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Global Exchange

If your university has an exchange agreement with the University of Freiburg, you can apply as an exchange student in the Global Exchange programme.

We have compiled a brief overview below. More detailed information can be found here.
 

The University of Freiburg

Founded in 1457, the University of Freiburg has a long tradition of teaching and research in a wide range of academic fields, from the humanities, natural sciences and engineering, to medicine, law, and theology. Roughly 25,000 students from all over the world are enrolled. Many of the university’s buildings are located in the heart of the city, deeply connecting the university to the local community.

Situated in Southwestern Germany between the fabled Rhine River and the mighty Black Forest, Freiburg – which turned 900 years old in 2020 – is widely known for many reasons: its vibrant cultural scene, its popularity among travelers, its sunny weather, its primary mode of transportation (bicycles), and for being an old city but a young student town at the same time.Internationally, Freiburg is known as the “Green City“, one of the birthplaces of the German environmental movement. Freiburg’s economy and politics are driven by sustainability and climate protection.

Freiburg’s location in the border triangle between France and Switzerland not only shapes the city’s and the region‘s culture, but also creates a unique opportunity for academic and scientific life: the University of Freiburg is part of the European Campus, a trinational alliance that allows students to take classes at all five member universities across the three countries.

Dates and Deadlines

Winter Semester Summer Semester
Semester dates October 1 - March 31 April 1 - September 30
Teaching period
mid-October - mid-February mid-April - late July
Exchange application deadline                   
April 1 November 1
Arrival Days Several arrival days are arranged each semester during which incoming exchange students are welcomed personally and receive support for the formalities surrounding their arrival and first days in Freiburg.
Welcome Day Orientation in the week before classes begin.

Accommodation

The International Office will provide accommodation in a student dormitory to all University of Freiburg Global Exchange students upon application. Student dorms have single rooms in shared apartments.

Academics

Areas of study available to Global Exchange students

Generally, classes in all faculties are open to the exchange. Some fields are entirely closed:

Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, molecular medicine, psychology.

Students wishing to take classes in the "Liberal Arts and Sciences" Bachelor degree program at the University College Freiburg (UCF) can only register during the third (last priority) registration period for still available places in a class.
Full-time course load per semester

Recommended course load for exchange students: 24 ECTS with no up or down limit.
Language requirements Exchange students should at least have German language skills at an A1 (CERF*) level. Regular classes held in German require a B2/C1 level.
Preparatory language courses

Four-weeks intensive German language courses prior to the start of the semester are offered by the university's Language Teaching Center (SLI).

General fees apply: course fee = approx. 650 EUR, housing fee = approx. 350 EUR.

Courses are offered in March, August, and September.
German language & culture courses (P-courses) during the semester During the semester, a variety of tuition-waived German language courses as well as seminars on German culture and history taught at language levels A2-B2 are available to Global Exchange students. More information on P-courses.

Finances

Cost of living estimates per month                                            
  • Accommodation (dorm): 250 – 450 EUR
  • Food: 200 EUR
  • Clothes: 50 EUR
  • Study materials: 40 EUR
  • Public transportation: 100 EUR (= semester ticket valid for 6 months)
  • Health insurance: 110 EUR
  • Telephone, TV, Internet: 50 EUR
  • Miscellaneous: 80-100 EUR

 

Minimum living expenses: 900 – 1200 EUR per month

Note: All figures are intended as an orientation only.
Baden-Württemberg scholarship Exchange students who receive a placement (1 or 2 semesters) in the University of Freiburg Global Exchange Program are eligible and encouraged to apply for this funding program. Strict deadlines apply.

Contact

Please contact your home university's Education Abroad Office for information on how to apply for a place in the exchange through your home university. Your home university needs to have a student exchange agreement with the University of Freiburg.

The International Office's incoming team at the University of Freiburg can be reached via .