International Office

The University of Applied Sciences Erfurt has numerous contacts to universities around the world. These partnerships are cultivated through regular international exchanges. The International Office advises and provides information to students who are interested in gaining experience abroad by studying or doing a work placement in another country. Equally, we are here to support international students who come to study at FH Erfurt.

We coordinate the various international cooperations of the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt, host delegations and support visiting lecturers from abroad and assist professors in organizing international activities.

For more information

Contact

Cornelia Witter

Leiterin des Zentrums für internationale Beziehungen

+49 361 6700 7060witter@fh-erfurt.de

©Fachhochschule Erfurt

International Projects

FH Erfurt supports a wide range of international projects and activities. Find out more about summer schools, opportunities for foreign students, research projects, etc.

See projects

Planning your stay abroad

Are you planning a semester or work placement abroad? Then the International Office is exactly where you can find out more. Equally, if you are an international student thinking of studying at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt, we will be very happy to help you.

[Translate to Englisch:] Unterstützung beim Auslandsaufenthalt

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FAQs on how to prepare for studying abroad

Are you thinking of studying abroad? Fantastic! Then take a look at our tips before you start planning.

Studying abroad for 1 or 2 semesters broadens your professional experience, improves your language skills, enhances your sensitivity to other cultures and gives you the opportunity to gain intercultural experience. In addition, you will acquire job-specific skills that give you the edge on the global labour market.
Before studying abroad (1-2 semesters), it is wise to first begin a degree course in Germany. We don't recommend going abroad until you have a good grasp of your subject area, for example, after you have completed the orientation phase of your degree program. It is also possible to do postgraduate or specialised studies abroad after graduating from a degree course at a German institution of higher education.
Think about which countries and cultures are interesting for you from a professional and personal point of view. You should also have sufficient language skills to be able to follow lectures in the language of the country. You may need to take a refresher course to pass the language tests required.

Choosing which country to go to also depends on the types of higher education institutions and the structure of the degree programs available there. Make sure you also find out whether your German higher education entrance qualification will be accepted abroad and whether the courses and examinations you take during your stay will be recognized in Germany.
It is important that you plan your study abroad carefully and well in advance. Start planning at least one year before you intend to go abroad!
A stay abroad can be very expensive. In addition to living and travel costs, tuition fees and additional health insurance often need to be factored in.

We are happy to advise you on financing options and funding opportunities!

Applications and funding options for studying abroad

Have you already researched your options and are ready to start your studies abroad? Here are your next steps...

After you have requested the application forms for your chosen university, you need to submit your application on time and in the correct form.

At the same time, you should look into how to finance your studies abroad. This requires that you have familiarized yourself with the host country's higher education system, its degree programs and admissions procedures. The DAAD's country study guides can be of great help.
There are organizations that arrange places for students who successfully apply for a scholarship. This is the case with some DAAD programs, but also, for example, with the Fulbright Commission (USA scholarships). However, most scholarship organizations require you to prepare for your stay abroad yourself.
Regardless of whether you only want to do a work placement or study abroad - the European Union promotes the academic mobility of students and also teachers to other European countries and other neighbouring countries. For this purpose, ERASMUS+ has been extended until 2027.

We are happy to advise you on funding opportunities and support you with your application. You can also find all the information on ERASMUS+ online.
Students with disabilities and students with children can apply for a grant to cover the additional costs of their stay abroad. Please get in touch with us!

Don't forget!

Stays abroad must be registered with the Student Admissions Office!

Scholarships and Programs

"Studieren weltweit"

Doing a work placement abroad

Doing a work placement abroad is about both expanding your personal experience and improving your language and professional skills. It gives you the opportunity to get to know other cultures and make new personal contacts.

Choosing a placement can be very time-consuming, so you should start planning about a year in advance. Make sure you think about the following aspects:

when and where to go
foreign language requirements
funding
duration of placement

How to find a work placement abroad

Your faculty is bound to be able to provide you with specific support in your search for a work placement. Ask the faculty's placement office if they have any established contacts. However, former students who have done placements abroad or university professors with international experience are also good sources for finding potential placements.

