Study Abroad
Would you like to study abroad for one or two semester at a foreign university?
TH Lübeck students have several opportunities to study abroad. TH Lübeck has more than 50 partner universities worldwide that facilitate student exchange for studies, project work or writing the final thesis. In general, these cooperation agreements include a tuition fee waiver and students can apply for scholarships.
- Considering Study Abroad
![['English'] go out!](/fileadmin/_processed_/7/5/csm_GO-OUT-Welt_550_f349ea152a.jpg "['English'] go out!")
There are several ways and opportunities to organize a study abroad stay:
Would you like to study abroad for one or two semester and keep the organizational effort on a low level? In this case, the exchange program Erasmus+ might be the best option for you. Or do you dream of studying outside Europe at one of TH Lübeck's worldwide partner universities? Maybe your desired host university is not a partner of TH Lübeck and you want to organize the mobility as a free mover?
Students find information on different types of study abroad and how to finance it. Note that the financial aspects of a semester abroad shall be considered thoroughly and a budget planning is mandatory. Numerous scholarship programs and further funding opportunities are not only available for excellent students but give all students the possibility to study abroad. In addition, studying abroad does not automatically lead to postpone your time of graduation.
Language skills
Keep in mind to check early the languge requirements at your desired host university. You might have to take a language test and a language course if you do not need the requirements. At TH Lübeck, students can take courses for free offered by the Language Center. Students can sign up for courses on different levels in English, German as a Foreign Language, Spanish, Chinese, etc. In some study programs, language courses can be recognized as an elective.
In cooperation with the University of Lübeck, TH Lübeck students and staff can join free language courses within the project Einstiege ins Studium. These language courses are an additional offer and students cannot earn credits for successful participation.
The most commom and recognized assessments of the English Language are the TOEFL and the IELTS test. These tests are offered externally but students can sign up for the TOEFL test preparation course offered by the language center.
Start planning early!
Start gathering information early during the offered information session, on the website and in the Lernraum and during individual counselling with the International Office - we recommend at least 1 year before the plannend mobility - to not not miss any deadline and to take time to make the right decision for you.
- Exchange program Erasmus+
![['English'] Erasmus+](/fileadmin/media/02_Studium/03_Internationales/Wege-ins-Ausland/EU-flag-Erasmus__vect_POS_275.jpg "['English'] Erasmus+")
Higher education institutions participating in Erasmus+ have committed themselves to respect the principles of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education to facilitate, support and recognise student mobility abroad. This includes:
- Support before, during and after mobility by the home and host university,
- Transfer of ECTS earned abroad as determined in a signed Learning Agreement before mobility,
- Placement in student dormitory if applicable,
- Most receiving universities offer an extensive supporting network for students (e.g. ESN network).
TH Lübeck has signed subject-related cooperation agreements with several partner universities in Europe, which facilitate student exchange for one or two semester. Number of exchange places and available fields of studies are determined in these agreements. This means not every partner university is available for every student.
Students with disabilities
Study abroad is a big challenge for students with disabilties. We encourage students with disabilities to inform about study abroad options and we assist in meeting the student's personal needs before and during the trip abroad. A financial top-up intended to cover individual needs of students with disabilities is available in the Erasmus+ program.
Students with children
For students that are parents, a great concern may be how to care for your child(ren) while abroad. Study abroad is possible with a family and can be just as rewarding, but there are considerations that you should keep in mind. Careful planning can create an experience abroad that will benefit you and your family. There are financial top-ups available for student mobility within the Erasmus+ program.
- Free Mover - independent mobility
![['English'] Tips + Facts](/fileadmin/media/02_Studium/03_Internationales/Wege-ins-Ausland/tips_facts_180.jpg "['English'] Tips + Facts")
TH Lübeck students are able to participate in a study abroad program through a program provider, or by directly enrolling in an institution abroad that accepts short-term international students (mostly referred to as "Visiting students"). These programs can be great options for students looking for specific academic curricula not offered at one of TH Lübeck partner universities. But students should be independent and comfortable with limited academic and social support. Students directly enroll, pay tuition and fees directly to the program provider, and receive transfer credit. Various scholarship programs are open for study abroad outside university partnerships.
Before applying for a independent study mobility, please take into consideration:
DAAD scholarships
The PROMOS scholarship program, administered by the International Office, grants travel allowance for academic stays (studies or traineeship) abroad outside the Erasmus+ program. Application deadline is 15 February.
The HAW.International program supports students from universities of applied sciences during a semester abroad and even covers tution fees to a certain limit. For further financing opportunities, please see Scholarships.
Tuition fees
Most universties charge tuition fees. Students should consult the required tuition and general fees payable at the hosting university.
Accreditation of the host university
Please check that your desired host university is state-accredited. Accreditation signifies that an institution has attained a threshold level of academic quality and the credits or degrees gained at his insitutions may be recognized in Germany. The Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany (HRK) provides information on the accreditation of foreign institutions and degrees awarded in the database anabin.
Students may also consult international university rankings (e.g. Times Higher Education Ranking, THE).
Transfer of credits earned abroad
The examination office in each department is in charge of recognition of credits earned abroad. A pre-approval process is recommended for all students who plan to receive transfer credit for their studies abroad. Students shall complete a Learning Agreement before the start of the mobility period.
Search by study program
The DAAD provides a search engine for universities offering particular study programs for a limited number of countries. The Hochschulkompass lists all international cooperations with German universities.
Country information
In addition to the academic information, students shall gather information about the living conditions in and the culture of the host country. Hints and tips are listed online at the country information on the DAAD website.
Program Provider
Students can also organize a semester abroad using the services offered by a program provider. Please read carefully the services offered and additional costs that may apply. Recommended providers are:
- Worldwide:IEC online (Studium), College Contact
- Asien:Asia Exchange
- Australia/ New Zealand:Gostralia, Institut Ranke-Heinemann
Some program provider also offer own scholarship programs.
![['English'] go out!](/fileadmin/media/02_Studium/03_Internationales/Wege-ins-Ausland/GO-OUT-Welt_550.jpg "['English'] go out!")
