdecke University's dedication to transparency, continuous improvement, and academic excellence. Furthermore, the university participates in quality assurance initiatives coordinated at the regional and national levels, ensuring compliance with the legal requirements of the German higher education system. Its accreditation is recognized by the German Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) and allows its graduates to pursue further academic and professional opportunities both within Germany and internationally. The university also adheres to European standards of higher education quality, participating in initiatives under the Bologna Process, which facilitates comparability and recognition of qualifications across European countries. Overall, Witten/Herdecke University maintains a robust accreditation status that supports its mission to provide innovative, high-quality education in the fields of health, humanities, and sciences.

Witten lies within the boundaries of the Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis (district) in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The city has a vibrant industrial history whilst at the same time being known as the "Green City" of the "Ruhrgebiet" (the "Ruhr district") - an immense agglomeration partly constituted by the cities of Dortmund, Bochum, Gelsenkirchen, and Essen. It is in Witten that the first coal mines in the region were discovered and that a whole era of the coal and steel industry originated. The early witnesses to this development in the 19th and 20th centuries can still be seen in Witten today: early coal mines and sites of early iron smelting can be found in the "Muttental" - a wooded valley in the southern part of the city. Located directly at the river Ruhr and surrounded by forests and hills, the city offers beautiful views and various sports opportunities, including mountain and road cycling, canoeing, and climbing. At the same time, it is a centre of music and culture. The "Saalbau" (the city's concert hall) hosts regular concerts by world-famous orchestras and musicians, and the "Werkstadt" organises theatre performances and regional band contests. Not least because of the initiatives of Witten/Herdecke students, the "Wiesenviertel" has begun to emerge as the city's new young quarter, with bars and regular street activities. The adjacent cities of Dortmund, Essen, Gelsenkirchen, and Bochum offer an even richer spectrum of culture and music, with a broad range of theatres, operas, concert halls, and festivals. Due to Witten's location in central Germany, several large German cities can be reached in a few hours both by train and car. Among these are Cologne (one hour), Bonn (one and a half hours), Frankfurt (two and a half hours), Hamburg (three hours), and Berlin (four hours). Nevertheless, living expenses in Witten are relatively low and it is easy to find accommodation close to the campus. Various malls in Witten, Dortmund, and Bochum, as well as the city centres, offer shopping opportunities. Thanks to the large number of ethnic groups living here, a colourful variety of foods are available in this university city and its surrounding region. See also: https://www.uni-wh.de/en/study/applicants/student-life/

Arrival support Initial contact between new students and Witten/Herdecke University usually takes place in the video-interview during the selection process. As the selection process is accompanied by students who are already enrolled at Witten/Herdecke University, applicants get to know future fellow students on this occasion and develop first personal contacts with the student community. When they then arrive at Witten/Herdecke University for the start of their studies, freshmen have already tapped into the student network. In many cases, fellow students help with a pick-up service from the airport or from the train station, accommodate new students in their shared flats or arrange for private accommodation in order to integrate them into the network. This has the positive side effect that hotel expenses may not be necessary. Before classes start, second-year students arrange two so-called "welcome weeks" for new students. Participation of freshmen is voluntary, but almost all new students attend these welcome weeks. In the first week, all students spend time together at a separate location in order to get to know each other and to start student life with common experiences. In the second week new students are introduced to the university and surroundings and the university presents itself to the students. On the first day of classes, the faculty welcomes the new students in an informal ceremony. Services and support for international students International students receive support from the international relations coordinators of the respective faculty. This support includes the sending of a welcome package including information on registration, important semester dates, contact persons, as well as life in Witten. Furthermore, international coordinators and student assistants organise a pick-up service at the airport or the train station and help with administrative issues such as registration, opening a bank account or visiting local authorities for visa issues. Witten/Herdecke University offers German language courses at beginners' and advanced level free of charge for registered students. Foreign languages can be learned in a Tandem System, which pairs native speakers with non-native speakers. Course programme coordinators assist with course registration and study plan issues. Accommodation Witten/Herdecke University does not run a dormitory, but nearby towns provide many opportunities for flat renting. The student union (Hochschulwerk) runs a platform with information on available accommodation in Witten and surroundings. Furthermore, international relations officers and student assistants help in finding off-campus accommodation, e.g. in shared flats. As new students come to Witten/Herdecke University for the selection process, they make contact with student community networks on this occasion and can also receive help from fellow students in finding private accommodation.

Witten/Herdecke University offers a unique and innovative approach to higher education, combining small class sizes, personalized support, and interdisciplinary curricula to foster close student-teacher relationships and individual development. The university emphasizes a student-centered learning environment that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and active participation in research and practical projects. Its commitment to small-scale teaching allows students to benefit from direct interaction with experienced professors, enabling a tailored educational experience that meets their personal and professional goals. The university also values interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating perspectives from medicine, humanities, business, and natural sciences to prepare students for complex real-world challenges. Witten/Herdecke University places a strong emphasis on ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability, which are embedded in its academic programs and campus life, preparing students to be conscientious global citizens. The campus provides a close-knit community atmosphere that promotes mutual support, diversity, and international exchange, enabling students to develop intercultural competencies. Additionally, the university maintains strong partnerships with healthcare providers, businesses, and research institutions, offering excellent internship and career opportunities. Innovation in teaching methods, including problem-based learning and research-oriented teaching, further distinguishes the university. With a focus on developing well-rounded, socially responsible professionals, Witten/Herdecke University fosters an environment where students can thrive academically, personally, and professionally, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a personalized, ethically driven, and innovative higher education experience.