Once you have identified possible placements and host countries, you should find out about costs and funding options. The German Academic Exchange Service DAAD offers a wide range of information on this subject.

Funding programs for work placements abroad

We can help you find and apply for the right scholarships and funding programs. We currently offer the following funding opportunities.

The University of Applied Sciences Erfurt awards scholarships for students wishing to study abroad. Funding is provided by the PROMOS scheme of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

The following types of funding can be granted:
- subsidized travel expenses for work placements outside Europe
- semester-long scholarships for studying at partner universities around the world (except ERASMUS partner universities)
- study trips abroad for groups of students (to be applied for by lecturers at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt)
Application documents:
- application form with a letter of recommendation from a professor
- letter of motivation outlining what you intend to do abroad (approx. 1 page of A4)
- CV (with mention of extracurricular activities)
- list of grades including overall grade point average
- proof of foreign language skills for the country the applicant wishes to go to
- confirmation from the partner university or the institution providing the work placement abroad (can be submitted at a later date if necessary)
All application documents must be submitted in writing to the International Office.

Application deadlines:
- 29 January 2021 for stays planned for summer semester 2021
- 25 June 2021 for stays planned for winter semester 2021/22
ERASMUS+ offers funding for compulsory and voluntary degree-related work placements in companies, social institutions, etc. in the participating EU countries for students in all Bachelor's and Master's programs.

The work placement must be for at least 2 complete months, with funding available for a maximum of 12 months. Graduates can also receive support if they apply during their final year of study.

The University of Applied Sciences Erfurt is a member of the regional consortium of Thuringian universities.

All application documents must be submitted in writing to the International Office.
ASA is a global exchange program for learning about development policy, aimed at students and young professionals between 21 and 30. ASA offers grants for 3-month work and study stays in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Southeast Europe.

You can obtain the application documents from us or at www.asa-programm.de.
IAESTE runs an international internship exchange for students of engineering, natural sciences, agriculture and forestry around the world. IAESTE provides support in finding internships abroad. The duration of the internships is usually 2-3 months. Applicants must have completed the first year of their studies.
Funding is available for work placements that are required components of a degree course.

For more information, see:

BAföG abroad (Deutsches Studentenwerk - German Student Services)
BAföG Information from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research
www.auslandsbafoeg.de

Don't forget!

Stays abroad must be registered with the Student Admissions Office!

Academic requirements for exchange programs

One requirement for doing part of your studies at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt is sufficient command of the German language, as lectures and seminars are held in German. Confirmation of these German language skills is issued by your home university. Every student needs to be able to understand and follow the lectures.
To improve your language skills, you can attend the German as a Foreign Language (DaF) courses held during the semester. These courses are offered at different levels:
- elementary level A1/A2
- intermediate level B1/B2
- advanced level B2/C1
There are specific courses on individual skills (pronunciation, reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking, writing), academic writing and specialist language. You can find all of the courses on offer on the Language Centre website.
Deadlines for applying to study as an exchange student at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt:
- for winter semester: 15 July
- for summer semester: 15 January
A full application should include:
- your completed and signed application for admission
- confirmation that you have sufficient German language skills
Students who plan to do a part of their studies (1-2 semesters) on an exchange program (e.g. ERASMUS+) must also submit the following documents:
- application for admission
- learning agreement
Enrolment takes place at the beginning of the semester at the Student Admissions Office. You must provide proof that you are covered by health insurance and have paid the semester fee. You will then be issued with your student ID and certificate of enrolment.

After enrolment you are entitled to attend lectures and seminars at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt. As an enrolled student, you can use all the facilities of our institution (library, computer pools, etc.) and Thuringian Student Services (canteens, etc.). In addition, you can take advantage of student discounts (e.g. theatre, museums).

Prospective students from abroad

We are pleased to welcome international students to our campus. Check out all the important information you need for your application here.

Apply now!

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International Office