Can I study at Leuphana if I don't speak German well?
Yes, you can. For students who don’t speak German at all or only very little, we have introduced courses that are taught in English. However, our intensive language courses offered before the start of each semester provide students with all the German language skills they need for daily life. They will soon be able to communicate in German. Therefore, we encourage all international students to join our intensive language programme.
Can I transfer credits earned for classes at Leuphana towards my degree at my home university?
Yes, this is possible. Leuphana University applies the internationally accredited European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which guarantees easy transfer of credits to your home university, even for students studying outside the EU. Once you are here, we will draft a formal document (Learning Agreement) ensuring that you won't be in for any unfortunate surprises when applying for transfer of credits back at home. Moreover, your academic performance will be documented in a transcript of records, which will be sent directly to your home university after your stay.
Do I get support upon my arrival?
The International Office will assign each incoming exchange student a buddy. Your "buddy" is a fellow student who has volunteered to help you settle in and make you feel at home in Lüneburg. At first, your buddy will take you from the airport or train station to your place of accommodation. Once you have settled in a little, he or she will show you around Lüneburg and the University. Your buddy is your personal contact person and might even become a good friend of yours.
Please sign up for our buddy program by sending an e-mail.
What are the costs for studying and living in Lüneburg?
Living expenses will depend on your lifestyle. Therefore, it is difficult to calculate exactly how much money you will need for your stay abroad. However, the following figures will give you a general idea:
The rent for on-campus or off-campus housing usually amounts to 300 to 450 euros per month. In addition, you will need about 180 to 230 euros for food, 80 euros for health insurance coverage (except for students who have valid health insurance coverage in Germany), and 120 to 200 euros for books, clothing and leisure time activities. In Lower Saxony students needn't pay any tuition fee. However, there will be charged a fee of approx. 260 euros for services provided (e.g. reduced prices at the University's canteen) and the student ID card, which includes the Semesterticket. This ticket is valid for all local and regional busses in Lüneburg and all regional trains in Lower Saxony.
What exactly is the semester ticket?
The semester ticket allows students after a lump sum paying to use public transportation in Lüneburg and the surrounding area as well as all regional trains in Lower Saxony at no additional cost. You can also go by regional train to Bremen, Lübeck and Hamburg.
Can I apply for a scholarship or financial aid?
There are a couple of funding opportunities for a semester abroad.
If you are from one of the countries participating in the Erasmus programme, ask the International Office at your home university whether you will be eligible for Erasmus funding.
Leuphana University has entered into agreements with some overseas partner universities regarding scholarships. Please check with your International Office whether your university is taking part in this programme.
Another option would be to apply for an individual scholarship, for example to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Please view the DAAD website at www.daad.de.
Am I legally allowed to work in Germany?
Students from the European Union are allowed to pursue any job they want. Students from outside the EU having a student visa are allowed to work either 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Please note that for working during the study period a public health insurance in Germany is compulsory for all students, even for EU citizens.
Jobs that are popular with international students are bartending, selling organic food on the weekly market, and translation jobs, depending on their German language skills. You can look for job offers on the page of the Career Service.
What about internship opportunities in Germany? How can I find an internship?
German students are encouraged to do internships during the course of their studies, and most organizations, both profit and non-profit, also offer placements to foreign students. So yes, your chances of finding an internship placement giving you an insight into working in practice are good. However, your German language skills should be profound enough to apply for an internship.
The International Office cannot provide you an internship. Please check the platforms of the Careerservice and Erasmus-Intern to look for an internship.
The EU Higher Education Office of Hanover/Hildesheim assists students and graduates from foreign countries finding an internship placement in the region of Lower Saxony and writing an application.