General Information
The University of Würzburg offers a wide range of exchange opportunities. Within Europe, you can find places for an exchange study mainly through the Erasmus program. For exchanges outside Europe, there are places available through partnership programs and, for some subjects, through Erasmus mobility with partner countries.
Alternatively, you can independently organize your stay abroad as a so-called "Free Mover." It is important to note that both the financial and organizational effort is significantly higher in this case. For example, any applicable tuition fees may need to be covered by you. Additionally, finding financial support as a "Free Mover" is considerably more time-consuming and challenging.
At some host universities, proficiency in the local language or in English must be demonstrated. In particular, in France, Spain, Italy, and Latin American countries, knowledge of the local language is usually required (typically at least at B1 level). Aside from the USA, the UK, Ireland, and Malta, there is also a wide range of courses offered in English in many other countries within the Erasmus area (e.g., the Baltics, Eastern and Central Europe, Scandinavia, the Benelux countries, Southeastern Europe, etc.) as well as in Asia.
Especially for internships abroad, it is essential to be able to communicate appropriately in the working language from the very beginning.
Those who do not yet possess sufficient language skills can attend language courses at the Language Center. Please be sure to observe the registration deadlines.
The cost of a study abroad experience varies based on several factors, including whether you are required to pay tuition fees at the host university. Typically, these fees are waived only for exchange programs organized through the University of Würzburg. In addition to tuition, you should anticipate incurring expenses for travel, living costs, accommodation, insurance, and potentially visas.
Scholarships are available to assist in making your study abroad experience financially feasible.
The most common scholarships for a study abroad stay at the University of Würzburg include the funding you receive through the Erasmus program (including tuition fee waivers) and the tuition fee waiver (and possibly financial grants) granted under the partnership programs. Furthermore, the University of Würzburg offers the PROMOS scholarship for stays outside the Erasmus area.
For partnerships, also see the "Hochschule International" fund.
The foreign BAföG (financial aid for students) can also assist in financing a stay abroad. Applying for such funding is worthwhile, as a significantly higher number of students receive educational support for study abroad experiences compared to those studying within Germany.
Another important scholarship provider in Germany is the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Also, check with the Bavarian University Centers, where various scholarship opportunities are available.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage, as neither the exchange programs nor the University of Würzburg provides insurance protection. Please note that you have the option to participate in the group insurance plan (which includes health, accident, and liability insurance) offered by the DAAD, should you choose to do so at your own expense.
For more information, please contact the DAAD.
Especially for stays outside of the European Union, obtaining additional foreign health insurance (including repatriation) is strongly recommended!
Please also pay attention to the travel and safety advisories from the Federal Foreign Office.
Prior to commencing your study abroad program, it is imperative to discuss the recognition of academic credits obtained at a foreign host university with the appropriate faculty members at the University of Würzburg. Detailed information regarding courses and modules can be accessed on the host university's website.
Academic credits deemed equivalent must receive approval from your respective academic department. This evaluation requires a comprehensive assessment to ensure that the content and workload of the comparable courses or modules are sufficiently aligned for recognition. We strongly encourage students to consult with their academic advisors for guidance on this process.
If you wish to have your academic achievements from abroad recognized, please ensure that you submit an application for recognition directly to the Examinations Office of the University of Würzburg immediately following the conclusion of your study abroad program. For further details, please refer to the Examinations Office website.
Information regarding the recognition of academic and examination credits obtained through the ERASMUS program and other exchange initiatives is readily available on the official website.
For additional resources, please consult the information provided by the
Conference of University Rectors on the topics of recognition and credit transfer in higher education.
Students wishing to study outside the EU or EEA may require a visa for many countries (e.g., the USA, South Korea, Colombia). It is essential to inquire in advance with the appropriate diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) and to submit your application as soon as you receive the official admission confirmation from the host university.
Outside of Europe, it is common to require a passport, which may have specific validity requirements.
Students may apply for a leave of absence for the purpose of studying abroad (including internships abroad). Leave of absence can be granted for one or two semesters. Information and leave of absence applications are available at the Student Affairs Office. Semesters in which a leave of absence is granted do not count as enrollment semesters: the semester count does not continue, and no examinations may be taken at the University of Würzburg during this time. Exceptions are made for resit examinations and other academic achievements officially recorded in the previous semester. Students can transfer up to 29 ECTS credits from abroad into their Würzburg studies without affecting the total semester count.
Many funding programs, particularly the Erasmus+ program, provide additional special funds for students with chronic illnesses or disabilities. For more information, please visit "What is Erasmus+?" or the websites of the DAAD.
The Erasmus Program offers special funding for students who wish to bring their child abroad with them. For more information on this topic, please visit the section on Special Funding in the Erasmus+ Program or refer to the websites of the DAAD.
In the Erasmus Program, students whose parents do not hold an academic degree can apply for special funding. For more information on this topic, please refer to the section on special funding in the Erasmus+ Program or visit the websites of the DAAD.
In the Erasmus Program, students who are employed and subject to social security contributions alongside their studies can apply for special funding. For more information on this topic, please refer to the section on special funding in the Erasmus+ Program or visit the websites of the DAAD.
Students whose parents receive child benefits should clarify whether and under what conditions these benefits will continue during their stay abroad. Child benefits are typically maintained if the educational component abroad (including internships) is relevant to their studies.
Please ensure that you gather information about your desired university prior to applying. You are required to take the initiative to obtain information regarding study programs, language requirements, and housing options. This will help avoid any misconceptions and provide you with compelling arguments for your application. Make use of the online resources available from the host university, particularly the information for exchange students provided by the International Office. Additionally, consult with the Erasmus coordinators at the University of Würzburg for relevant insights and testimonials.
