Below, you'll find our FAQ, where we answer common questions and provide important information.

All exchange students, including ERASMUS students, must pay the required semester fee. This is not a tuition fee but a social fee. It covers the semester ticket for public transport in North Rhine-Westphalia, a fee for the student union (AKAFÖ), and a fee for the student committee (ASTA).

The fee is a one-time payment due at the beginning of each semester. We strongly suggest you pay it at least two weeks before arriving in Germany. This is because the fee includes the semester ticket, which lets you use public transport (buses, trams, and trains, except the IC/ICE fast trains) throughout North Rhine-Westphalia. The ticket is valid from the official semester start date (March 1st for spring, September 1st for fall), so you can use it as soon as you arrive in Germany. More payment details will be sent to you after your application is processed and you receive your admission letter.

If you arrive in Germany after the semester has started, you can request a partial refund of the semester fee. More information about this is available on the ASTA website.

It’s hard to say exactly how much a student will need or spend while staying in Germany, as it can vary. However, recent statistics estimate that students will need around €992 per month starting from the winter semester 2024/2025. This amount typically covers rent, groceries, the semester fee, and other expenses.

A partnership between your home university and us has to exist in order to apply for the exchange program. Please contact your Erasmus / International Office for more info.

However, you can also download the application file package here: < DOWNLOAD > (ZIP file)

Nomination deadline: we require an official written nomination by email from your home-university until 

• May 15thfor the upcoming fall semester
• Nov 15thfor the upcoming spring semester

Application deadline: all required application documents have to be submitted by email until 

• June 10thfor the upcoming fall semester
• December 10thfor the upcoming spring semester

ERASMUS students are expected to complete a learning/training agreement to be signed by them, their home university and the host instituion. It is an informal contract to be completed before the study/internship period starts which indicates precisely what modules will be studied / which contents the internship will address. Subsequent modifications are permitted as long as they are agreed by all parties concerned.
 

Unfortunately not, an admission is not possible without a mutual exchange agreement.
 

This depends on the courses you are planning to take. If you want to participate in German-taught lectures, we require a German language certificate which certifies advanced German language skills (minimum B2 level). If you plan to take part in English-taught courses only, you need to submit an English language certificate which certifies advanced English language skills (minimum B2 level).
You have to hand in an official language certificate or an official document issued by your home university proving your language skills.
 

Yes, we do offer an accommodation option at our Campus Gelsenkirchen for exchange students. Please take a look at our accommodation information. If you would like to reserve a room in one of our student residences, please fill in the accommodation form for Campus Gelsenkirchen / Bocholt and send it to us via email. After the official application deadline, you will be informed if we were able to assign a room to you (first come (apply), first serve). 

We highly recommend to have a German bank account while living in Germany, especially if you are going to live in one of our student residences. Our student tutors will help you opening the bank account. The good news: It is free of charge for students! 
 

According to German legislation, students are required to have a suitable health insurance when living in Germany. EU-students with an EU health insurance card don't have to become a member of a German health insurance. However, students coming from countries outside of the European Union, we strongly advise to sign up for a travel insurance for the first days of your stay. After your arrival, we will help you to become a member of the mandatory German health insurance. It is highly important to pay the insurance fee (approx. 110€ per month) in time. Otherwise students may run into difficulties.

Inform yourself about our Degree Programs in English. 

The German website for the study programme you are interested in is not available in English yet. You have to look for "Stundenplan" in order to find timetables. If you are looking for module descriptions please look out for the keywords "Modulhandbuch" or "Prüfungsordnung".

Yes, you are allowed to change courses in your Learning Agreement within the first four weeks after your arrival.
 

Students, who come within the framework of Erasmus, have to choose and complete 30 ECTS per semester.
 

If you don't have an EU citizenship, you will need a visa in most cases to study in Germany. Some students only need a residence permit which can be applied for after arrival. Please find more information concerning visa here and contact the German embassy in your home country to clarify what is necessary.
 

Upon receiving ypur complete application documents, we will start to process your application with our colleagues from the respective faculties. The duration of the evaluation process may vary from department to department. Once the departmental evaluation process is concluded, you will be informed via e-mail.
 

We will provide support with regards to all administrative, academic and social matters (bank account, rental agreement, student enrolment, city registration, learning agreement, etc.). Our student tutors will help you during your stay! 
 

Yes, German language courses are offered by our language centre at different levels at all three campuses.
 

If you plan to arrive at the weekend or in the late afternoon, it might be difficult to get the key for your room. Please try to schedule your arrival between Monday - Friday during the day.
 

The academic year consists of two semesters.
The fall semester usually runs from mid of September - mid of February and the spring semester from mid of march - mid of July.
 

We do offer courses taught in English for exchange students. Most other courses are taught in German. Please check in advance if it is possible for you to take part in the English courses. Anyway, being able to speak and understand German a bit will definietly help but is not obligatory.