Study abroad
Are you interested in studying abroad? Studying abroad gives you the chance to expand your knowledge in your field, improve your language skills, and grow personally. You will immerse yourself in a new environment, experience the world from a different perspective, and gain invaluable experiences.
You can study at a partner university for one or two semesters and write a project paper or thesis as part of your studies abroad. Tuition fees are usually waived. If you would like to spend a semester abroad outside of the TH Lübeck partner network, please see the information under "Free Mover" below.
Timing
Depending on your degree program, you have some flexibility in choosing the timing of your stay abroad. However, it makes sense to plan your time abroad so that you can complete coursework that will count toward your degree. Some degree programs have an integrated mobility window that can easily be completed abroad. Semesters with elective modules are also easy to complete abroad.
Selecting a Partner University
You can find an overview of all TH Lübeck partner universities under this tab. Since cooperation agreements are usually signed on a departmental or program-specific basis, not every partner university is suitable for all students. Take a close look at the courses offered by the university and find out which ones will be offered during your planned semester abroad. In the learning room, you will find information sheets on the partner universities, as well as experience reports. Also, find out about housing options, the city, and social activities at the university and in the local area.
Course selection and credit recognition
You can design your own study program at the foreign university. The regular workload is 30 ECTS, and your course selection should comprise at least 20 ECTS. Depending on the department, either the head oof the examination office or the head of your study program will decide if your credits from abroad will be recognized for your studies at TH Lübeck. Clarify your course selection early on! Have the module descriptions or other relevant documents ready so the department can verify that the skills and credits acquired at the host university align with the learning outcomes of the TH Lübeck study modules. If the department finds significant differences between the skills required at the host university and those acquired at TH Lübeck, recognition may be refused. The department must justify this decision in writing.
Before the start of the mobility period, the course selection is documented in a learning agreement and signed by all three parties. This assures you that the courses you pass will be recognized upon your return.
If you would like to change a course or if two courses in the study plan overlap, you can do so on site. You can make changes to the learning agreement during the first few weeks of classes. However, remember to clarify possible recognition in advance.
Have you successfully completed all the modules in your degree program, or would you like to take courses in a specialization not offered at the THLübeck? You can also complete a semester abroad on a voluntary basis without having your credits recognized.
Please note that not all universities use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). The ECTS expresses the time required for learning based on defined learning outcomes and the associated average student workload. One ECTS credit corresponds to 25 to 30 hours of work. When converting US or Australian credits into ECTS, the workload must always be considered.
Costs
The cost depends primarily on your destination country. In addition to travel, accommodation, and meals, you will also incur costs for traveling within the country because you will surely want to explore it. Fortunately, there are many financing options available, such as scholarships, BAföG for studying abroad, Erasmus+, and part-time jobs (see Funding).
Insurance
International health insurance is mandatory for the entire duration of your stay abroad. With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can receive medical services throughout Europe. The card is valid in all EU countries and some other European countries. For all other countries, you must purchase international health insurance.
Additionally, accident and liability insurance are recommended.
Visa
You do not need a visa for a semester abroad in Europe. Third-country nationals with a German residence permit for study purposes enjoy special mobility rights within the EU based on the REST Directive (Directive 2016/801 of the European Union). Therefore, they can stay in most EU countries with their German residence permit for an Erasmus+ study abroad semester.
For study stays in a non-European country, you usually need a student visa, which must be applied for before departure. Further information can be found on the websites of the respective country's embassy.
Application
If you want to study abroad for a semester at an Erasmus+ partner university, apply for Erasmus+ funding at the same time. A separate application is not necessary. You can find the application form under Financial Support. To apply for a placement at a partner university outside the Erasmus+ program, please use the Promos application form.
It is also very important that you remain enrolled at TH Lübeck during your stay abroad.
- Double degree programs
Participating in a double degree program at TH Lübeck is a great opportunity for studying abroad. As part of this program, you will travel with a group of fellow students to the host university for two semesters and earn two bachelor's degrees.
Find out what is possible in your study program.
International Studies Mechanical Engineering (ISM)
The International Studies Mechanical Engineering (ISM) program offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for mechanical engineering with an international adventure. In partnership with our esteemed partner, the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) in Wisconsin, you can earn a dual degree. The highlight of the program is a one-year stay in the USA. During this time, you will gain valuable international experience, immerse yourself in a new culture, and improve your language skills.
Applications for the program are submitted during the third semester of your bachelor's degree program. Admission is regulated by a selection process. Starting in the fourth semester, ISM participants study separately. During your third year of study, American students from Milwaukee come to Lübeck, and you collaborate with them in English-language courses — ideal preparation for what is to come. You will then spend the fourth year of your studies in the USA, where you will complete your degree and participate in the American graduation ceremony — an unforgettable experience. In eight semesters (four years), you will earn two valuable degrees in mechanical engineering: a B.Sc. from the USA and a B.Sc. from Germany.
You find detailed information and contact at the International Studies Mechanical Engineering site.
