Studying abroad

The bad news in advance: If you are already sitting on packed suitcases and would like to start right away, then unfortunately we have to disappoint you: The preparations for a semester abroad take forever! If you want to organize everything well, you should plan at least one year preparation time - better still 18 months.

The good news: If you have so much time, you can go anywhere, get your bills credited and receive financial support.

The first step

No matter when you want to go somewhere: first make your way to the International Office (AAA) of your university. Here are the experts who can tell you exactly how to get abroad. You know which programs exist, with which foreign universities there are already fixed partner agreements, which deadlines you have to apply for and if you need a language test, a visa or anything else.

You want to go to Europe?

You have to decide where the journey goes. If you want to spend a semester abroad in Europe, then the easiest way is the Erasmus program. With this you can apply for a place in Europe. Prerequisite: Your faculty participates in the Erasmus program - but most do. Advantage of the program: You do not have to pay tuition abroad. In addition, your bills can be easily recognized, since all universities the credit points awarded, which you need in Germany for many courses. In addition you get a small monthly support. This is not particularly high for Erasmus - about 50 to 300 euros a month - but at least part of the rent is already paid.

You want to go further?

Then apply German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD for short , This is the world's largest exchange organization with a wide range of services. From undergraduate studies to masters to research stays, you can do everything - almost anywhere in the world. The DAAD programs have a more demanding selection process - but more costs are also covered. In most cases, the DAAD pays the flight, part of the tuition and a monthly allowance.

Who can afford that?

Even if neither you nor your parents are swimming in the money: no reason to despair now. With the scholarships of the DAAD and the Erasmus grant, you have already covered the worst. And there are plenty of other sources of money to tap into. First of all: the Auslandsbafög with a maximum rate of 585 euros per month. Even those who are currently not supported, has a good chance to be supported financially abroad. If you are one of the lucky ones, you can quickly Student loan calculator get out. The big plus at the Auslandsbafög: You do not have to repay the amount that lies above the domestic Bafög. In addition, the Auslandsbafög can be combined with other scholarships? and there is more to that than you think. Above all, you should take a look at the regional (eg born in Baden-Württemberg), subject-specific (eg only for teachers) and very special scholarships (for scientists from Lower Saxony). An overview can be found on E-fellows.net, And if there is nothing for you, and you really want to leave, then it pays off Education loan ? After all, a stay abroad is always a good investment in your own future.

When is the best time?

If you are still in a diploma or master's program, you should schedule the 5th or 6th semester for the trip. Then the basic or intermediate exam is complete - and you have more freedom. For all undergraduate students it gets a bit scarcer. Best suited for the 4th or 5th semester. Or you are doing your bachelor's degree in your home country and are looking for a master's program with an integrated stay abroad or abroad.

18 months before: the goal

The question of questions: Where should the journey go? Eighteen months before the start, you should think about it, ask fellow students and check your university, if and where there are exchange programs - and which of them fit into your degree program. If there are already programs for your study program, you are on the safe side regarding the organization and the subsequent crediting of your services abroad. In any case, the International Office can help you. But often also professors know - and of course the student council.

For your own research helps the overview of Yahoo. Here you can find out which university offers your field of study in which country.But beware: Each country has of course another university system, which is often not comparable to German. More information can be found on the country overview page of the DAAD.

16 months before: the requirements

You have found a university? You picked a country? Then the bureaucratic part starts now. You have to check carefully what conditions you have to fulfill. Mostly a language exam (eg the TOEFL = Test of English as a foreign language), you often have to have already passed certain bills and exams. And sometimes you also need a recommendation letter from a prof. This should be written in English if possible. Again, the best thing is to go to the International Office and get advice or you speak directly to the responsible country coordinators of your university.

14 months before: the bills

Even more bureaucracy! You could, of course, have a fun semester and focus on celebrations, the country and people. But if you want to get your bills credited, then you should first clarify exactly what you have to do abroad. Unfortunately, this varies from case to case. It is best to discuss with your professors in detail what they expect of you - and let everything be confirmed in writing. With this you have something in the hand and you do not have to lead a troublesome "That's how it was not agreed" discussions. It looks a bit different for doctors, lawyers and teachers. You have to ask the competent state examination office

13 months before: the dates

Before it fails: clarify in time until you have to enroll at the university. Sometimes you have to bring your documents on the way one year before departure. Every country, sometimes every university, has different enrollment data. Sometimes you have to report directly to the university, sometimes it is also about the central office for all universities in the country (comparable to the ZVS). For your enrollment you need in any case your Abitur or Fachabitur certificate. Some colleges require a translation of it and a certification. Also clarify if you have to enclose proof of funding for your stay abroad.

12 months before: the language

Learning vocabulary has not been fun at school. But at least now it's time to get the old books out again. Many foreign universities require a language certificate before offering you a place to study. The standard test for English-speaking countries is that of TOEFL, If you want to go to France, you have to DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française) show. You need that for Spain DELE (Diploma Oficiales de Español como Lengua Extranjera), And if you are planning to do an MBA abroad, then you should start in time for the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) to learn. In this test you have to write essays, solve math problems and prove your language skills.

10 months before: the money

Now it's time to take care of the finances: travel expenses, living abroad and tuition fees are paid. If you have opted for a university in Europe, then take care of the funding through the ERASMUS / SOCRATES program. This will cancel you the tuition and you will receive a monthly grant of around 200 euros. You can apply to the relevant coordinators of your university, the application deadlines you should ask the International Office.

If you want to go further, then the DAAD offers numerous scholarships. What options you have, you can see in the database.

If you want to go to America, then it is worthwhile, too, at the Fulbright Commissionto apply. If you make it through the selection process, a big chunk of the costs will be covered. Nice Plus: The Fulbright Commission has an excellent reputation and a great alumni network - both of which could help you later in your career.

You are drawn to New Zealand or Australia? Then try your luck at Ranke-Heinemann Institute, The institute awards partial and full scholarships to students of all disciplines.

Otherwise applies: There are hundreds of small foundations that give money, They are usually very special and their criteria fit only a small group of people. But the research is worthwhile! These foundations are unknown to many and are not overrun by applicants. That's why your chances are so much the better. An overview can be found on E-fellows.net in the Scholarship Database.

6 months before: the Auslandsbafög

No matter whether it worked with a scholarship or not: there is still the Auslandsbafög. Even if you do not get one at the moment, because your parents are earning too much, let's recalculate it! The chances are much better. Because of the travel costs, tuition and living abroad, a different basis for calculation is used. You must submit the application at least half a year before you leave - with the competent foreign bailiff office.Here you will find a list of all offices and a student loan calculator.

3 months before: the insurance

We do not want to swear it: But something can happen to you even abroad. In order to be protected in the event of a fall, it is worthwhile to take additional insurance. Although you are also covered by your German health insurance abroad, in many countries you do not have full insurance coverage. Check with your health insurance or the embassy of the host country. You can still take additional insurance at short notice.

day of departure

You have everything behind you and stand with packed suitcases at the airport? Then wait for the best time of your life!

THE TRUTH ABOUT STUDY ABROAD..... (some advice) (May 2024).