First thoughts

Whether it’s an exchange semester with Erasmus+ or another exchange programme, participation in an international summer school, a dual degree programme, or writing a thesis abroad – the options for integrating international experiences into your studies are diverse. It is best to inform yourself in advance about the different options and to make use of the advisory services of the Mobility Office to find the opportunity that is most suitable for you. In the process, you should consider your personal goals, academic requirements, and financial circumstances.

Studying abroad is possible from the 3rd semester of your Bachelor's study programme. However, you would have to start preparing for this in the 1st semester! The 5th or 6th semester is more suitable because you could, for example, write your Bachelor's thesis abroad.

If you want to specialise in a particular field of study, it makes perfect sense to study abroad during your Master's degree. You will then be more familiar with your specialisation and can select your host university according to specific subject-related criteria.

A good knowledge of the local language is a must in order to study abroad. However, many universities also offer courses and study programmes in English. Usually, host universities and scholarship organisations expect proof of language proficiency in the language of instruction.

Even if a stay abroad usually involves an additional financial burden - exchange programmes and funding opportunities such as foreign student grants, student loans or scholarships make going abroad affordable and sometimes not much more expensive than your studies at home.

More about financing your stay abroad

Ideally, a stay abroad should not prolong your studies. Within our exchange programmes, the academic recognition of your academic achievements abroad is contractually regulated before the start of your stay abroad.

More information on academic recognition