International Studies Business Administration and Engineering Program (ISW)
The ISW program offers an exciting opportunity to complete your studies at our partner university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Our long-standing and successful partnership with the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) allows you to gain valuable international experience. A special highlight of the program is the year-long stay in the USA. During this time, you will immerse yourself in a new culture while developing your technical and language skills.
You can apply for this program during the third semester of your bachelor's degree program. Admission to the program is regulated by a selection process. Starting in your third year, you will study in Lübeck alongside American students. The courses are taught in English and will prepare you for your time abroad. In your fourth year, you will travel to Milwaukee, where you will complete your studies and take part in the American graduation ceremony—an unforgettable experience. After eight semesters (four years), you will earn two international degrees: a B.Sc. in Business Engineering from the USA and a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from Germany.
You find detailed informaiton and contacts at the International Studies Business Administration and Engineering Program website.
International Studies Electrical Engineering (ISE)
The International Electrical Engineering Program (ISEP) offers students the unique opportunity to complete their education in an international environment. The program consists of specially developed lectures in English and is carried out in close cooperation with our partner university, the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), located in Wisconsin, USA.
A highlight of the ISE program is the one-year study program in the USA, during which you will write your bachelor's thesis at an American company. Upon completion of the program, you will earn two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the USA and a Bachelor of Science in General Electrical Engineering from Germany. This dual degree will open doors for you worldwide and give you a decisive advantage in the international job market.
YOu find detailed information and contacts at the International Studies Electrical Engineering website.
- Erasmus+
Through the Erasmus+ program, students from TH Lübeck can study at an Erasmus+ partner university for one or two semesters. A monthly mobility grant can fund up to 12 months of study in all degree programs (bachelor's, master's, and doctoral), even multiple times. However, internships and study grants within a study phase are combined. The Erasmus+ Charter for students provides information about your rights and obligations.
Another major advantage of the program is that you do not have to pay tuition fees while studying abroad. Other advantages of studying with Erasmus+ include gaining new insights into your field of study and receiving full credit for academic achievements earned in other European countries.
Mobility can be funded in all Erasmus+ program countries. These include the 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Turkey, and overseas territories.
Learn more about Erasmus+ partner universities and read experience reports in the learning room. You can schedule one-on-one consultations with the International Office at any time. Further information on applying for Erasmus+ scholarships can be found in the Funding section.
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What is Erasmus+?
It is the EU program for education, training, youth, and sports from 2021 to 2027. Its goal is to promote the educational, professional, and personal growth of individuals in the areas of education, training, youth, and sports in Europe and beyond through lifelong learning. This contributes to sustainable growth, high-quality employment, and social cohesion while encouraging innovation and reinforcing European identity and active citizenship.
Erasmus+ focuses on inclusion and diversity, digital transformation, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation, as well as participation in democratic life, shared values, and civic engagement.
TH Lübeck meets all the requirements for successful participation in the Erasmus+ program. Based on our Erasmus Policy Statement (EPS), the European Commission has granted us the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) for the duration of the program (2021-2027). TH Lübeck is currently funded under Key Action 1: Learning Mobility of Individuals. This funding allows university members to carry out mobility initiatives in program countries (KA131) and partner countries (KA171). These measures include student mobility for study and internship stays, as well as staff mobility for teaching, further education, and training purposes.
More information about the Erasmus program can be found on the DAAD National Agency website.
- Free Mover - on your own initiative
Have you always dreamed of studying abroad at your dream university? As a free mover, you aren't limited by existing exchange programs or partnerships; you can choose your own university abroad. You plan your entire adventure: from choosing courses to organizing accommodations and taking care of the formalities. While this freedom requires initiative and organizational skills, it also gives you the opportunity to shape your academic and personal development in an entirely unique way. The International Office is available to answer any general questions you may have.
Consider the following points in your planning:
- Tuition fees
Many universities abroad rely on tuition fees, and in many countries, education is a market from which money can be made by recruiting foreign students. As a free mover, you should expect to pay high tuition fees. This is particularly true for non-European and non-English-speaking countries.
- University accreditation
Please check if your desired university is state-recognized (accredited). Apart from international university rankings, such as the Times Higher Education Ranking (THE), this is the only way to determine if quality standards are met and monitored, and if your semester or degree abroad will ultimately be recognized in Germany. TheStanding Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs provides information on the recognition of universities via the anabin database.
- Search for a field of study
Research the courses offered at your preferred university. The Hochschulkompass Hochschulkompass website can help with this. There, you can search for international partnerships between German universities.
- Country information
Learn as much as you can about living conditions and the culture of your chosen country. It is also important to learn about academic life and studying there. The DAAD website provides helpful information about various countries.
- Placement agencies
If you are organizing a stay abroad at a non-partner university of TH Lübeck, you may also go through an agency. Find out in advance about the services offered and any additional fees. Free agencies that offer many additional services and useful information include: College Contact, World of students, GOstralia!-GOmerica!, Institut Ranke-Heinemann und Asia Exchange.
- Financial support
There are also various funding opportunities available for studying abroad at non-partner universities. For more information, please refer to the Funding section.
- Tuition fees
