Universität Witten/Herdecke Fakultät für Gesundheit
-
Witten,
Germany
Abroad
General Information
Founded in 1982, Witten/Herdecke University was Germany’s first private university. It is famous for its "Witten Model," which prioritizes student personality, social responsibility, and early clinical experience over standard grades. The Faculty of Health is an interdisciplinary pioneer, bringing together Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and Psychology under one roof. Unlike public universities, UW/H selects its students through a holistic admission process and offers a unique "Reverse Generation Contract" to ensure that financial background is not a barrier to entry.
General Info
- Established: 1982.
- Primary Location: > Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50, 58448 Witten, Germany.
- Academic Model: Model Degree Course in Medicine (Modellstudiengang).
- Structure: A 6.3-year program (12 semesters + Practical Year).
- Problem-Based Learning (PBL): The core of the curriculum; students solve medical cases in small groups rather than sitting in massive lectures.
- Patient Contact from Semester 1: Students spend one day a week in general practices right from the start.
- Studium Fundamentale: A unique feature where students spend one day a week on philosophy, arts, and social sciences to broaden their perspectives.
- Instruction: 100% German. C1 level proficiency (DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4) is mandatory.
- Research Focus: Integrative Medicine, Health Services Research, and Patient-Centered Care.
- Admission: No "Numerus Clausus" (NC). Selection is based on biography, motivation, and a multi-day selection seminar (interviews and group tasks).
Campus Facilities
The UW/H campus is known for its modern, eco-friendly wooden architecture and a very close-knit community.
- FEZ (Research and Development Center): The heart of the medical department, housing clinical facilities, simulation labs, and the university’s integrative medicine outpatient clinic.
- ZBAF (Center for Biomedical Education and Research): Houses cutting-edge labs for immunology, biochemistry, and molecular medicine.
- SkillsLab (Witten): An intensive training area for medical procedures, featuring high-fidelity simulators and standardized patient programs.
- Integrated Curriculum for Anthroposophic Medicine (ICURAM): A worldwide unique additional qualification for students interested in holistic and integrative healing approaches.
- Dental Clinic (ZBZ): One of the most modern dental facilities in Germany, integrated directly with the health faculty.
- Simulation Pharmacy: Used for interprofessional training between medical and pharmaceutical disciplines.
- ZPP (Center for Mental Health and Psychotherapy): A central facility for clinical psychology and psychotherapy research and training.
- Bio-Science Labs: Modern facilities for virology and medical microbiology research.
- Anatomy & Clinical Morphology Institute: Focuses on functional anatomy with a high student-to-tutor ratio.
- Campus Wood Building: An award-winning sustainable building that serves as a central meeting point for student-led projects and social learning.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
UW/H does not have one single "University Hospital" but a powerful network of cooperating clinical partners:
- Helios Universitätsklinikum Wuppertal: A maximum-care provider and the largest partner clinic.
- Kliniken der Stadt Köln: Major teaching site for surgery and internal medicine.
- Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke: A pioneer in integrative and anthroposophic medicine.
- Marien Hospital Schwerte: Focused on specialized primary and secondary care.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
As a private university, UW/H charges tuition fees, but it uses a unique social financing model.
Scholarship
- Reverse Generation Contract (RGC): The primary way students finance their studies—you pay only if and when you earn a certain income after graduating.
- UW/H Performance Scholarships: Merit-based grants for students with exceptional social or academic commitment.
- STIBET Scholarships: Provided by the DAAD for international students for graduation support or emergency aid.
- Family Stipends: Specifically for students who are parents, to help balance medical school and family life.
City Details
- The Vibe: Witten is a green, quiet city in the Ruhr area, perfectly located between Dortmund and Bochum. It has a "village-like" feel where everyone knows each other.
- Connectivity:
- Buses: Lines 320 and 371 connect the main station directly to the university campus.
- NRW-Ticket: Your student ID allows free travel to major hubs like Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Essen via regional trains.
- Safety: Very high; Witten is a safe, residential city with a strong focus on student life.
Hostel & Mess
- Accommodation: Most students live in private shared flats (WGs) in the city center or near the campus.
- Cost: A room in a shared flat typically costs 300 € – 500 €/month, which is very competitive for the region.
- Dining: The University Cafeteria is known for its organic, regional food options, with subsidized meals for students (approx. 4.00 € – 7.50 €).
Miscellaneous
- Nursing Internship: A 6-month nursing internship is required for the application (parts of it can be completed during the first few semesters).
- Application Periods: You can apply for both the Summer and Winter semesters.
- Language: While the degree is in German, some international research modules are available in English.
Collage Images Gallery
Facilities & Campus Life
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
Students must typically have a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the 12th standard (40% for reserved categories) and must have qualified NEET in the current or previous two years, as per NMC guidelines.
The duration is generally 6 years in total, which includes 5 years of academic study (54 months) and 1 year of compulsory internship (12 months), fully complying with the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.
The process is simple: 1. Submit scanned documents (10th, 11th, and 12th mark sheets, NEET result, Passport scan, and a recent passport-size photograph with a white background). 2. Receive the Admission Letter from the University. 3. Process the Invitation Letter for Visa. 4. Complete the Visa application with our assistance.
Yes, all our partner universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Graduate doctors can also write major global licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), and the FMGE/NExT exam for India.
While most universities admit based on your 12th marks and NEET qualification, some may require a simple online entrance test or interview. We will guide you through any such requirement.
Fees typically cover the Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Medical Insurance, Visa Extension, and administrative charges. A detailed, transparent fee structure showing Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Mess Charges, Visa/Invitation Fee, and Medical Assurance Fee for each country and university will be provided upfront.
Payment schedules are determined by the individual university. Some universities allow semester-wise payments, while others require annual payments. We will provide clear guidance on the university's official payment schedule.
We are committed to transparency. All costs, including consultation charges and university expenses, are detailed in your offer letter. We strongly advise against any form of donation.
Yes, we coordinate group departures for students and assist with flight ticket booking. Our representative will meet the students at the destination airport and provide transport to the university hostel.
Hostels offer secure accommodation with separate facilities for boys and girls. Indian meals are generally cooked and served by Indian caterers within the hostel premises or mess hall to ensure a suitable diet for students.
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- 15+ years of experience in medical education counseling
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