Global Exchange
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, students can take regular university classes in all faculties. Some fields are closed to the exchange: 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. The university’s Language Teaching Center (Sprachlehrinstitut) (SLI) offers German language courses & seminars on German culture & history at a lower German proficiency level specifically to exchange students. Students can also take classes at any of the member universities of Eucor – The European Campus. |
| Full-time course load per semester |
Recommended course load for exchange students: 24 ECTS with no upper limit. |
| Language requirements | It is strongly recommended that exchange students aquire German language skills at least at an A1 (CERF*) level, even if they intend to take English-language classes only. Regular university classes taught in German require a B2 or 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). Course fee + accommodation = around 1000-1300 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 |
Minimum living expenses: 1000– 1400 EUR per month Note: All figures are estimates and 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. Students can only apply if they have been officially nominated by their home university.
The International Office's incoming team at the University of Freiburg can be reached via global-incoming@zv.uni-freiburg.de.