How to apply for an Exchange Place at a Partner University

In principle, all undergraduate and master's students can apply for an exchange program. Undergraduate students should have completed their first year of study at the time of application. Master's students who are unable to provide proof of their current academic performance at the time of application may apply with their bachelor's degree certificate and a transcript. They usually apply in the first semester for a stay abroad in the third semester and receive provisional acceptance until they can provide proof of their first semester results.

Participation in an exchange program is not possible in the student‘s home country/country of citizenship.

Only in exceptional cases and only upon consultation with the International Center and the program coordinator you may apply for a program that is not indicated for your major or study program, as the subjects are often precisely defined in the cooperation agreements. 

Students with Major Studium Individuale can apply for all programs that are offered for their individual field of study. In general, applications for teacher training programs with English as a teaching subject (Lehramt/Unterrichtsfach Englisch) are not accepted.

If not specified otherwise, your academic performance should have an average grade of at least 3.0 (German system) at the time of application . Proof of proficiency in the respective language of instruction should be proven at the time of application (see “Proof of Language Skills” below).

Study abroad in Europe (Erasmus+): International degree-seeking students with a valid residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) for Germany may study in another EU country for up to 360 days if the residence permit for Germany is valid for the entire duration of the stay abroad. They must have a valid passport, proof of health insurance for the host country and proof of financial support for their stay in the host country. More information can be found here: www.bamf.de.

Study abroad outside of Europe: International degree-seeking students from non-EU countries with a student visa and a valid residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) issued by the authorities of Lüneburg can leave the country for a maximum of 6 months, provided they obtain the prior consent of the Ausländerbehörde. After that, the residence title expires and in case of a later entry, they have to apply for a visa again at a German Embassy abroad. The conditions for the granting of the residence permit remain the same, i.e. a valid proof of financial support must be submitted for the period of stay abroad, too.

International students who are planning to study abroad outside of Europe should also check the visa procedures of the host country before applying.

Applications must be submitted online via the portal for stays abroad.

The application form will be available from November 9, 2026, through December 7, 2026 (11:59 p.m.).

You may apply for a maximum of two exchange spots (first and second choice).

Application deadline: December 7, 2026

Please fill in the online application form and submit it including the following documents in German or English:

• Letter of motivation relating to your first choice (up to 2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Current proof of enrollment (myCampus)
• University degree certificates (if applicable) including transcript of records, if applicable
• Transcript of Records (myCampus) with all completed coursework to date
• Proof of registration for examinations (myCampus, only in case of missing grades from the previous semesters)
• Certificate of language proficiency in the language of instruction for first and second choice (see here)
• Information on data protection and Declaration of consent (for first and second request; original “wet” signatures):
  • All applicants: Declaration ALL
  • additionally for applicants for Non-EU (not Argentina, Japan, USA): Declaration Non-EU
  • additionally for applicants for USA: Declaration USA

Before submitting your application, please double-check the most recent version of the call for applications and make sure to upload all required documents. Incomplete applications will  not be considered.

All exchange places will be awarded based on the following selection criteria:

• completed first year of study (applies to Bachelor students)
• academic performance and level of progress in the degree program at Leuphana
• language proficiency (language of instruction at host university)
• motivation
• volunteer work/ extra-curricular engagement
• suitability as an Leuphana ambassador 

In case of more exchange places than applications and upon approval of the academic coordinator, the selection will be made by the International Center based on the application documents (one-step procedure).

In case of fewer exchange places than applications or if requested by the academic coordinator, the selection will be made by the coordinator and may include an interview (two-step procedure).

The exchange places will be allocated based on the qualifications of the applicants. There is no legal entitlement to a place at a partner university. 

You can find all the information regarding proof of language proficiency here. Applicants who would like to take a free English test at the International Center will likely be able to register online here starting in mid-October. The test will take place in the IC’s Self-Access Center; please bring your laptop and compatible headphones to the test. You can find the Self-Access Center’s hours of operation here.

The International Center is also offering the following information sessions during the 26/27 winter semester. The presentations will be made available for download here following the sessions.

26 October 2026, 2:00–4:00 p.m., HS 1 (German) - no registration required

• Studying at partner universities: announcement of exchange places, application procedure, financing options, organisational questions

Time and place to be announced (English)

• Study at Partner Universities: Application, Financing, Organisation (for international degree-seeking students only; in English)

2 November 2026, 2:00–4:00 p.m., HS 1 (German) - no registration required

• Study abroad during your degree: Alternatives to study visits to partner universities: Study visits for ‘free movers’, internships abroad, final theses abroad, specialist courses as part of international summer and winter schools

Get-Together: 

• Meet students who have returned from a semester abroad and international incoming students currently spending a semester at Leuphana University! (German/English)

23 November 2026, 2:00–4:00 p.m., HS 1 (German) - no registration required

• Studying at partner universities: Application process
• Organisational and temporal sequence, information on application forms and documents such as letters of motivation, proof of sufficient knowledge of the language of instruction, selection process, etc.

11 January 2027, 4:00-6:00 p.m., C40.704 (German) - register here

• Internships abroad: Support services at Leuphana, Erasmus mobility project MIX IT: Funding for internships in Europe, DAAD internship programmes

Open office hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-12.30 p.m. in C5.138

Of course, you are also welcome to ask us your questions by phone or email.
For academic advice, please contact the relevant programme coordinator (see call for applications).