The university's official name in German is Bergische Universität Wuppertal or BUW, founded in 1972.

Around 2014 to 2015, approximately 20,000 students were enrolled in a wide range of subjects with many interdisciplinary linkages between a total of seven faculties.

The main building of the University of Wuppertal is located in the suburb of Elberfeld on the Grifflenberg.

ALiCEnext, the supercomputer, was designed as a cluster and consisted of 512 so-called Blades.

Notable people who have taught in Wuppertal are: According to the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the institution falls within the 501–600 range globally, placing it between 42nd and 45th nationally.