Student exchange programs

In our database you will find fact sheets for each partner institution, which include information on application requirements, term dates, accommodation, language requirements, etc. Usually, you will also find links to course catalogues and other useful information provided by the partner institutions for incoming exchange students. In our data base, you can also find experience reports of former outgoings (provided that the corresponding declarations of consent have been submitted).

Database on student exchange programmes

Studying abroad is worthwhile as well as possible during both the Bachelor's and Master's programmes. The Examination Regulations (RPO) for the Leuphana Bachelor define the 5th semester as suitable for a study abroad. For graduate students, the 3rd semester is particularly recommended for study abroad. If you go abroad within these 'mobility windows' and if you plan accordingly, you will likely be able to complete all, or at least the greater part of the work required by the RPO for this semester at the host university.

As an undergraduate student who plans to spend a semester abroad in semester 5, you must apply in semester 3, after you have selected your major and minor and acquired he necessary academic skills for studying abroad. As a graduate student planning to study abroad in semester 3, you must apply for an exchange programme in the first semester.

In  some cases, also semester 6 (Bachelor) or 4 (Master) can be suitable for study abroad, although the Leuphana examination phase in February may overlap with the second semester, often starting already in January or February in many countries. Please seek advice from the programme coordinators prior to application.

For students who participate in an exchange program, the following funding opportunities are available:

• Exemption from tuition fees at the host university
• Exemption from the semester fee at Leuphana (upon application)
• Erasmus study grant for a 1-2 semester study period at a European partner university (Switzerland: grant from Swiss funds)
• PROMOS-Scholarships offered by the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD for semester stays or a thesis abroad in countries outside of Europe (application via International Office)
• Scholarships for one-year study periods (application directly to the scholarship provider, e.g. DAAD)
• Citizens of the European Union, migrants and refugees living in Germany may be eligible for BAföG as financial support during their university studies.

Academic achievements performed abroad will be recognised if there are no significant differences from academic achievements to be performed at Leuphana. You can apply for academic recognition before the start of the semester abroad. After acceptance of the exchange place, you will receive detailed information about the recognition process in an information session for exchange students.

Are you looking for international contacts but don't want to wait for a semester abroad? As a buddy, you will support international students from our partner universities who are spending one or two semesters or their entire degree program at Leuphana. You will help them to get started at Leuphana and in Lüneburg. Send an email to buddy@leuphana.de with your full name, email address, your phone number (if you wish) and any countries or languages you are interested in.

Most international students arrive at the beginning of March (for the summer semester) or the beginning of September (for the winter semester) and take part in the language and orientation program. Ideally, you should be in Lüneburg during the first week of March or the first week of September. If this is not the case, please let us know in your email when you will be back in Lüneburg.

The International Center will also issue a certificate for participation in the Buddy Program if required. The prerequisite for this is participation in four buddy-related events and a short report on your experiences. Participation is not limited to one semester.