How to apply for an Exchange Place at a Partner University

In principle, all Bachelor and Master students are eligible to apply for an exchange program. Bachelor students should have completed their first year of study. Master students, who at the time of application cannot provide proof of academic achievements from their current studies, can apply with their bachelor’s degree certificate or transcript. They usually apply in their first semester for a stay abroad during their third semester and will receive conditional acceptances until they have provided evidence of the results achieved in their first semester.

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, as the subjects are often precisely defined in the cooperation agreements. This also applies if you are studying the subject indicated in the call for applications as a minor.

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) in their previous coursework. 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. Moreover, 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 can be accessed between November 10th and December 9th, 2025 (11:59 p.m.).

You can apply for two exchange places (first and second choice).

Application deadline: December 9th, 2025 (11:59 p.m.)

Please fill in the online application carefully and completely 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 Language Center)
• 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 ensure that you have consulted the most recent version of the call for applications and uploaded all required documents. Incomplete applications cannot 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 claim on an exchange place at a partner institution.

All information on proof of language proficiency can be found here.

The Self-Access Center (C.5.104) will reopen in mid-October. As waiting times can be long during regular opening hours, especially from mid-November, additional appointments will be offered: dates to follow.

Please bring your own laptop and headphones. Advance registration is required. 

Registration link to follow

The International Center offers the following information sessions during the academic year. Presentations will be available for download after each session.

Dates to follow shortly

• Studying at Partner Universities: Call for Applications, Application Procedure, Funding Opportunities, Organizational Questions
• Study at Partner Universities (for international degree-seeking students only; in English)
• Study-related Stays Abroad: Alternatives to Partner University Exchanges (free mover study abroad, internships, theses abroad, summer/winter schools)
• Get Together: Meet returnees and current international incoming students at Leuphana (German/English)
• Application for Partner Universities: Application Process, Timeline, Documents, Selection Procedures
• Internships Abroad: Support services at Leuphana, Erasmus Mobility Project MIX IT, DAAD internship programs

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).